3 programs, side by side
Rows marked with a dot are where these differ. Everything is each university’s own published wording; the “your average” row is yours, calculated the way each program does it.
| Your average, their wayrequired courses forced in | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Published rangetheir exact wording | 80–83%“Low 80s” | 80–83%“Low 80s” | 83–87%“Mid-80s” |
| Required coursesforced into your top 6 — options are the row below | ENG4UMCV4UMHF4U | ENG4UMCV4UMHF4U | ENG4UMCV4UMHF4USCH4USPH4U |
| Choose one ofany of these satisfies it |
|
| — |
| Prerequisitesas published |
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| More than marks?supplementary application | Marks only | Marks only | Marks only |
| Co-op | Available | Available | Available |
| Degree | — | — | Bachelor of Science, BSc, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Applied Science, BSc/BASc |
| First-year intakewhere published | 130 | 250 | 100 |
| What you study | BiologyChemistryMaterials ScienceMolecular Biology, Biochemistry | AstronomyChemistryGeologyMaterials Science | AstronomyChemistryOthers in Physical SciencesPhysics |
| What it is | This program lets you study science broadly — chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, and related fields — at university level. Unlike a specialized honours program in a single science, this one gives you flexibility to explore multiple areas before focusing deeper. The co-op option lets you alternate study terms with paid work in science-related industries. It suits students who are strong in math and sciences but not yet sure which direction to specialize in, or who want practical work experience alongside their degree. | Physical Sciences is a broad first-year program where you study foundational chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology before choosing a specialization in second year. The co-op option means you alternate between study and paid work terms at companies or research labs, giving you real experience in your field. This program suits students who are strong in math and science but not yet certain which specific physical science direction — from astronomy to polymer chemistry — they want to pursue. | This is a first-year science program that teaches you foundational chemistry, physics, and related subjects before you specialize. Unlike going directly into a single honours program, you spend your first year exploring different branches of physical science, then choose your final degree path — either a pure science degree or a combined science and engineering degree. It suits students who are strong in math and science but aren't yet sure whether they want to focus purely on theory or blend science with applied engineering. |
| The door tomajors you reach through it | Applied to directly | chemistryearth sciencephysics | chemistryphysics |
| Entrance awardsat this campus, by average | 4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them | 4 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 80%See them | 5 published, 3 with no applicationfrom 75%See them |
| Source | University of Waterloo on OUInfo | University of Waterloo on OUInfo | McMaster University on OUInfo |
Also compare with
Same subject area and a similar published range, at a campus you have not got in the table yet.
Ranges are what each university publishes, not guaranteed cutoffs, and limited-enrolment programs often admit above them. Confirm anything you are about to act on with the university; each column links to its source.