I was also accepted to the University of Toronto along with 3 other US universities that I applied to (the University of Michigan; University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign); and the University of Wisconsin), but I chose the University of Waterloo over all of them mainly because of the co-op program. UWaterloo has a renowned co-op program that offers students something more important than compensation to help pay the tuition fees: up to 2 years of work experience upon graduation. I was accepted into both Computer Science and Computer Engineering (Honors and Co-op for each) programs at UWaterloo, with scholarships, but I chose the former because I felt it would be more aligned with my career interests. Furthermore, UWaterloo has an exceptional Math/Computer Science department that offers several options to pursue different interests in the broad field of CS, such as Specializations in AI, Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, etc. There is a lot of flexibility in exploring different career options with the different kinds of degree plans and options thus making it the ideal choice for me.
Course Curriculum :
The course curricula and academics are top-notch at UWaterloo. There are hundreds of courses to choose from in various subjects, along with different levels of the same course available at different difficulties in order to cater to all kinds of students. The flexibility in choosing different subjects allows students to pursue subjects in some level of depth that they never thought they could or would. For example, I never thought that I would study French and Economics, but I have taken up courses in both these fields this semester and the next, and am enjoying learning about them so far. There are options for students to pursue research at an undergraduate level like the Undergraduate Research Opportunity program, etc. As for industrial exposure, the co-op component of my program checks that box.
Exams :
Computer Science: Standard XII Mathematics (Standard XII Applied Mathematics is not accepted), a minimum final grade of 90%. Standard XII English. One other Standard XII course, a minimum final grade of 90%. For all Standard XII courses, a minimum final grade of 85%. Computer Engineering: Standard XII Mathematics (Standard XII Applied Mathematics is not accepted), Standard XII Physics, Standard XII Chemistry, Standard XII English, and one other Standard XII course, with a minimum final grade of 70% in each. Overall 85% in the five required courses. To have a "competitive application", it is better for one's admission average to be 95+%. Note that the above are just basic requirements and do not guarantee admission. Students are evaluated for admission based on 10th board examination results, final 11th school grades, and predicted Grade 12 board results from their school. In my case, my predicted average was ~96% but I ended up scoring higher than that. There was also a requirement in my acceptance letter that I had to score a certain minimum amount for the offer to stand, which I obviously met. ACT: 35/36 (ACT Writing (best): 12) SAT Subject Tests: Math 2-800, Chemistry-790 TOEFL: 118/120 IELTS: 8.5/9.0 Advanced Placement: Computer Science A (5/5), Physics 1 (4/5), Chemistry (3/5)
Placement :
There are many options available to students based on what they decide to pursue after their undergraduate years. Most co-op students choose to pursue a full-time job, usually from one of their previous co-ops. It has been found that most students target Silicon Valley companies as preferred places to work, and hence leave Canada at the end of their study period. The co-op process certainly gives students an edge because they have potentially more experience than other candidates who might be applying for the same role at a company. Those who choose to go into higher studies and academia also have options in the form of Accelerated Masters's programs, helping professors with their ongoing research, etc.
Internship :
Yes. I will be joining the Home Trust Company as an IT Digital Services intern for my Spring 2021 co-op term for CAD 19.35 per hour. To get a co-op job, students must apply to several jobs during the application windows as indicated by the University. That is followed by an interview process followed by a Ranking/Matching which determines the students’ acceptance at a company.
Events :
There are plenty of opportunities for students to engage in during their time at UWaterloo, with around 250 student clubs hosting various activities throughout the term, other events like seminars, talks and career fairs hosted by the University, etc. Even during the pandemic, UWaterloo students and staff have hosted various events including, most famously, Hack The North 2020++, the biggest hackathon in Canada adapted to the online world this year. In normal times the University hosts the 3-day event on campus with thousands of attendees. UWaterloo has top-class facilities including the famous Dana Porter library and several athletic and recreational provisions for students.
Fees :
Roughly CAD 31,000 / semester * 8 = CAD 248,000, so around CAD 250,000 or Rs.1.45 Cr (as of March 2021) for my program (excluding scholarships).
Scholarship :
President's Scholarship of Distinction. Awarded to students with admission averages greater than 95.0% when entering the University of Waterloo. Valued at CAD 2000. Mathematics International Students Entrance Scholarship - University of Waterloo. Valued at CAD 5000. International Student Entrance Scholarship - University of Waterloo. Did not accept it because it was for Computer Engineering which I did not choose to pursue. Valued at CAD 10,000.
Faculty :
The student-to-faculty ratio varies according to program and course but on average is 31:1. The Professors and TAs are well-versed in their respective disciplines and are very helpful when students reach out to them for assistance in different matters.
Hostel :
There are 8 different housing options available to students with various kinds of options such as single rooms, shared rooms, 3-room suites, 4-room suites, etc. Each comes with its own set of facilities and pros and cons. Depending on the kind of accommodation they are placed in, students may choose to opt-in or out of the meal plans if they prefer to make their own food. The cost for the above varies a lot, but the average cost of housing (including a meal plan) would be between CAD 5000-7000.
