Written by Mariko (she/her), student
1. Include your volunteer/work experience and projects
No matter how small it may seem to you, it could be the thing that ultimately impresses the individual reading your application. Include your volunteer and work experience, as well as any side projects you undertook out of interest.
2. Practice for the video interview
The application for Engineering has a video interview component. Make sure you complete it, and make sure you practice beforehand!
Practice interview style questions with your family and friends or in front of a mirror. You'll want to make sure you communicate clearly and concisely, without lots of “ums” or “uhs”.
3. Share any entrepreneurial experience or drive
Do you have a dream of running your own start-up? Did you start your own club in high school? The admissions team wants to hear about any opportunities you took to show off your entrepreneurial spirit. It doesn't have to be as grand as starting your own company, just any times that you took the initiative to follow your own ideas.
4. Avoid repeated or summer school courses
Repeated courses or courses taken in summer school mean that you had less of a workload during your academic year. The admissions team wants to see students who can handle a full course load with all the mandatory math, science, and English prerequisites.
Because of the rigorous schedules in engineering, there's rarely time to retake courses. Doing well the first time in a course is most indicative of students who will perform well in Waterloo Engineering.
Of course if there are any extreme circumstances, such as your school not offering calculus or if there were personal situations, let the admissions team know in your AIF so they can take them into account.
You can learn more about Waterloo's policy on repeated courses and non-day school courses.
5. Show you have good time management skills
Time management is an absolutely crucial skill in engineering. Waterloo engineers balance a full course load on top of co-op applications and extracurricular activities. The admissions team wants to hear about your time management skills and how you handle all the challenges in your life.
6. Share your passion for engineering
The admissions team wants to hear why you want to study engineering. What is it about engineering that excites or fascinates you? Tell them what you're most looking forward to about Waterloo's program, and share your passion for studying engineering here.
Ultimately, be yourself! Share what makes you unique and what makes you an individual. The admissions team wants to hear about your special interests, hobbies, and passions. Use your unique voice to communicate in your Admission Information Form, and don’t be afraid to show off your personality.
Try to incorporate these tips to make your AIF as strong as possible. Work on it well before the deadline approaches, and take time to edit it. Getting your friends and family to review it as well can be very helpful. Make sure you’re submitting the best version of your AIF that you can!
Good luck and happy writing!
Note: admission requirements and processes are subject to change each year.
