Waterloo Engineering Interview Questions & AIF Examples 2024/2025

If you are looking for Waterloo Engineering essay examples, video interview questions, and general guidance on the Admissions Information Form (AIF), then you’ve come to the right place. 

This guide is based on the 2024/2025 application.

Before you dive in, it’s important to understand that Waterloo’s admissions committee receives thousands of applications every year. To help stand out from the crowd, you need to demonstrate a clear sense of self, strong life experience, and exemplary communication skills.

We recommend reading both our Deductive Communication Approach™ and Narrative Communication Approach™ skills guides to empower you with the skills to communicate in a clear, compelling, and concise manner on your AIF and during the interview.

You’ll notice the Waterloo Engineering essay templates/examples and sample video interview responses in this guide follow these two communication styles. The purpose of sharing these structures is to help teach you best-practice processes for communication.

Using this structure does not mean your essays and responses will be the same as other students because it is designed to help you create unique essays that are completely authentic to your individual identity and experiences.

If you’re serious about getting into Waterloo Engineering and reaching your fullest post-secondary potential, connect with a coach. It’s never too early to receive coaching.

For more information about Waterloo Engineering, check out this free Waterloo Engineering Program Guide and check out our Waterloo Playlist on YouTube (don’t forget to subscribe for the latest and greatest!).

Table of Contents 

1. The Admissions Information Form (AIF): Component overview; Optional vs. required essays, and More.
2. AIF Section 1, About You Part A: Section overview; Questions 1-6 breakdown; Essay examples and templates; and More. 
3. AIF Section 2, Engineering: Section overview; Questions 1-6 breakdown; Essay examples and templates; and More.
4. Video Interview: How to prepare; Common questions; and More.

2024/2025 Waterloo AIF Example & Video Interview Questions 

The OUAC application deadline for Waterloo Computer Science is January 15, 2025. 

The deadline for the AIF (and all other required documents) is January 31, 2025 at 11:59pm EST.

The Waterloo Engineering Applicant Admissions Form (AIF) is a required online form (in addition to your video interview, which we’ll discuss below). 

REMEMBER: Access your Waterloo Engineering AIF template here. It will help you write unique and memorable essays (keep reading for breakdowns and examples for each question).

In the AIF, you’ll be asked to fill out questions that tell the admissions committee more about you beyond your grades, like your background, interest in the program, prior education, interests, goals, and more. 

The Waterloo Engineering AIF has four main components:

• About You: Part A
• Engineering

The admissions committee looks at 4 factors when evaluating your application:

1. Admission Average
2. Adjustment Factor
3. Admissions Information Form (AIF)
4. Video Interview

Each applicant gets one score across these factors, and then the total of the 4 scores becomes the applicant’s admission score.

Here’s an example:

As shown above, your AIF and video interview account for 50% of your overall evaluation.

Put simply, they are the difference makers for acceptance and rejection.

You can get the highest grades in the world, but if you don’t put in the time to write a standout AIF and strategically prepare for the video interview, then you might not get into your dream program.

How can you do this? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. 🙂

Keep reading below for tips, strategies, possible questions, and more for both the written and the video questions.

If you have questions about this year’s application and need help taking your AIF and video interview to the next level, connect with a coach to get started. 

You Might Also Like

Program Guide

Waterloo Engineering: The Definitive Guide for Applicants (2024)

Whether you’re applying to Waterloo Engineering or simply interested in learning about the program, this guide is for you.  As…  Read more

Waterloo Engineering AIF Example – Section 1: About You

This section asks you to describe something you’re passionate about, your community involvement, your goals at Waterloo, and more.

Here are the questions: 

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 1, QUESTION 1 (REQUIRED ESSAY) – Passion/Strong Interest

“Tell us about a passion or strong interest of yours. How [and when] did you become involved in this interest [and for how long have you been involved]? What have you learned about yourself from this interest? How will you apply this knowledge as a student at the University of Waterloo? (900-character limit)”

Waterloo Eng AIF Breakdown – Passion/Strong Interest

This question is designed to uncover your authentic interests and demonstrate how they shape who you are as an individual. It’s not just about listing a hobby or passion—it’s about painting a picture of how that passion has influenced your character, skills, and future aspirations. Most applicants might simply state their involvement in a popular hobby, but Waterloo wants more than that. They’re looking for insight into your unique journey with this interest, what it has taught you about yourself, and how those lessons will translate into your life as a university student.

To stand out, choose a passion that genuinely reflects your individuality. If you enjoy taking things apart and understanding how they work, for example, don’t just say you love electronics because you want to build hardware. Instead, delve into what first sparked your interest in tinkering. Was it the feeling you got when you first fixed your parent’s toaster, the creativity of building something new from the components of other devices, or the collaborative aspects of working on a project with friends? Describe when you started, how you’ve grown, and significant moments that solidified this interest.

Next, focus on what you’ve discovered about yourself through this pursuit. Maybe breaking things into their component parts taught you structured problem-solving, resilience through failure and things not working properly on the first, second, or tenth try, or creativity when coming up with ideas for how you can use other people’s waste productively. These insights show your ability to learn and grow, traits valued at Waterloo.

Finally, connect this passion to your potential contributions as a student. How will your experience and the lessons learned shape your approach at Waterloo? Perhaps your passion drives you to seek out collaborative research, participate in robotics competitions, or offer your services to the community to help them with broken items that can be reused instead of thrown away. Show that your passion isn’t isolated from your academic life but an integral part of how you engage, contribute, and innovate within the university community.

Luckily, you’ve already got a head start on this response by completing Youthfully’s Student Identity Blueprint. If you haven’t completed your Blueprint yet, connect with a coach now.

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Passion/Strong Interest

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy within the doc).

REMEMBER: There is a 900-character limit for this answer.

REMEMBER: Highlight something you’re passionate about here, but don’t panic if you feel like you can’t get into a huge amount of detail about your passion for Engineering. You’ll have plenty of opportunity in the video interview. 

COACH’S TIP: Don’t worry about writing complete sentences at first. Just write 2-3 bullet points under each section, just to get your ideas down. You can edit and perfect your answers later. If you’d like some more tips about writing these essays, check out our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide.

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Passion/Interest

Here’s an example of how to answer this question.

REMEMBER: All the essay examples in this guide are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy. Why? First and foremost, this is plagiarism and is a serious offense. Plagiarizing these essays will result in immediate disqualification from the admissions process. This can be easily detected using technology and application reviewers are usually trained and/or able to spot when an application isn’t original and does not align with an applicant’s background, personality, values, etc.

Hook
The day my Buzz Lightyear broke was bittersweet.

Context
Although I lost my favourite toy, that moment sparked my fascination with how things work beyond the surface level. I took Buzz apart to understand what went wrong, which was the first step towards starting a community repair business in high school, fixing everything from alarm clocks to kitchen appliances.

Catalyst
A defining moment came when I repaired a POS system for a local shop. The challenge pushed me to do technical research and think creatively about unique solutions. After days of effort, seeing the screen light up confirmed my growing technical skills – I was over the moon!

Outcome
These experiences helped grow my business, earning over $10,000. On my company’s third anniversary, I decided to donate 75% of the profits to a charity providing devices to students in need. This taught me the importance of applying innovation and entrepreneurial thinking to real-world problems and supporting your community.

Reflection
Looking back on this experience, I learned that engineering requires persistence, problem-solving, and curiosity. At Waterloo, I’ll bring these qualities to team projects and co-ops, aiming to drive innovation and creative problem-solving.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 1, QUESTION 2 (REQUIRED ESSAY) – Community Involvement

“Briefly describe a group, organization, or community that you have been involved in, are a member of, and/or have contributed to. What contributions have you made as a member of this group? Were you able to lead, influence others and/or influence decisions for the good of the group and its goals? How has your involvement helped make this community better?”

Waterloo Eng AIF Breakdown – Community Involvement

This question is designed to help the University of Waterloo admissions committee understand your commitment to collaboration and the impact you’ve made within a group or community. It may seem simple, but it’s worded this way intentionally. Most applicants will describe a club or team and list basic activities, but Waterloo wants to see those who show real leadership and meaningful contributions.

You should highlight times when you went beyond participating and actively contributed to the group’s success. This could be initiatives you led, responsibilities you took on, or ways you helped guide others. If you influenced decisions or motivated peers, make sure to describe these moments in detail. Waterloo is looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your positive impact and authentic leadership.

The last part of the question asks for your reflection. Share what you learned about yourself and how this shaped your character or skills. Emphasize qualities like resilience, empathy, or strategic thinking and explain how you’ll apply these at Waterloo. If you’re unsure which experiences best highlight your strengths or need help refining your response, connect with a coach who can guide you to make your story stand out.

COACH TIP: Identify a group or community where your actions led to a tangible outcome. This doesn’t have to be limited to formal clubs—it could be a volunteer group, a family business, or even a social cause. Remember, your story should emphasize your unique role and growth. Need help finding or shaping your best examples? A coach can work with you to craft responses that showcase your true impact and align with what Waterloo is looking for. Connect with us today to strengthen your application and maximize your chances of success.

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Community Involvement

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy within the doc).

REMEMBER: There is a 900-character limit for this answer.

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Community Involvement

REMEMBER: All of the examples in this guide are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy. Why? First and foremost, this is plagiarism and is a serious offence. Plagiarizing these essays will result in immediate disqualification from the admissions process. This can be easily detected using technology and application reviewers are usually trained and/or able to spot when an application isn’t original and does not align with an applicant’s background, personality, values, etc.

Here’s an example of how this section might look:

Hook: Jeeves3PO is the greatest robot of all time.

Context: In grade 10, I joined my school’s robotics team. Driven by my fascination with technology, it became a place to learn and collaborate with peers.

Catalyst: In my second year, we competed at the provincial level. We spent hours reviewing requirements, designing, and testing prototypes. I also took on the responsibility of mentoring new members.

Outcome: Jeeves3PO narrowly won the final challenge, excelling in the speed test and edging out a dexterity challenge in a nail-biting finish. I was proud of the younger team members I’d mentored who played key roles in our success.

Reflection: Initially, I was nervous about managing new members, but the trust placed in me built my leadership skills. I learned how to guide a team and communicate effectively. At Waterloo, I’ll apply these skills to collaborative projects, contributing my commitment to innovation and mentorship to enrich the university community.

Do you have a bunch of extracurriculars and you’re not sure which to include? Connect with a coach for help.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 1, QUESTION 3 (REQUIRED ESSAY) – Experience Reflection

“Describe a situation where you were treated unfairly or witnessed someone else being treated unfairly. What did you do at the time and why? Would you do anything differently if the same situation occurred today? Has this event impacted or changed who you are now and if so, how?” 

Waterloo Eng AIF Breakdown – Experience Reflection

This question helps the University of Waterloo admissions committee get a better sense of your character, empathy, and growth. It might seem straightforward: describe a time you experienced or witnessed unfair treatment and your response. But there’s more to it. Many applicants give standard answers, focusing only on the event and their actions. That alone won’t make you stand out.

Waterloo seeks applicants who reflect deeply and show how these moments shaped them. Simply describing an event isn’t enough; they want to see your choices, growth, and lessons learned. Did it change your perspective or approach? Highlighting your insight is key.

Choose a meaningful experience that showcases your values and empathy. Reflect on times when you stood up for others, confronted unfairness, or learned from personal challenges. Be honest about your response and how you’d act differently if needed to show your self-awareness. Vulnerability is your friend with this kind of response.

In the final part (‘Has this experience changed who you are now? If so, how?’), be specific about how it shaped your values or prepared you for university life. This is where you can show how you’ve grown and what you’ll bring to the Waterloo community.

If you’re unsure how to structure this or want to refine your response, connect with a coach. Our coaches can guide you through reflecting on pivotal moments and articulating them effectively to showcase your unique perspective and growth.

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Experience Reflection

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy within the doc).

REMEMBER: There is a 900-character limit for this answer.

COACH’S TIP: Don’t worry about writing complete sentences in your template at first. Just write 2-3 bullet points under each section, just to get your ideas down. You can edit and perfect your answers later. If you’d like some more tips about writing these essays, check out our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide.

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Experience Reflection

REMEMBER: All of the examples in this guide are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy. Why? First and foremost, this is plagiarism and is a serious offence. Plagiarizing these essays will result in immediate disqualification from the admissions process. This can be easily detected using technology and application reviewers are usually trained and/or able to spot when an application isn’t original and does not align with an applicant’s background, personality, values, etc.

Here’s an example of a response to the question. 

Hook: The hardest decision I ever made was choosing between loyalty to a friend and staying true to my values.

Context: In Grade 11, my best friend Matt cheated on a midterm math exam by copying answers from another student. Afterward, he confided in me and begged me not to tell, insisting it was a one-time lapse due to stress.

Catalyst: I was torn between protecting our close friendship and doing the right thing. Cheating felt wrong, undermining our integrity and fairness. After much deliberation, I decided to speak to our teacher privately, knowing I couldn’t ignore what happened.

Outcome: Matt was caught, and he felt betrayed when he found out I’d spoken up. Our friendship was strained, but he eventually admitted he regretted cheating and understood why I acted as I did.

Reflection: This experience taught me that true loyalty means upholding values. At Waterloo, I’ll prioritize integrity, even when it’s difficult.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 1, QUESTION 4 (REQUIRED ESSAY) – Goals at Waterloo

What is your primary goal for attending the University of Waterloo? Have you had any exposure to the field you want to study? If so, how? Did you turn to anyone for advice throughout your decision-making process? If so, who and why? (900 Character Limit)

Waterloo Eng AIF Breakdown – Goals at Waterloo

This question helps the University of Waterloo admissions committee understand your motivations and thought process for choosing their university and your field of study. To stand out, avoid generic responses about Waterloo’s reputation; instead, focus on what specifically drives you to pursue this path and how Waterloo aligns with your goals.

Start by clearly defining your main objective for attending Waterloo. Show that you’ve thought beyond just academics—consider how experiences like co-op opportunities, unique courses, specific professors, or campus culture align with your vision for the future. Highlight exposure you’ve had to your chosen field, whether through coursework, projects, clubs, or internships, to demonstrate your genuine interest and preparation.

Discuss any mentors or resources you turned to for advice during your decision-making process, explaining how they influenced your path. This detail shows that you actively sought insight and weighed your options thoughtfully.

Tie your response back to Waterloo’s specific offerings to show that you’re making an informed choice. Think of details that make your story uniquely yours, illustrating your passion and preparedness. If you’re unsure how to identify key experiences or structure your response effectively, connecting with a coach can be a game-changer.

COACH TIP: Your response should weave together your goal, field exposure, and sources of advice seamlessly. Don’t hesitate to show your authentic journey and personal voice. If you’re struggling to balance detail and character limits or need guidance finding your strongest experiences, start by completing the Student Identity Blueprint. If you still need a hand, we’ve got your back!

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Goals at Waterloo

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy within the doc).

REMEMBER: There is a 900-character limit for this answer.

COACH’S TIP: Don’t worry about writing complete sentences in your template at first. Just write 2-3 bullet points under each section, just to get your ideas down. You can edit and perfect your answers later. If you’d like some more tips about writing these essays, check out our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide.

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Goals at Waterloo

REMEMBER: All of the examples in this guide are EXAMPLES ONLY and are NOT meant for you to copy. Why? First and foremost, this is plagiarism and is a serious offence. Plagiarizing these essays will result in immediate disqualification from the admissions process. This can be easily detected using technology and application reviewers are usually trained and/or able to spot when an application isn’t original and does not align with an applicant’s background, personality, values, etc.

Here’s an example of what this section might look like:

Hook: My main goal for attending the University of Waterloo is to leverage its renowned co-op program to bridge my passion for engineering and real-world problem-solving.

Context: I first discovered my love for engineering during a summer camp in Grade 8, where I built my first working model of a robotic arm. Since then, I have participated in my school’s STEM club and enrolled in advanced physics and math courses to deepen my understanding.

Catalyst: To guide my decision, I consulted my high school physics teacher, who graduated from Waterloo Engineering. He shared how the program’s hands-on projects and co-op opportunities were pivotal in preparing him for a successful career. His advice highlighted how Waterloo’s blend of academics and practical experience would be invaluable for my goals.

Outcome: His insights solidified my choice, aligning with my ambition to gain practical skills and industry connections.

Reflection: At Waterloo, I aim to grow through collaborative projects and co-op placements, equipping myself to make a tangible impact in the engineering field.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING SECTION 1, QUESTION 5 (REQUIRED LIST) – Outside the Classroom

List what you’ve been involved in outside the classroom during the past 12 months (required list). You’ll need to provide a 30-character description, the dates of your involvement, and how much time you’ve committed to each activity.

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Outside the Classroom

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy within the doc).

WATERLOO ENGINEERING SECTION 1, QUESTION 6 (REQUIRED LIST) – Special Achievements, Distinctions, and Awards

If you have received any academic or non-academic awards or distinctions, please list them below. Please provide the Size of Competition if you know how many people participated.

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Special Achievements, Distinctions, and Awards

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a copy).

Enter your special achievements/awards/distinctions in reverse chronological order (i.e. your older experiences at the bottom, and your most recent at the top. 

Fill in these components: 

• Award Type (i.e. academic or non-academic)
• Award, honour, or distinction type/name (254 characters with spaces)
• Year you received it
• Size of the competition (i.e. how many people you competed against/how big the applicant pool was)

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Special Achievements, Distinctions, and Awards 

Here’s a Waterloo Engineering Essay Example of what this section might look like:

Stand out with a unique AIF & interview.

get a youth coach™

Alex

Waterloo Eng
Expert

IMPORTANT: This section of the Waterloo AIF is for Engineering applicants only.

Waterloo AIF Example – Section 2: Engineering 

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 2, QUESTION 1 (YES/NO) – COURSES NOT TAKEN AT YOUR REGULAR DAY SCHOOL

Have you or will you complete any of your Grade 12 courses outside your normal day school?

This is a simple Yes/No question.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 2, QUESTION 2 (OPTIONAL ESSAY) – Courses Not Taken At Your Regular Day School

List any courses taken outside your normal day school and provide a reason for why you chose to take this course outside your normal day school. (900 character limit)

Waterloo Eng AIF Essay Question Breakdown – Courses Not Taken at Your Regular Day School

This essay does not need to be extremely detailed, but it is meant to provide the admissions committee with a brief explanation about courses you’ve completed outside of regular school and why.

Answer these questions in your essay:

• What was the course?
• When did you take this course?
• Why did you take this course?
• What was the outcome?
• How will it help you at Waterloo (optional)?

Do this for every course that falls into this category, making a separate paragraph for each.

Waterloo Eng AIF Template – Courses Not Taken at Your Regular Day School

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy within the doc).

If you enrolled in “Night School”, “Summer School”, “Saturday School”, or “Distance Education/Online” for any of your courses, explain why you took those courses here. 

Here’s a template so you can write bullet points under “Course Name” and “Explanation” for each course, and then use that to easily create an essay afterwards. 

Do this for every course that falls into this category.

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Courses Not Taken at Your Regular Day School

Hook:
Life really knows how to pick its moments. Although my academics are incredibly important to me, my family comes first.

Context:
During the second semester of Grade 11, my mother was undergoing cancer treatment, and I took on significant caregiving responsibilities at home. Initially, I pushed to take on my new duties without changing anything at school. Eventually, my counsellor called me in and suggested a reduced course load, knowing I was struggling to balance it all.

Catalyst:
To stay on track academically, I chose to drop chemistry at school and take it over the summer when my grandparents were able to come and provide some support to our family. This allowed me to dedicate focused time to learning without the same pressures of caregiving I had months before.

Outcome:
Through the summer course, I was able to successfully complete the course, which enabled me to maintain my academic path and gain a strong foundation in chemistry, an essential subject for engineering. Fortunately, my mom also went into remission and remains clear of cancer.

Reflection:
Life presents many situations to challenge yourself mentally and physically. However, other challenges aren’t planned, which has taught me adaptability and resilience, how to prioritize, and the importance of gratitude. Although I’m proud of being able to support my family and find a way to achieve my academic goals, it also took support from my family and a hard conversation with my counsellor to make this possible.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 2, QUESTION 3 (YES/NO) – Repeated Courses

Have you or will you repeat any of your Grade 12 courses?

This is a simple Yes/No question.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 2, QUESTION 4 (OPTIONAL ESSAY) – Repeated Courses

Please list all repeated courses, including course name/course code, where the repeated course was taken, and why the course was repeated. (900 character limit)

Waterloo Eng AIF Essay Question Breakdown – Repeated Courses

This essay does not need to be extremely detailed, but it is meant to provide the admissions committee with a brief explanation about courses you’ve had to redo and why.

Answer these questions in your essay:

• What was the course?
• When did you take this course?
• Why did you have to take this course again?
• What was the outcome?

Do this for every course that falls into this category, making a separate paragraph for each.

Waterloo Eng AIF Essay Template – Repeated Courses

Get started on your template here (Click File > Make a Copy).

If you took a class again, like Grade 12 Math or English, explain why you did that here. 

REMEMBER: If you repeat a required course, Waterloo will either take the original grade OR the new grade, and then deduct 5 points off that. For example, if you got an 80 the first time you took Grade 12 Math and then you took it again and got a 90, Waterloo will record it as an 85. If it is not a required course, there will be no adjustment. 

Use this template for every course that falls into this category.

• Course name (<5 words): 
  • List the full course name and the course code.
• When You Took It (<10 words): 
  • Write when you took the course.
• Why Did You Take The Course Again? (<40 words): 
  • Explain the circumstances that caused you to retake the course.
• What Was the Outcome? (<45 words):
  • Talk about what happened when you took it again (i.e. whether you passed/failed taking it again, the grade you got when you retook it, etc.)

You can write bullet points under each of these components, then simply remove the bullets to create complete sentences when you’re done.

Waterloo Eng AIF Example – Repeated Courses

Here’s a Waterloo essay example of this question using the template:

• Course name (<5 words): 
  • I retook Grade 12 English – ENG4U
• When You Took It (<10 words): 
  • I took the course in the first semester of Grade 12
• Why Did You Take The Course Again? (<40 words): 
  • After getting into a serious car accident, my grades fell sharply. Therefore, once I’d progressed in my recovery, I retook the course to improve and perform as I would have if the accident hadn’t happened.
  • My initial attempt at ENG4U was 15% lower than my second attempt and I knew if I had the chance I’d improve significantly.
• What Was the Outcome? (<45 words):
  • After completing ENG4U for the second time, my grade went from 78% to 93%, which improved upon my Grade 11 grade by 10%.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 2, QUESTION 5 (YES/NO) – Scholarship Knowledge

Do you want to be automatically considered for an entrance scholarship and or are you an applicant to the Software Engineering Program?

If you wish to be considered for entrance scholarships or are an applicant to Software Engineering, you are required to complete an online interview delivered by Kira Talent. The interview will allow us to assess your programming knowledge and get to know you better.  If you have any questions, please contact enginfo@uwaterloo.ca.

This is a simple Yes/No question.

WATERLOO ENGINEERING AIF SECTION 2, QUESTION 6 (CHOOSE FROM LIST) – Alternative Program Choice

If we are unable to offer you a place in your first-choice Engineering program, we may be able to consider you for an alternate Engineering program (you’ll be prompted to follow a link to make a selection on your Quest account). 

You Might Also Like

Rankings & Lists

Best Engineering Schools in Canada 2024/2025 (Undergraduate Programs)

Want to learn what the best universities in Canada for Engineering are? You’ve come to the right place.  We know…  Read more

Find the mentor you’ve been looking for.

learn more

Waterloo Engineering Interview 

Great job! You’ve finished Waterloo’s AIF! Now it’s time to focus on the video interview. 

For support on the University of Waterloo Engineering Interview, connect with a coach.

Waterloo Engineering Interview Questions – Breakdown

The Waterloo Engineering video interview is technically optional, but we HIGHLY recommend you complete it because it counts for 3 points of your overall application. 

This interview has 2 questions.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect for your video interview:

• It’s done in a separate video interview platform, where you can take practice questions to get the hang of the system. You’ll get an email from this platform asking you to check in.
• Takes 30-60 minutes to complete the entire assessment process.
• Starts with a Welcome video that you must watch, and then you Register (add name, photo, and email address), then test your camera, microphone, and browser.
• You get 2 practice questions so you can get more familiar with the platform.
• 1 video question, with 30-60 seconds of prep time and then 60-90 seconds to give your final answer
• 1 written with a 150-word limit and ~10 minutes to complete your response.

Over the years, we’ve noticed that the Waterloo Engineering video interview questions can generally be split up into 2 categories: Personal Questions and Creative/Problem-Solving Questions.

Waterloo Engineering Interview – Question 1: Personal Questions

Question 1 will almost always be a personal question, where you’ll be asked to tell the admissions committee some information about you, like your skills, interests, goals for the future, experiences you’ve had, etc.

COACH’S TIP: For Personal Questions like these, we recommend using storytelling to help make your answers more unique, memorable, and authentic. Check out our Narrative Communication Approach™ Guide to learn more. 

While you won’t know the exact questions until you start the video interview, there are a few common Personal Questions we’ve seen over the years:

Not sure how to approach and answer these questions? Check out our Interview Prep Skills Guide, where we break down exactly how to give unique and memorable answers to these types of questions.

Need more help? Connect with a coach to improve your communication skills, think about possible questions and how you’ll answer them, and do mock interviews. We guarantee this preparation will give you the confidence you need to pull off a truly outstanding video interview. 

Waterloo Engineering Interview – Personal Question Example

Here’s a sample response to the Personal Question: “Who is somebody you consider a role model, and why?”:

Waterloo Engineering Interview – Question 2: Creative/Problem-Solving Questions

The second question will almost always be a creative/problem-based question, and it will be EITHER a video OR written question.

There are 3 general types of questions you could be asked for Question 2:

• A position question: They will give you a statement, and ask if you agree or disagree. Always pick one side and then justify.
• A personal preference question: This is similar to the position questions, but your own experiences should drive your answers. 
• A deductive reasoning question: They give you a problem to solve, and you must use deductive reasoning to come to a conclusion.  

We know that these questions can seem overwhelming. Learn more about how to approach problem-solving questions in our Interview Prep Guide.

Since you won’t know if the second question is a written or video response, practice questions should be done in both formats so you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Also, make sure you have a pen and paper handy so you can jot down notes just in case you get a written question.

COACH’S TIP: If you get a problem solving question, we highly suggest structuring your answer using our Deductive Communication Approach. This communication approach is especially designed for problem-based questions and it will help you provide a logical and structured answer that is backed up by solid evidence and learning outcomes.

REMEMBER: If the question is written, DO NOT copy and paste your answer from a document like Word or Google Docs. The external video platform has partnered with an anti-plagiarism company, and if they see that you’ve copied and pasted your answer and you’ve answered it really quickly, they could interpret this as plagiarism (even if you wrote the answer yourself somewhere else). If you have notes in a separate document, make sure you wait out the entire time of the question.

Here are some examples of Creative/Problem-Solving Questions we’ve seen for Question 2: 

Waterloo Engineering Interview Questions – Creative/Problem Solving Question Example

Here’s a sample answer to the Creative/Problem Solving Question: “Grades are the most important factor in evaluating students. Agree or disagree.”

Waterloo Engineering Interview Questions – Themes

Since you don’t know the questions until you’re doing the interview for real, it helps to think generally about a few themes and ideas that you can use across various types of questions. 

Then, as you’re completing your written and video responses, you can use these as talking points to easily come up with an answer.

Here are a themes to get you started:

WATERLOO ENGINEERING

This is probably the most important theme you should focus on. In your answers, you need to be able to specifically communicate why you want to attend Waterloo Engineering. It sounds obvious, but a lot of students actually have no idea.

Make sure to do lots of research and use it in your answer. The more depth to your research, the more differentiated your answer will be. In all of your answers, make sure you have a statement (or a ‘pitch’) at the end of each answer that shows exactly why you are the perfect fit for Waterloo and how you would add value to their program as a student. You should also be very familiar with the program, streams and specializations, courses, professors, and resources offered.

Finally, look into the extracurricular activities and groups that make Waterloo Engineering unique. Even though you might not be asked about them directly, expressing an interest in these programs that the university funds can go a long way.

ENGINEERING

You should easily be able to answer the question: “Why engineering?” You need to go beyond obvious answers like, “I’m good at math” or “I’ll be able to get a good job when I graduate.”

Relate your interest in business to a particular passion you have, like software engineering and sustainability or 3D printing techonology.

When thinking about your interest in engineering, take the time to understand what is personally appealing about it (and how it relates to Waterloo). This way, during the interview you’ll be able to show exactly why you’re there and what you hope to get out of the program — and this self-awareness will really set you apart from other applicants. 

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

It is very likely that there will be a question that will ask you to provide more information about yourself. This can include an experience you’ve had, how you developed your interest in Engineering, your skills, your educational/career goals, and/or challenges you’ve faced and overcome.

The most important thing is to make sure you’re authentic and truthful. You also want to take the time to think about how your experiences have shaped who you are, as well as what you value and the vision you have for the future. Come up with 3-4 skills you have, like time management, leadership, and problem solving, that you want to work into your answers. In other words, you want to show that you have self-awareness.

If you aren’t sure how to prepare for this theme, complete our Student Identity Blueprint™ or connect with a coach to get started.

COMMUNITY

Waterloo wants students who are actively involved in the community, not just because it shows commitment, selflessness, and passion, but also because it highlights time management, leadership, and responsibility.

Make sure you have 1 or 2 examples of how you have been involved in your community and emphasize the impact you had by being involved. Finally, provide some insight about how this changed you as a person and contributed to developing your interest in engineering (if applicable). 

CONFLICT

There is often a question about how you have dealt with conflict, like during a group project or as a member of a team. When answering these types of questions, don’t just focus on the problem, but more so the resolution or lessons learned. 

The point of conflict questions is so that the admissions committee can see how your experiences, accomplishments, skills, and values contribute to the way you view and interact with the world.

TEAM WORK

In addition to conflict in team settings, a lot of the time there are questions about how you have worked in a team effectively. Once again, make sure you have specific examples to clearly define how you succeed in the team, and not just the team’s success. McMater wants to make sure that every student they admit to the program will be a valuable member of their own community, so positive and inclusive interaction with others is key for these types of questions.

TIME MANAGEMENT

There are questions that are really just structured around seeing how you handle pressure and manage your time. Be sure to really explain why the example you are giving is a good example of how you can manage your time and operate under stressful situations. 

As mentioned above, it’s important for questions like this to be truthful. Don’t say “I am NEVER late for anything!” or “I’ve never given something less than 100% when I ran out of time.” This just isn’t true (for anyone!). Instead, be honest and talk about what lessons you learned because of these situations. For example, you could say that you learned that taking on too many projects meant that they weren’t being completed properly, so now you focus on quality not quantity when choosing projects to take on.

ACHIEVEMENT

This is an opportunity for you to discuss something you have achieved. For this, try to think of something that is differentiated and you can really explain how you achieved it, and why that achievement will help you at Waterloo.

If you want to learn how you can align these themes to your unique interests and experiences, connect with a coach now.

You Might Also Like

Skills Training

Interview Prep: How to Ace Student Admission, Job, and Scholarship Interviews

Even though you’ll do dozens of interviews during the course of your academic and professional career, you’ve probably had no…  Read more

Waterloo Engineering Video Interview – Prep Tips

Many students ask us for tips for preparing for the the Waterloo Engineering video interview.

Here are the ones we think will help you the most for the video and written questions:

TIP #1: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

It can seem really scary to see yourself talking on screen and worrying about how you are coming across to the admissions committee.

Open up your camera and practice answering some of the Sample Questions listed below. Recording yourself will help you get the hang of things and get comfortable with seeing yourself on camera.

If you want to take your prep to the next level, work 1-on-1 with a coach and do some mock interviews so you know exactly what to do when you’re recording your answers for real.

TIP #2: ALWAYS ANSWER THE ENTIRE QUESTION 

It seems silly, but it is common to get off track and later realize you didn’t answer the question. 

Break down each part of the question into smaller components, and address each one as you move through your answer. If you’re working on a written question, take some time at the end while you’re proofreading to make sure you’ve answered everything. 

TIP #3: TAKE YOUR TIME

Sometimes when you know you have a limited amount of time you might speed through everything like a mad race against the clock. 

For the video questions, remember to take a breath and pause between your sentences to allow the reviewer time to process what you said. Focus on speaking clearly and slowly. 

TIP #4: TELL IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT YOU

Remember that every answer you give should tell the interviewer something about you that boosts your application, even if the question isn’t about you. 

Highlight your skills and experiences, show that you have thought about goals, and use the questions to help the admissions committee learn more about you. You’re going to be a great addition to their program — tell them how!

TIP #5: BE CONCISE 

Your answers should be clear and to the point, leaving out unnecessary information.

In the video questions, you don’t want to ramble — get to the point and be clear, providing clear examples and specific points that fully answer the question. Get rid of information that is repetitive or doesn’t add value. It is better to have a short, concise answer than a convoluted answer that is redundant and possibly unfocused. 

TIP #6: BE PROFESSIONAL (BUT ALSO HAVE FUN!)

When preparing for your video questions make sure that you come across as a young professional with something special to offer the program. How can you do this? 

• Dress professionally
• Make sure the background behind your camera is empty
• Go somewhere that is quiet and free from distractions
• Sit up straight
• Maintain eye contact with the camera the entire time

While it’s important to be professional, it’s also important to have fun with these questions. The admissions committee wants to admit unique people who have a shining personality and the experiences to match. Show them who you are and be yourself.

TIP #7: DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF

The admissions committee reviews thousands of applications. You’ll never stand out if your answers are the same as everyone else’s, so come up with answers that are unique. 

For example, if there’s a question that asks “Describe a time when you had to adapt” don’t simply talk about how COVID made everything more difficult. Instead, you can talk about an experience where you took on a challenge and tried something that hadn’t been done before. Then, shift the question into talking about your successes and what you learned from the experience.  

If you would like more tips to help you prepare, as well as the chance to up your game and do some mock video/written questions, connect with a coach today. Our coaches have helped hundreds of students conquer their video interview questions and achieve admissions success! 

You’ve Got a Dedicated Coach in Your Corner

For over a decade, we have worked with thousands of students to help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Our coaches have a strong success rate supporting students as they apply to Waterloo Engineering, among other top university programs.

Our 1-on-1 Youth Coaching fills that gap that most high schools miss. We can help you build self-awareness through probing questions and assessments, set bigger goals to elevate your extracurriculars and future career plans, and improve skills that matter on supplementary applications, such as interviewing, written communication, critical thinking, and creativity.

We use a coaching methodology, called ‘full student’ development, that’s been proven to increase your chances of admission to top-tier universities and obtaining competitive jobs/internships.

So, what are you waiting for? Fulfill your post-secondary potential with the mentorship and coaching you’ve always wanted!

IMPORTANT: Want to share information and/or images from this resource on your own website, blog, article, etc.? Please ensure you reference content of any kind published by Youthfully Inc., in whole or in part, using the following statement: (1) Our Organization (Youthfully Inc.); (2) The title of our content/resource; and (3) the URL to our webpage where the content was originally posted. For example: “Sourced from: Youthfully Inc., ‘Waterloo Engineering Interview Questions & AIF Examples 2023/2024’, https://youthfully.com/waterloo-engineering-essay-examples-video-interview-questions/.”

Not doing so is an infringement of copyright and is illegal. We spend significant time developing resources for students, so please take a few seconds to ensure they are referenced properly.

DISCLAIMER: While the information in this blog is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, and although our team makes every attempt to ensure that the information is accurate and vetted by university staff, Youthfully is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored or in any way interpreted and used by a user.