University of Waterloo-AIF-Response for choosing to study CS or CE programs.

Question-1

Reason for choosing your program and Waterloo

-Please tell us about your educational goals, your interest in your chosen program(s), and your reasons for applying to the University of Waterloo. If you have applied to more than one program, please discuss your interest in each program(900 character limit or 150 words)

Answer-The reason I chose to study in Computer Science and Computer Engineering is mainly because of the influence that my elders have left on me. Growing up, I watched my elders get invested in the Tech industry and talk about how computers would be the biggest assets in the world in the upcoming decades. The confidence in their tone set me on my journey to trying to understand why such a simple device would change our regular way of living.

Since then, I set out on my own path to understand computing with proper depth. I've tried learning some of the basics of computer languages such as the fundamentals of data structures in C and object oriented programming in Java from my mentors, and I can confidently say that making sense of a line of code which seems to be gibberish to a regular person's eyes is a treat.

So when I looked up for universities which offered computing programs, I couldn't help but notice the reputation University of Waterloo had in that sector, especially in the co-op programs.

The reason why I'm so keen on entering University of Waterloo is because of the possibility of getting to work alongside my academic studies. Unlike most of the reputed universities, the fact that the University of Waterloo offers such windows of opportunities is fascinating to me, and I hope to be given the chance to prove my worth to them.

Nahin, since you are not being asked about who influenced your desire to enter the field of CS or CE, the story about how your family played a hand in your course choice is irrelevant. That narration does not give an answer regarding your educational goals or your interest in the chosen program. Your interest in the chosen program needs to coincide with your academic goals because, if you are not academically inclined to study either course, and you were only influenced by your family, then the reviewer will view that statement as you having a greater tendency to not complete the course. Therefore, your academic goals need to align itself with your personal interests in the courses as opposed to merely being influence by your family.

The Co-Op program is always the strongest influence that students have for choosing Waterloo and yet, every student I have read as an applicant so far has failed to provide solid reasons as to why a student would be attracted to the university. Your essay suffers from the same problem. Don't mention the program alone. Explain how your interest in the course(s) was further developed by the opportunity to study via this program. Based on your academic interests, how will the Co-Op program further heighten your academic interests regarding the program?

For the work program for international students, you need to be clear about how you hope to participate in the program. Indicate a desire to work in a line related to your major(s) so as to continue your education while you earn income to help support your additional student fees during the semester. Don't be general in reference. Having a direction for all your intentions can only help your essay as the reviewer will see the seriousness of your application and a solid academic plan to back up your claims.