Waterloo Computer Science: What It Really Takes
Admission averages, prerequisites, the AIF, and the contests that matter.
Waterloo CS is one of Canada's most competitive undergraduate programs. Here's what the university actually weighs: your top-six average, the required courses, your AIF, and your contest record.
The average, honestly
Admission to Waterloo CS starts with your top-six average, and Waterloo tells applicants to aim for the low to mid-90s. Grades alone don't decide it, though. The AIF and the rest of your file are part of the selection, so two students with the same average can get very different outcomes.
Prerequisites are non-negotiable
You need Grade 12 Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, and any Grade 12 U English, plus one additional 4U course. Computer Science is not a required course for admission. Waterloo recommends Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science (ICS3U) but does not require it, and doing well in it keeps the door open for the Grade 12 course.
The AIF and supplementary information form
The AIF is required for every CS applicant. Math and CS applicants also complete a supplementary information form covering contests such as the Euclid and CSMC. CS has no interview; the recorded video interview is only for Waterloo Engineering. Write the AIF as if it can decide your file, because in a pool this competitive it often does.
Contests genuinely help
Waterloo's CEMC runs the Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) and the Euclid contest. Waterloo recommends that CS applicants write the CCC, although it is not required for admission. It also says the Euclid or CSMC is required for some Faculty of Mathematics scholarships. A strong CCC Senior result is a real differentiator in a pool where almost everyone has a 95. Start practising years early.
Key Takeaways
- Waterloo CS looks at grades plus the AIF, and contest results strengthen your file.
- Advanced Functions, Calculus, and English are required — no exceptions.
- The AIF is required for CS, but there is no interview. The video interview is Engineering-only.
- The CCC is recommended for CS, and the Euclid or CSMC is required for some Math scholarships.