University of Waterloo

How to apply to University of Waterloo

Basis for admission: Grades + AIF (admission information form); co-op programs highly competitive.

Deadlines: Jan–Feb typical.

Application route: OUAC 105 + Waterloo Quest portal.

What you write for University of Waterloo

Admission Information Form (AIF) — required for all Engineering, all Math (incl. Computer Science) and Computing & Financial Management: four 150-word answers plus an activities list.

1. AIF — Q1 A passion or interest150

   Tell us about a passion or interest of yours. How (and when) did you become involved in this interest and for how long have you been involved? What have you learned about yourself from this interest? How will you apply this knowledge as a student at the University of Waterloo? (150 words.)

   Engineering · Mathematics · Computing & Financial Management
2. AIF — Q2 Community involvement150

   Describe a group or community you are part of and what you contribute to it — including any leadership or influence you have had. (150 words.) Confirm the current wording and limit on uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/admission-information-form before you write — universities revise these each cycle.

   Engineering · Mathematics · Computing & Financial Management
3. AIF — Q3 Responding to unfair treatment150

   Describe a situation where you witnessed or experienced unfair treatment. How did you respond, and what impact did it have on you? (150 words.) Confirm the current wording and limit on uwaterloo.ca before you write — universities revise these each cycle.

   Engineering · Mathematics · Computing & Financial Management
4. AIF — Q4 Your goal at Waterloo150

   What is your primary goal for your time at Waterloo? What experience do you already have that relates to it, and what advice or support would you seek? (150 words.) Confirm the current wording and limit on uwaterloo.ca before you write — universities revise these each cycle.

   Engineering · Mathematics · Computing & Financial Management

The AIF is submitted once and covers every Waterloo program you applied to; it cannot be edited after submission and must be your own work. Q5 is a list of activities and hours for the calendar year, not an essay. Engineering applicants can also record an optional video interview. Arts, Science, Environment and Health programs do not require the AIF (it is optional and read for scholarships).

Strong for

Computer science · Engineering · Co-op work terms