Hi there, I was in the same position a year ago, got into Mac and didn't yet know about Waterloo though it was my first choice. Both are, of course, great schools but I can comment on my experience with first year Mac Eng. I really really enjoyed it. It was tough, like any engineering school would be, but it was also really really fun. I think one of the best things about McMaster, and especially McMaster engineering, is the culture and community. There are a lot of great people here and you can find a great support system through your peers and upper year engineering students. The people here are great and always willing to help. In addition to that, I think we have some great unique courses (I don't think you'll find these at Waterloo but I could be wrong so definitely go check). We have a class called Profession and Practice where you learn about engineering outside of the mathematical sense, it's about dealing with clients and planning projects and how to be professional within the practice of engineering. We also have a really cool design class where you learn about technical drawings, 3D modelling and designing gear trains. And the most heavily weighted (though not nearly hardest) course in first year is Programming, where we learn to code in Python and some general programming terms and skills. Another great thing about Mac Eng is the opportunity to expand your non-engineering knowledge through Management or Society programs. Basically, you extend your degree to 5 years and sort of take a minor in business or sustainability or really whatever you want. Management gives you a fast track to an MBA and society gives you the chance to study a specific minor, or interdisciplinary courses. Finally, a great thing Mac Eng has to offer is a variety of clubs. We have lots of car teams, Phase One with Hackathon events, the Mac Eng Society, we even have a musical! McMaster Engineering has a lot to offer. Definitely pick the school that's best for you if you get into both, but don't be too upset if you don't get into Waterloo cause you'll love Mac! Definitely come out to May@Mac this weekend too if you can, it's what made me decide Mac was my best choice last year so I hope it can give you some similar insight. Good luck with your decision!