UofT vs Waterloo (Engineering)

[person]

Hi, I'm seriously considering between UofT Engineering Science and Electrical/Computer Engineering at Waterloo. I was thinking since a lot of the people here are university folk, I was wondering if I could get some advice.

Here is my situation:
1) I don't know if I will be pursuing a master's degree after undergrad.
2) Cost of the university will not be an issue.
3) If I go to UofT I will try for PEY. If I go to Waterloo, I will try for Co-op.

Thanks, anything will be greatly appreciated.

[Skynet]

Are you more attracted to the theory or the practical side of engineering?

From most of what I've heard, EngSci is a better choice for the theoretical, and UW ECE is better for the practical.

Also, co-op kicks the PEY's ass. (I'm obviously biased, but it seriously is much better)

[Cervantes]

UofT's engineering science program is ridiculously hard. It's definitely one of the most difficult programs in Canada. My brother went through it. He's very smart, and when asked if he would do it again he will say yes some days, and no others. I don't mean to discourage you from doing Engineering Science: if you get through it, you will have had a very broad education. Just, be prepared.

[[Gandalf]]

How about UofT's undergraduate computer science program? Does anyone know someone in it? How does it compare to Waterloo's? I suppose Waterloo has a larger and better co-op program, but there are other factors which it's a bit harder to compare or find information on. Thanks.

[Clayton]

:O It's [Gandalf]!

[Tony]

Gandalf @ Wed Oct 03, 2007 3:27 am wrote:

but there are other factors which it's a bit harder to compare or find information on. Thanks.

What kind of factors do you have in mind?

Having lived in Toronto, I know that the daily commute through their public transit would have been an absolute nightmare. I get really fed up with it at the end of every work term. This point is obviously not Computer Science specific, but I just figure that I wouldn't be able to get myself through UofT, unless I would manage to find somewhere very close to live. There are a lot of advantages with being able to casually walk to campus.

[[Gandalf]]

Aye it is me, hello.

True, but I've gotten used to the TTC over the years, so transportation isn't that massive of a problem. I'd consider it more of a neutral issue because this way I would get the benefits of not having to pay for a place to live as well. Anyway, right now I'm trying to explore the actual programs further before worrying about those "minor" details.

For the moment I'm more concerned about things such as content quality/difficulty, learning and general campus environment, reputation, along those lines.