<p>I just got this booklet outlining the courses and marks required for engineering programs (specifically chemical). The admission averages seem to be quite low (Waterloo being low 80s). Are the averages supposed to be this low? My mom doesn't want me to chemical engineering because she seems to think that courses with low admisison averages are, well, not as likely to succeed. Does anyone know why the admission averages are so low?</p>
<p>You cant just look at the admission average and make a judgment on the quality of the program. ALL of the engineering programs in Ontario require hard work to get through, and are all top notch.</p>
<p>The low admission averages are mainly due to a lower demand (in terms of applications not jobs) for the program. With that said however, there arent any engineering programs that require 90's to get in anymore.</p>
<p>Edit: The program with the highest "cutoff" at Waterloo right now is Nanotechnology Engineering (and thats only high 80's) but it's no better than any other program for jobs..in fact in terms of job prospects it doesnt look too good right now...how many nanotech jobs do you there are in the world? The only thing you'd be doing in nanotech is R&D for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>Heh, I sound like I'm bitter in that last post...I'm not...I didnt even apply to nanotech.</p>
<p>One reason I've heard (I have no idea how accurate it is, so don't quote me on it) for the lower averages in Canada, is that it's "harder" to get high grades in Canada compared to the US (more grade deflation in Canada, and/or grade inflation in the US.)</p>
<p>Either way, UWaterloo is considered the best school for engineering in Canada, and is known internationally for its engineering programs.</p>
<p>My mom just doesn't seem to be convinced about the low admission averages. I'll tell her what you guys said. Thanks.</p>
<p>Other than nanotech, there's mechatronics that has a cut off line at the hig 80s. I'm not sure what that is, but either way, my main interest is in chemical engineering, which is in the low 80s (fortunately for me).</p>