So You Wanna Study Abroad, Do You? (Ep.3)

Choosing the Right University for You – US & Canada

Once again, I’m honored to have a very special guest joining us from the land of maple syrup and beavers: Ontario, Canada.

Batu Atakan is a close friend from high school who is now studying Computer Science at the University of Waterloo. Throughout high school, I watched him navigate one of the most demanding university application journeys I’ve seen, applying to universities across different countries, each with its own admissions system.

One of the biggest differences in US-centered applications is the importance of essays and personal statements. I remember the countless days and nights spent writing, rewriting, and refining application essays. That process alone is almost a full-time commitment.

This interview is especially relevant for anyone considering applying to universities in the US or Canada, where admissions often extend far beyond grades.

Let's jump straight into it.

1. Context

Who are you, what is your background, and what are you studying right now?

"I am Batu Atakan, a robotics and coding enthusiast studying Computer Science at the University of Waterloo."

When you were applying to universities, what was your main mindset?

"Prestige was a factor, but my main focus was job opportunities, career security, and choosing a school that would prepare me well for the future."

How early did you start thinking about university applications?

"I started thinking about it quite early, around the time I was applying to high school."

2. Choosing Where to Apply

What were your main criteria when deciding where to apply?

"Since I wanted to study Computer Science or Software Engineering, I mainly focused on strong programs in the US and Canada with good job placement, reputation, and internship opportunities."

How did people around you and their opinions shape your decision?

"People around me helped me think more realistically about things like cost, reputation, location, and career outcomes, but the final decision was still mine."

How important were essays and extracurricular storytelling in the application process?

"For US applications especially, they were very important. Strong grades alone are not enough, so explaining your activities, leadership, and goals clearly matters a lot."

Was it worth applying to many US universities?

"In my case, it definitely was, even though I ended up choosing the University of Waterloo. US admissions are unpredictable, so casting a wider net can be worthwhile—as long as you can maintain the quality of every application."

From your perspective, what was the biggest difference between the US, Canadian, and European application systems?

"The US felt the most holistic, with essays and extracurriculars mattering a lot. Canada felt more program-focused and slightly more predictable. Europe felt more academically structured and requirement-based."

3. The Decision

When you received your offers, how did you compare them, and what ultimately made you choose Waterloo?

"I compared program strength, cost, career opportunities, and long-term value. I chose Waterloo mainly because of its CS reputation, co-op system, and strong connection to the tech industry."

At what point did money become decisive? Was it the biggest constraint?

"Money became more decisive after receiving offers. It wasn't the only factor, but as an international student, cost was definitely one of the biggest constraints."

4. The Waterloo Reality

What is something people often get wrong about Waterloo?

"People sometimes think Waterloo is only about internships and big tech. That culture definitely exists, but there are also many students interested in research, startups, robotics, and building projects. We also socialize and have plenty of fun on campus."

What was your biggest culture shock when you arrived?

"How independent everything felt, and how early people started thinking about internships and careers. The competition is insane compared to anything I'd experienced before."

What is the best and the worst thing about studying at Waterloo?

"The best part is being surrounded by ambitious and highly technical people. The worst part is the pressure and how easy it is to compare yourself to everyone else. It can become mentally exhausting very quickly."

What does a typical day look like for you as a CS student?

"Usually lectures, assignments, studying, and sometimes project or club work. A lot of time goes into debugging and simply keeping up with coursework."

5. Tech Culture & the "Waterloo Pipeline"

Did Waterloo's reputation for sending students to big tech influence your decision?

"Yes, it was definitely one of the reasons I chose Waterloo."

How real is the famous Waterloo → Silicon Valley pipeline?

"It's real, but it isn't automatic. Waterloo gives you access and credibility, but students still have to prepare, apply, interview well, and handle rejection."

Does everyone actually get big tech internships?

"No. A lot of what people see online is survivorship bias. That said, many students really do end up landing incredible internships."

Is the environment collaborative or quietly competitive?

"Both. People are usually willing to help, but there's also a quiet competition because everyone is chasing internships, projects, and career goals."

How early does internship pressure begin?

"Very early—often from first year or even before classes start. In Computer Science our first internship comes after second term, while engineering students begin even earlier."

6. Living in Waterloo

Does living in a smaller city help you focus or does it feel isolating?

"It definitely helps with focus, but it can sometimes feel isolating compared to living in a major city. It really depends on your personality."

Does the campus feel like a bubble?

"Yes. A lot of life revolves around school, internships, and campus. Depending on the time of year, there also isn't always much happening around Waterloo."

Does winter make student life harder?

"Definitely. The cold and shorter days make everything a little harder. You get tired earlier and tend to get sick more often."

7. Distance From Home

Is studying this far from home harder than you expected?

"In some ways, yes. You miss your family, familiar routines, and the comfort of home. But over time, your new environment slowly starts feeling like home as well."

Does the distance change how you experience university life?

"Absolutely. University becomes both an academic and personal transition. Friendships become much more important because you're rebuilding the support system you once had back home."

8. Reflection

What kind of student thrives at Waterloo?

"Someone who is independent, disciplined, career-focused, and willing to take initiative. More importantly, someone who sees people doing better than them as motivation to improve rather than a reason to give up."

Looking back, was this the right decision?

"Definitely. I would absolutely make the same choice again."

What advice would you give students considering Canadian universities?

"Research the specific program, not just the university's name. Think carefully about cost, co-op opportunities, location, and career outcomes. That's true everywhere, but Canada has so many strong universities that it's easier than people think to find one that fits."

Final Thoughts

After conversations spanning three different continents, I'm beginning to notice recurring themes. At the same time, every person's experience is shaped by a unique combination of country, university, city, and personal priorities.

One point Batu makes that really stands out is that choosing a university is about much more than rankings. The next few years of your life will be shaped not only by what you study, but also by where you live, who surrounds you, and what opportunities you have access to.

I'd also like to offer another perspective: perhaps the "perfect" university doesn't exist. At some point, we simply have to make a decision and commit to it. Even if you later realize it wasn't the ideal choice, that experience itself becomes valuable.

To me, that's one of the most fascinating aspects of studying abroad. It bursts your comfort bubble in an incredibly aggressive way, forcing you to discover who you are, become independent, and grow in ways that are difficult to replicate anywhere else.

See you in the next episode.