The University of Waterloo will be closed between December 21 and January 1. We'll be happy to respond to emails and phone calls once we re-open in early January. A reminder that our application deadline for Engineering programs is January 15 and January 31 for most other programs. Happy holidays!
No matter how small it may seem to you, an experience could be the thing that ultimately impresses the individual reading your application.
If you are applying to Engineering, there are a few things that can help make your Admission Information Form (AIF) as strong as it can be.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out this Hello Warrior episode where Waterloo admissions officer Kristin debunks myths about getting into Waterloo and answers some common questions about applying.
So, you’ve applied to Waterloo and you’re not sure how to complete the AIF. Don’t worry — we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, plus give you some tips along the way!
Waterloo has one of the largest faculties of engineering in Canada, with more programs than any other institution, and ranks among the best engineering schools in Canada. That means, whichever program you choose, you're in good hands.
So, you’ve submitted your application to the University of Waterloo and you’re wondering what to do next. The simplest answer is to wait! But there are things you can do — and need to do — for some programs.
