r/OntarioGrade12s • u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 • 13h ago
University Chose McMaster Engineering over Waterloo EE - hope I won’t regret it
I just accepted McMaster Engineering over Waterloo Electrical Engineering and I’m having a bit of second thoughts now that the decision is actually made.
For context, I don’t have Free Choice at Mac, so I know there is some risk involved with stream selection after first year.
The reason I chose McMaster was that I felt much more connected to the campus, community, and overall environment. I’m someone who really values having a social circle, staying active, and maintaining a balance outside academics. When I visited Mac, I could genuinely picture myself being happy there.
With Waterloo, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d be signing up for a much more intense and career-focused environment. I know the co-op system is incredible and EE is an amazing program, but I was worried that I’d spend the next few years constantly stressed about academics, co-op applications, and keeping up with everyone around me. I’m not the type of person who thrives by grinding 24/7.
I also started asking myself whether the difference in career outcomes would actually be large enough to justify choosing a place where I felt way less excited to spend the next 4–5 years.
At the same time, it’s hard to turn down a program that’s often considered one of the best engineering programs in Canada, so part of me is wondering if I made a mistake.
For people who had to make a similar decision, or for current students/alumni from either school, do you think choosing McMaster for overall fit and quality of life over Waterloo EE is something I’d likely regret?
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u/Sea-Independence-860 12h ago
Since you asked I’ll give an honest answer. Yes the career outcomes are significantly different - just the difference in co-op program already answers that.
I understand you don’t see yourself as a 24/7 grinder (i know this is hyperbole), but people, especially youth your age underestimate just how much suffering you can go through, and overestimate the comforts in life you need. I was the same back then but I quickly adapted, and a lot of other peers did too. People often overplay their anxieties in their minds but trust me, you could handle much more than you think - I believe this is what’s at play here. What’s more is that you won’t be the same person you are now, to who you will be 5 years later. Almost always, my advice is to choose growth over comfort especially as a young adult.
So basically, I do think you made the wrong decision if we are strictly looking at career trajectory here on out (always look at averages of outcomes not exceptions - so compare the average Waterloo grad to a McMaster’s grad). That said, college will be one of the best years of your life - so make sure to cherish the memories that come alongside your academic pursuits. Since you have made your choice then the only thing that’s left is to live your choice. Good luck!
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u/TheZarosian 11h ago
It's funny when OP says co-op applications were grinds when Co-op process was literally child's play compared to finding full-time work. And that was when I already had 5 co-ops under my belt. Covering your ears and waiting until graduating when the unsheltered and unsubsidized job market hits you full blast is one hell of a strategy.
I never understood the rationale of not grinding during university years or being fearful of it. Fuck, those early 20s were pivotal moments in peoples lives around me. The ones that bit the bullet and put up are in a much better position now. The ones that decided to take it easy just delayed the inevitability they they eventually had to go through the suffering.
My first co-op application round I lost 15 pounds and became nocturnal. It was fucking brutal (and still I say it was child's play compared to finding full-time work). But I only had to take the punishment once. Once I got that co-op experience down under my belt, my next 4 co-ops were all multiple interview multiple offer situations.
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u/bcgden 10h ago
I get your point, but also not everybody is trying to fully optimize their career. For many, university is also equally, if not more about the social aspect and yeah from my experience STEM at Waterloo is pretty lacking on that front. Yeah I def think OPs reasoning to choose mac was a bit silly, but not everybody wants to grind and lose 15lbs and go nocturnal during their degree
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u/TheZarosian 31m ago
but not everybody wants to grind and lose 15lbs and go nocturnal during their degree
Like I said, I only had to take that punishment once. My second co-op I had 20 interviews. I had so many interviews that it started to fill up my schedule. I liked to complain about it but at that point it was complaining my lobster was too buttery.
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 8h ago
Well ig ur employed and everything now. Do u feel a deep satisfaction about where u are in life rn?
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u/TheZarosian 1h ago
Yes. I have a great fulfilling job that wouldn't have been possible without leveraging my experience and taking the jump here and there. I have enough income to own property, invest savings, and spend on experiences.
None of that would have materialized, or at least materialized early if I had decided to take it easy in my early 20s.
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u/blueberrypie732 4h ago
I don’t think it’s fair to say that McMaster grads are “lesser” than Waterloo grads. I know many very successful Mac Eng grads. As for the pressure and stress and managing it - I have two degrees from Waterloo Eng but it also gave me an eating disorder and shattered self esteem that took many, many years to overcome.
So back to the OP - do not listen to this person. You choose Mac for a reason that you felt in your gut and in your heart. Trust me, focus on the work, do good work, and you will be fine.
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u/VagSmoothie 2h ago
The average Waterloo grad is better off than the average McMaster grad (or median if you want to be a pedant.)
That’s what OP is saying.
There’s nothing wrong with that, I’m not an engineer but I went to a very low-rated school for my field. Ended up grading, got into a top grad school and now I’m easily on a career track that some folks at target schools could only dream of.
Your fate is mostly in your hands if you have access to going to a good Canadian university, it’s that we have to judge on averages when we talk hypotheticals.
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u/Physizist 29m ago
Provide some stats about the averages then lol. The average experience is something you made up in your mind
like please provide me an actual source that compares the salaries or the prestige of a career from one university vs another. You can't, you're literally making it up based on what you hear
Work hard, take advantage of the opportunities you get, look for internships and you're likely to find employment. Once you're employed it won't matter where you went
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 8h ago
Yeah you made me genuinely rethink what I’m capable of. Well I haven’t done AP IB Waterloo math contest none of that. I’ve done some alright ECEs and that’s about it. And my average is like 96. But well bc I got in I’m prolly capable ig. And I’m alright with maybe repeating a class but I don’t wanna repeat multiple classes. And based on what I learnt today maybe it isn’t as dehumanizing as I thought it was.
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u/Physizist 34m ago
LOL the career outcomes are not "significantly different" do you have an ounce of evidence to support that? Yes, if they don't get into EE then it may be signficantly different but assuming the same program, the difference is pretty minimal
"compare the average Waterloo grad to a McMaster's grad" Ok do it, let's see the evidence. Show me the average graduates experience...
People in the sub highly overestimate how much your school matters
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u/Sweet-Society-8418 13h ago
I think you are choosing McMaster for the right reasons. Trust yourself!
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u/givenmydruthers 1h ago
Agree. I guess it comes down to values. To me, feeling connected and a sense of belonging are more important than having the most prestigious job, but that's not to say prestige is off the table. Go where you'll thrive. And you'll thrive where you're happiest.
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 13h ago
Yeah ig. Appreciate it!
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u/Soulists_Shadow 10h ago
Ill be real instead of nice. In 4-5 years while companies are looking to hire juniors. If you were doing the hiring, would you prefer a new grad or a new grad with 2.5 years of work experience. One battle tested to withstand real life deadlines and pressure. The other a wild card draw.
You could still find jobs for sure, it is engineering afterall. But the bigger high pay companies maybe elusive.
Also co-op does one thing no study could ever do. Networking with large companies that would hire students but would not bat an eye at a new grad.
Youve made your choice, its too late to regret. You will likely enjoy your next 4 years more than if you had choose the other. But the first 5 years after your gradation, you will pay it back 10 fold in anguish.
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u/TheZarosian 10h ago
100%. It's funny when OP thinks co-op applications are grinds when the Co-op process was literally child's play compared to finding full-time work and navigating the screenings, tests, roleplays, and interviews that came with it. And that was when I already had 5 co-ops under my belt. Covering your ears and waiting until graduating when the unsheltered and unsubsidized job market hits you full blast is one hell of a strategy.
Co-op is the shallow end of job hunting. It gets your feet wet without having the stress of a withering dated resume after graduation on your mind and student loans in repayment staring at you in the face. It gets you into lower-intensity interviews, gets you in-office experience, and builds up your skill for the real fight.
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u/acomihe 13h ago
U took my EE spot...
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 13h ago
Yh u right. where’d u end up going
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u/acomihe 13h ago
Brown undeclared
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u/No_Gate7635 12h ago
why is bro complaining.....
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u/VrikamDaBeast 12h ago
i mean, isnt brown considered to be like, the worst ivy leauge school? Not a bad school, but I guess I can get it?
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u/Lost_Pitch_8193 12h ago
I made a similar choice of Queens over waterloo lol
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 12h ago
Ohhh that was my third choice lmao.. GL
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u/Lost_Pitch_8193 12h ago
is that dis 😞. I got into mac too but I like kingston much more than hamilton or kitchener
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 12h ago
Noo ik someone who went to Queens over Loo he graduated few yrs ago and he’s doing so friking well. He got hired right after graduation. Both his parents went to Loo but he js loved Queens. Ur gna be fine twin
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u/gekkonkamen 5h ago
Not a student, just lurking this sub to gather information for my kids later on.
If it helps, I’ve been hiring CS, CE and EE coop students since around 2008. I have had Coops and PEY from different schools. I’d say, my experience with 90% of Waterloo students had been mediocre at best, while the McMaster and U of T students are phenomenal, I had a TMU student just 2 terms ago that performed far better than most of my Waterloo coops.
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u/Sweet-Society-8418 57m ago
My son chose Mac Eng (over a more prestigious school) and I really appreciate your reply to this comment.
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u/a_normal_guy_lol 10h ago
I chose uoft over Waterloo. Just look forward and don't regret lol. You will always have regrets no matter what u chose. Just work hard and make ur choice the "right one" GL!!!
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u/Sethibro 9h ago
If you wanna do EE, mac might be a bit cooked. EE is one of the most competitive at mac rn.
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u/Certain_Pizza6574 8h ago edited 8h ago
Bro I graduated Mac Eng, theres no "social life" like you see in movies. The campus looked great when I visited too and I pictured myself wandering around campus having a jolly old time.
Did not work like that lol. Your going to have a few friends you grind with at the library and a few friends you party with every other weekend.
You can join ECs around campus for a more social life, but I personally did not have the time, especialy when I was going to the gym regularly too.
Anyways I guess its too late to switch lol, sorry if I sound like im hating, im not, just wanted to give you my experience there. Wish you the best! Study hard!
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 8h ago
Ok so you did all that and still graduated? Idk what ur complaining about lmao. Could u land a good co op and then did u get hired after graduation?
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u/Certain_Pizza6574 8h ago
Im not complaining lol, but in hindsight everything I did "socially" at Mac I could have done at Waterloo and had 2.5 yrs work experience under my belt too. I got hired after around a year, did a few certs before that. The money isn't comparable to a Waterloo grad lmao. Not trying to be ungrateful, but have to be real, Waterloo Eng and Mac Eng are miles apart to companies hiring new grads.
But anyways, McMaster social life isn't all that its made out to be in your head is what im trying to say. You might be overestimating the social aspect. Prove me wrong though!
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u/lookaflyingfish 12h ago
I chose mac over uoft. hope that helps
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 12h ago
Yeah ofc. Do u regret it? Appreciate it btw
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u/lookaflyingfish 12h ago
At first, I was over questioning myself. but i feel like mac is where I will truly thrive. so i feel good abt it now!!
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u/usedPOS 8h ago
mac eng 3rd year here. yea ur gonna regret it in this job market lmfao
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 8h ago
Ohh 💔. Did u have a hard time finding co op?
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u/usedPOS 6h ago
also, pls don't take advice of random gr12s in this subreddit as end all be all. they haven't entered uni yet and don't know what it's actually like. It's a lot better if u talk to people in these unis (not saying me, just saying reach out to people on linkedin and wtv) since they have actually experienced being a student there
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u/sheepmcgee 1h ago edited 1h ago
I did the exact same thing as you in 2023 lol. I dont really regret it. coop is imo what you make of it, most folks I know are in/have been to cali (i'm off too next yr), I've reliably gotten interviews with minimal apps the only difference is that wloos coop holds your hand a little. if you were gonna succeed here you'll succeed there yknow? a community does matter imo
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 21m ago
Dyk like many people from Mac who’ve had good co ops? Would u say that aspect of it makes the program significantly worse compared to Waterloo? Considering everything like social life to career progression. Idk why all the opinions are so contradictory tbh
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u/sheepmcgee 15m ago
i just finished 3rd year elec and ik many a folk who have had good coops and have gotten em this year.
like I said it really is what you make of it. I know people at wloo who haven't really taken advantage of the program who have had worse coops than my friends or I here. ive got friends at tesla, other smaller Cali companies, evertz, synopsys, startups etc.
I rejected wloo for probs the same reason as u: I need community and I hate the turbo competitive nature of wloo its just so draining imo. like we can all grind and succeed together is a nicer mindset.
the opinions are probs contradictory bc youre on a gr12 subreddit and everyone is just repeating hearsay. in my opinion if you want to go to mac because you like the social life better and youre dead set on success youll find a way lol
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u/SeaProfessional9779 53m ago
I’m a Mac eng graduate, my high school sweet heart went to Waterloo Tron, so I have a good understanding of the differences between the two environments. what you are saying about social life and the balance of academics is very real and very important to your happiness on campus, which will ultimately lead to you being your most successful self. You made this decision for a reason, don’t let strangers ruin your excitement. I am a top income earner in Canada, I landed a great career path that fits my lifestyle. I am not sure I could say the same if I went to the loo.
Happy to talk if you want to message - A 2019 Mac eng alumni
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 46m ago
Wow that’s great to hear! And yeah I’ll dm you if you don’t mind. Thank you sm!
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u/sad1126 47m ago
i mean you’re gonna like your time at uni more but that’s temporary for a worser outcome than waterloo
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 24m ago
Yeah but I’m kinda worried that I might end up more miserable overall even after graduation. Money can’t get u everything ig. I could definitely be wrong
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u/blueberrypie732 13h ago
My daughter declined her offer for Systems at Waterloo for Mac, no free choice. She did have to work her ass off first year to get into Mechatronics, but she got it. She is very happy there. It sounds like you declined Waterloo for the same reasons she did. Electrical is not difficult to get into without free choice so you’ll be fine. Stop second guessing yourself! Mac has a really great engineering program.
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u/Previous_Fix_9775 12h ago
This is wrong. Electrical is probably the most competitive program to get into mac ATM. Anyone who wants to do ee should steer away from mac honestly
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u/Able_Key_8448 12h ago
electrical is the most competitive wdym
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u/blueberrypie732 11h ago
No, don’t believe so. Comp, Software and Mechatronics have typically been the top 3 competitive programs at Mac
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u/Plushawa 11h ago
There seems to be a shift toward EE, as people are increasingly valuing specialties that can provide greater employment stability, even if the opportunities are in more traditional industries rather than pure tech.
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u/blueberrypie732 4h ago
Ok, interesting. I guess OP will have to work hard first year. Hopefully they open up more spots if demand is up.
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u/Able_Key_8448 11h ago
computer went down slightly this year, and check the polls at mcmaster, ee is the most competitive by far
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u/Plushawa 12h ago
Picked Mac Eng 1 (free choice) over UW CS. We’ll all be fine 😉 See you in August.
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u/Brush-1905 12h ago
hey could you dm me, im in this exact same position rn choosing between the 2
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u/planetaryorbitals 11h ago
I ended up picking mac over waterloo tron
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u/xXn00bK1ll3rXx 11h ago
You're out of your mind for doing that, Waterloo is incomparable to any other university in Canada for engineering
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u/a_normal_guy_lol 10h ago
The glaze is wild 😭
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u/bcgden 10h ago
I think incomparable is stretching it a bit lol, but there 100% is a noticeable / significant difference between UofT/UW Eng vs other Canadian Eng programs. Obv you can succeed at any school if you’re smart and work hard, but you’ll have an easier time with employment if you’re in UofT/UW Eng
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u/a_normal_guy_lol 10h ago
Yes I agree uoft and Waterloo are noticeably better than the rest (in Ontario idk the other province). I was saying that considering Waterloo to be "incomparable" even to uoft eng is crazy glazing. But i absolutely agree with what ur saying.
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u/No_Hat6410 7h ago
4 years go really fast, especially in uni. And in 4 years the job market you will be graduating into will be absolutely brutal due to AI. My fear is that the only ones who find a job will be nepo babies, meaning connection will be the only game. You are gonna need the co-op.
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u/Prestigious-Gur-1929 5h ago
You made the right choice for you. All the other voices are talking from their voice. McMaster engineers have jobs, just like ontario tech, Carleton, Guelph, queens and UofT engineers have jobs. The fact that you knew you would be happy will mean you will succeed. Good for you!
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u/No_Leave6103 3h ago
Hey I’m in UW for mech eng rn. I was really close to switching from Waterloo to either Mac w/ free choice or UofT undecided engineering (I submitted my application late and they gave it to me like a week before decisions lmao).
I probably would’ve gone with Mac or UofT if it was up to me, but my dad convinced me to stick with Waterloo last minute. Listening to him was the best choice I ever made.
You can go to Waterloo and not grind at all. After your first two coops, you can very well just half ass applications and work at local companies hiring from WaterlooWorks. You can live the more normal “uni life”. Interning at non stressful companies is actually the most chill life imaginable lol. You just do your 9-5 and be completely free on the weekends.
Going to Waterloo gives you the choice to grind hard and achieve big things career wise. People in other schools can as well, but in Waterloo you can achieve that earlier and without “standing out” quite as much. I was hella average but I got to work in some truly awesome companies (including in the States, sorry but there’s a lot more going on down South).
Whichever school you go to, it is what you make of it. You can have your social life in Waterloo, the ION actually makes it really nice and easy to explore the city with friends. There are a lot of cool corners in KW. That more balanced uni life exists here as well, it’s just that a lot of people choose to live the coop grind life because that’s what initially attracted them to Waterloo in the first place.
I have a friend who chose a more balanced uni life, working at cool local companies, exploring her hobbies, she’s doing exchange right now in Asia.
I also have friends who have worked at some of the big tech, robotics, rocket, or renewable energy companies in the US and other parts of the world.
I don’t think any of them regret their choice.
Waterloo simply gives you more options, that’s it. The type of uni life you live is entirely dependant on you as a person, not the school you go to.
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u/No_Leave6103 3h ago
If you couldn’t change your mind then I wouldn’t be telling you this. But since you have end of today, I highly encourage you to go to Waterloo for EE over Mac. Heck maybe you can make a quick road trip down here today before you make the final choice and walk around campus, it’s actually quite lovely in the summer.
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u/No_Leave6103 3h ago
Also, I genuinely can not imagine having to learn all the lessons I learned in all my co-op terms as an upper year student or even a new grad. Getting 2.5 years of work experience does wonders for your soft skills in the workplace.
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u/Feisty-Emu3837 3h ago
In sane position with free choice and more scholarships, still chose Waterloo and it has paid off so far
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u/lovelynaturelover 2h ago
EE at Mac is phenomenal. It has Marc which is one of the world's leading academic research programs and innovation hubs. McMaster just keeps getting better and better. Do not underestimate it.
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u/LemonWheel0962 12m ago
The comments are dooming so much about your choice OP but I think you made the right choice. If you would be unhappy at Waterloo, I think the joy, community, and fulfillment you'll get at McMaster are more important than the potential career benefits of Waterloo. If you regret your choice, you can always apply to transfer later after first year anyways.
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u/Brush-1905 12h ago
most people get into their top engineering choice at mac! your fs smart and hard working enough to get your choice of engineering. and as for social environment and vibe of the campus, i completely agree! consider choosing mac eng > waterloo cs
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u/Good-Journalist4751 10h ago
My Son chose Mac over Waterloo’s computer engineering, for exactly the same reasons you did. He doesn’t have free choice either. I have an entire post about it.
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u/SuggestANamePlz 10h ago
In the same boat as you but I got waterloo comp eng instead gl next year 🤞
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u/KavinduMJ Grade 12 10h ago
Which one did u choose?
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u/SuggestANamePlz 10h ago
Mac w/o free choice cuz idk what eng to do exactly and I live like 15 mins away
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u/Previous_Fix_9775 12h ago
You're gonna regret it once you're competing with 1000 other kids for ee at mac lol. Waterloo is crazy good for electrical too theres no reason to be scared of getting co ops.