Waterloo Mechatronics vs. U of T Eng Sci

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Pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. after completing an undergraduate degree raises important considerations regarding university choice. Waterloo is recognized for its strong connections with top employers like Microsoft and Google, particularly in engineering and hard sciences. However, the Engineering Science (EngSci) program at Waterloo is noted for its exclusivity and difficulty, which may lead to competition for jobs with other engineering graduates. Concerns were raised about the potential disadvantage of a lower GPA in EngSci compared to other programs, such as Mechatronics at Waterloo or Engineering Science at the University of Toronto (U of T). The discussion emphasizes that achieving a high GPA in EngSci may be more challenging, but success in this program could indicate the ability to excel in a more specialized field like Mechatronics. Ultimately, both U of T and Waterloo are highly regarded, and the choice may depend on specific interests and career goals, especially when considering applications to prestigious institutions like MIT.
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I want to pursue graduate studies in the U.S after undergrad. What are the pros and cons of each university. I know that there have been many discussions over this topic but none of them give me a clear idea of which one is better. I heard that Waterloo has top employers hiring graduates like Microsoft, Google, IBM, RIM, and other giants. But that is what I just heard.
 
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In Canada Waterloo is known as the best engineering school (it's pretty much ONLY known for hard sciences/engineering), however, EngSci is considered a really exclusive (and insanely difficult) program.

From my understanding EngSci students and engineers tend to compete for the same jobs and the lower GPA from EngSci may be a disadvantage.

This is what I've heard as a fellow engineering student in Canada.
 
Thanks for the reply. I'm leaning more towards Waterloo, which university do you go to?

Let's say I want to go to MIT after undergrad and I get same gpa for both u of t eng sci and waterloo mechatronics, which would give me the better chance
 
McGill--transfer from Concordia.

Put simply, I doubt you can get the same GPA in both programs. If you achieve a high GPA in EngSci you would most likely be able to maintain a PERFECT GPA in Mechatronics.

In terms of admission to a high calibre school like MIT I doubt it would make much difference in terms of the school--both U of T and Waterloo are highly regarded. Keep in mind that EngSci is very non-specific--you learn a lot about many different subjects so if you know for a fact that mechatronics is what interests you then you should focus on it.
 
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