In a previous post I gave an overview of how the 2018 admissions cycle would unfold. Here is a quick update on where we are now and what’s happening.
- The OUAC application centre has been open since October and some people have applied. Most people apply sometime between now and February 1 (the final deadline).
- Our Admissions Officers have started reviewing the 2,000+ applications from outside Ontario that we’ve received so far. There seem to be a lot more than in previous years at this date, but we will have better information in a few weeks.
- We will probably start sending out invitations to our optional video interview sometime in early to mid-December, to those who have applied. Invitations will continue to be sent out in batches every few weeks, so if you apply and don’t get an invitation right away, just be patient.
- We usually don’t start reviewing Admission Information Forms until January, when there are a decent number to work with. In the meantime, we work on getting our systems updated and ready to go.
Behind the scenes we’re also working on an exciting program announcement that will be coming out within the next couple of weeks. Once everything is ready to go, I’ll give more information and insights here on the blog.
A Professor in Waterloo Engineering 
Hey Prof,
I’m currently a grade 12 student, and my end goal is to ultimately make a contribution in improving the environment (preferably through finding ways to decrease the amount of air pollution or to improve water quality) I’m thinking of pursuing chemical engineering for my undergrad and environmental engineering for my masters. Do you believe that is a reasonable combination? I’m conflicted because one of the first things people think of chemical engineering are pharmaceuticals and creations of products like plastic, instead of improving environmental health. And so, I’m unsure whether chemical engineering would dive deeper into finding ways of solving environmental issues or not.
Thanks in advance.
Chemical engineering is certainly one route to work on environmental problems, including air and water pollution control, minimizing energy use and reducing the environmental impact of industry. I teach air pollution control in chemical engineering, and much of my research work is related to air and water treatment, mainly in collaboration with companies. I know lots of our chemical engineering graduates that work in environmental-related jobs. Your plan seems quite reasonable to me.
Hi prof,
My grade 12 marks are significantly higher than my grade 11 marks. But none of my mid term marks for grade 12 will be put on the OUAC. So how would the process go in my case? Will they wait for the final marks of grade 12 first semester?
Thanks in advance
We don’t make any offers until we see some grade 12 marks, which is why most of our offers aren’t made until May.
Hi prof,
Does Waterloo weigh AP grades differently? Currently and throughout grade 11, I have taken many AP courses. And because AP classes are harder, my gpa is lower (around 93). Wasit a mistake to take the AP courses?
Thank you
AP courses are a positive factor in making decisions.
Hi Professor,
For the first round of offers, would a student with all 6 required courses completed by first semester have preference over other applicants?
not necessarily. it depends on marks, AIF content, etc.
Happy New Year Sir,
Thank you for all the information you have shared about the University of Waterloo Engineering programs and the admission process.
I am a grade 11 student at []. I have a question about my grade 11 math course which I completed in 2017 summer school, where I got 96% in MCR3U1 (Functions). I would like to clarify how UW will consider my math mark during the application review process. It will be considered as 96% or will there be any mark deduction due to summer school?
Thank you in advance for your time.
MCR3U is not a required course for admission. We will use your MHF4U grade.
Hi prof,
How would a bad interview play in admissions (i.e. stuttering, blushing, repeating ideas, not answering the question fully)? I have social anxiety and I am very worried about my chances being jeopardized by a terrible interview.
Interviews are positive bonus points, so even a bad one is better than none at all.