University of Waterloo

I am studying Software Engineering at Waterloo.

This is the main page where you can find more information: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs/software-engineering

This is the entire curriculum (if you are interested): http://ugradcalendar.uwaterloo.ca/page/ENG-Software-Engineering

Blogs to read on SE:

Prof Bishop’s wisdom:

How to get into your first engineering choice at Waterloo:

I’ve volunteered at the 2022 Open House for Software Engineering. I’ve noticed that most people come at us asking the grades I need to get in or the extracurricular that might give them the biggest chance of getting into SE. Unfortunately, I have no right answer as every applicant is different. The other question widely asked question was SE vs CS and SE vs CE CE.

But for engineering, the admission average is of , with no grades lower than . The engineering program at the University of Waterloo is grouped as follows:

  • OSS Tier 1: Biomedical and Software
  • OSS Tier 2: Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics and Systems Design
  • OSS tier 3: Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Geological, Management, and Nanotechnology The admission averages are shown prior to the application of adjustments.

So I’ve told the grade 11/12 that came to me that, to maximize their chance of getting into SE, make sure to aim for , since fewer applicants with averages in the to range are receiving offers of admission. But the problem I’ve noticed is that a lot of applicants are already applying to Engineering at Waterloo with averages of or greater. As of extracurriculars, make sure to show your accomplishments and aspirations in the AIF. Don’t try to copy others and make sure to showcase through the AIF who you are as a person.

PS: Make sure to do the video interview. When I was applying, I saw that it was optional component for the admission process, so I didn’t. But it is not. If you want to maximize your chances, DO IT.

PSS: Start your application early. Don’t wait for the last few days to start and rush like I did. Ask profs, parents, upper year friends to review your AIF and edit as you go.

Consult Bishop’s blog for more detail and https://scholartree.ca/blog/how-to-get-into-waterloo-engineering for general engineering admissions criteria.

Admission Averages: https://uwaterloo.ca/engineering/undergraduate-students/application-process/admission-averages

Random stuff

  • I post some of my class notes, you can find them here Courses (Didn’t really start taking notes until 2B)