How do I get into computer science at Waterloo?

To get into Waterloo Computer Science, you need a very high average (aim for 95%+), strong grades in Advanced Functions, Calculus & Vectors, and English, plus excellent supplemental application (AIF) responses showcasing relevant experiences and extracurriculars, while performing well in math contests like the Euclid can significantly boost your chances.

How hard is Waterloo, CS to get into?

The minimum required grade point average to get into Waterloo Computer Science is the 90% range; however, most students applying to the program have above a 95% average. Therefore, the average GPA you should aim for to get accepted into Waterloo Computer Science is 95+%.

How do I get into the University of Waterloo computer science?

You'll apply to the University of Waterloo through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC), which handles applications for all of Ontario's universities. If you're currently registered in an Ontario high school, you'll apply using the OUAC 101 application.

What average do you need to get into Waterloo computer science?

Ninety point five percent of students who got accepted to Waterloo Engineering had above a 90 percent. Fifty5percent of those had above a 95%. For computer science you want to be at the minimum low nineties. Ninety-five percent of accepted students had above a 90%.

Is UW-CS hard to get into?

Unsurprisingly, getting into this program is competitive. Both in-state and out-of-state students apply for direct admission into the computer science program, but the acceptance rate varies drastically depending on where you're applying from.

How To Get Into Waterloo Computer Science | 2021 | Marks + Courses + AIF + Contests + FAQs

What is the hardest program to get into Waterloo?

Software Engineering, University of Waterloo:

Waterloo's Software Engineering program is considered to be one of the most sought-after engineering programs in North America. Even if a student has between a 90 – 95% average, they only have a 10% chance of getting in to the program this year.

What is the #1 hardest college to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it changes slightly by year and criteria, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top with extremely low acceptance rates (often 3-4%) and intense competition for spots, though other top global universities like Oxford and Tsinghua are also incredibly selective. Harvard is frequently cited as the hardest due to its high volume of applications and focus on global leadership potential, while Caltech is known for its extreme difficulty in STEM. 

Is Waterloo, CS prestigious?

Waterloo's Computer Science program is internationally respected because it blends deep theoretical grounding with real-world skills. With more than 70 courses, students can customize their degree to fit their interests.

What are the prerequisites for computer science at UW?

Minimum course requirements for application: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126 (or MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136); CSE 123 or CSE 143; 5 credits from the list of approved natural science courses for Computer Science on the Allen School website; five credits of English composition; all courses completed prior to the ...

Is computer science heavy in math?

Yes, computer science is generally math-heavy, especially in degree programs, requiring calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and statistics for core concepts like algorithms, data structures, and logic, though the intensity varies by specialization, with areas like Machine Learning and Computer Graphics being particularly math-intensive.
 

Is computer science still in demand?

Yes, computer science remains in high demand, with strong projected job growth, particularly in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and data science, though the market for entry-level roles has become more competitive, shifting focus to specialized skills and practical experience like internships. While the overall field expands, the entry-level landscape is tighter, requiring more than just a degree for immediate success. 

Does Waterloo care about AP?

The University of Waterloo recognizes AP (Advanced Placement) examination results and will consider awarding transfer credits for AP courses in which normally a minimum final grade of 4 is attained.

Is Waterloo better than Harvard?

Neither university is definitively "better"; Harvard generally leads in overall global prestige and reputation, while the University of Waterloo often excels in specific fields like Computer Science and Engineering, especially due to its renowned Co-op program that provides extensive work experience, making it a powerhouse for tech and entrepreneurship. The best choice depends on your field of study, career goals (e.g., tech in North America), and financial considerations. 

What is the top 1 university in computer science?

While rankings vary slightly by source, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) consistently ranks as the #1 computer science university globally and in the U.S., often followed closely by Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), and the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), with institutions like the University of Oxford and ETH Zurich also leading internationally. 

How many people get into Waterloo, CS?

As of the most recent data, the acceptance rate for Computer Science at Waterloo is estimated to be between 4% and 8%, depending on the year and applicant demographics.

Is the UW CS prestigious?

Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, elevating our status within the university and linking us in perpetuity with the internationally renowned investor, philanthropist and computing pioneer. The Allen School is widely regarded as among the most distinguished programs in the nation.

What are the hardest majors to get into at UW?

What are the most competitive majors at the University of...

• Computer Science and Computer Engineering: These two programs, offered by the Paul G. ...
• Business Administration: Foster School of Business is another well-known highly competitive program at UW.

Is CS a stressful major?

It's a well-regarded fact that the Computer Science degree is rigorous and you should expect your years of study to progressively challenge you as you advance.

Is MIT better than Waterloo?

Neither is definitively "better"; MIT generally ranks higher globally and excels in pure research/prestige, while Waterloo is arguably better for undergraduate tech careers due to its mandatory, world-renowned co-op program, leading to strong industry hiring, especially in CS/Engineering, often making it the "MIT of Canada" for practical experience. The choice depends on whether you prioritize global research reputation (MIT) or hands-on industry experience (Waterloo).
 

What are the big 3 CS courses at Uwaterloo?

The “Big 3” are CS 444 (Compiler), CS 452 (Real-Time Programming aka trains), CS 488 (Computer Graphics). They are high-workload courses that involve a lot of programming.

Which Ivy League is best for CS?

While all Ivies offer strong CS, Cornell and Princeton are frequently cited as top contenders for their rigorous, innovative programs and resources (like Cornell Tech), often followed closely by Harvard, but the "best" depends on your focus (theory vs. applied), with CMU, Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley often ranking above Ivies overall for CS.
 

Where do top 1% send kids to college?

The "top 1%" of students, referring to those from the highest income brackets, tend to attend elite universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, and Yale that consistently rank high in national and global lists, with some even having more students from the top 1% income bracket than the bottom 60% combined, according to The New York Times data. Top-ranked institutions like MIT, Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford are frequent top contenders in various 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education. 

Where do the 1% go to college?

The 1% of the wealthiest Americans disproportionately attend highly selective, elite universities, particularly Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Penn, Columbia) and other top institutions like MIT, Stanford, Duke, and UChicago, where they make up a large percentage of the student body, often outnumbering students from the bottom 60% of income earners combined. Liberal arts colleges and prestigious public universities also attract many wealthy students, with specific examples including WashU St. Louis, UVA, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt, and Johns Hopkins.
 

What is the #1 party school?

For 2026, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), is widely ranked as the #1 party school by sources like Niche, based on student surveys about campus party scenes, access to nightlife, and Greek life, followed by schools like Florida State and Tulane. Other strong contenders often mentioned include the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USC, and the University of Alabama, with rankings varying slightly by publication and criteria.