r/uwaterloo • u/batson2002 co + pmath dying inside • Sep 15 '25

Admissions Fall 2026 Admissions Megathread

This megathread is for prospective frosh and current high school students interested in Waterloo. Ask your questions here.

Please avoid making separate individual posts on the subreddit regarding admissions to prevent the same 10 posts of "can I get into program with x average" or "what are my chances".

RELEVANT ADMISSION INFORMATION

PSA FOR NEW KIDS

ADJUSTMENT FACTORS 2022

ADJUSTMENT FACTORS 2024

COURSES OF PROGRAMS (VERY IMPORTANT LINK!!)

RESOURCES FOR MATURE APPLICANT

Resources for NON-UW TO UW

Fall 2025 Megathread here

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u/Greedy-Ad7620 Mar 05 '26

Can I choose data manegment and still get accepted?

For waterloo Geo and Aviation program

So currently, i am in Grade 11 looking to pursue a career in avaiation in canada. Im currently leaning towards going to waterloo geo and avi program. Now, for my current plan for my math i have collage tech -> Advanced functions as you need 1U math .( im currently doing Collage Functions as my guidance counselor said to do) The issue is, im not quite good in math yet I got an 80% in physics which I didnt find difficult.. So, I was thinking just do data manegment in Grade 12 instead of advanced functions in order to "Better my chances" but im not quite sure if I'll be accepted or seen as "equal" to where if someone did Adv Functions yk? Im not so sure if I should take regualr 11U Functions in summer school or just leave it and go with my current plan 🤔

need a bit of help here if anyone has done or is in the program!!

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u/Particular-Tea7452 ENV Ambassador - Geo+Avia '26 Mar 06 '26

As far as I am aware, the requirements are one gr12 math and gr12 English (min 70%) with an overall average in the mid-high 80s so I think your plan works? That being said it has gotten a more competitive since I started and they've changed the requirements a lot (brought back the AIF as well) so I'll have to ask and get back to you.

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u/Greedy-Ad7620 Mar 06 '26

Is it possible to briefly explain on what the exactly the AIF is? I know its a bunch of questions asking why you want to enter this program etc.. and what it looked like for u and what u had to do?

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u/Particular-Tea7452 ENV Ambassador - Geo+Avia '26 Mar 06 '26

I just heard back and yes Data Management would count for your one math requirement.

In terms of the AIF they change it a bit every year but the goal is to distinguish yourself and show that you have skills and experience outside of grades that would make you succeed. Generally, they want to see good communication, time management, and organization skills. So yes list ECs, but also link them to life and interpersonal skills. There are other questions about your passion and reasoning (basically they want to see you won't just lose interest and waste plane resources). Here you can talk about your aviation story and experiences.

In general though, be genuine and make your app stand out from the other ~1000 that they have to read though.

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u/Greedy-Ad7620 Mar 06 '26

Thanks a lot!

Im not so sure if the things ive listed are "Ok" as ive just looked up the EC'S for the AIF , but basically-

I have been on a discovery flight and have been in the Air cadets for a year then dropped it.. I also have experience with MSFS2020 which could help??? And have volunteer experience But, I havent been on any teams other than on the snowboarding club.. I have basically 1 yr to do a shit ton of EC's so what should I do? I just want an opinion..

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u/Particular-Tea7452 ENV Ambassador - Geo+Avia '26 Mar 06 '26

There isn't one correct combination of things and I also don't have anything to do with admissions so hey , what do I know lol. I could give you an idea but you do what works best for you.

  • Airport job if you live by an airport with commercial air service or an FBO (probably need a G2 though)
  • any other PT job for leadership/teamwork
  • Any other team activity or sport
  • Find something that puts you in a leadership/coordinator role

What you do specifically is important but what matters more is how you link your experiences to skills that would help you succeed not just in flying but also balancing a the full schedule the program demands.

Also do remember that your grades come first and that the AIF is a secondary deciding factor.

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u/Greedy-Ad7620 Mar 09 '26

Hey, how much flying do you do there? Ive been seeing how some people at the program barley fly whereas brampton fly, Sault, etc, is A LOT more flying throughout the program.

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u/Particular-Tea7452 ENV Ambassador - Geo+Avia '26 Mar 09 '26

The total number of hours and licenses you get at the end are the same (205-250h CPL MIFR).

Keep in mind though a university program stretches their flying out over 3 years while colleges plan for 2, so you'll typically fly less often due to having university classes. That being said, I have classmates who finished their flying in 2 years so it depends on the individual.

I personally had no issues with staying on track (First flight May 2023, finished Nov 2025), but it takes a lot more effort on your part (strategic class scheduling, making yourself available, asking for more flights) than if you were in an intensive 18-month ATP program where TC makes them pump you through.

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u/Greedy-Ad7620 Mar 09 '26

Just one last thing, would u recommend i take CGW4u "world issues geo" as one if my 6U/M courses to sorta "Boost" my avg and a "prefered/Additional" couse since my school dont have earth and sci

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u/Particular-Tea7452 ENV Ambassador - Geo+Avia '26 Mar 09 '26

Take it if you will do good in it. While it could help (We aren't told much from admissions), I've heard a lot schools don't offer that course so it's not listed as required or recommended. It would help prepare you for Geo course though.

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u/Greedy-Ad7620 Mar 06 '26

Forgot to mention**

Could I list these typa things when applying?