Ontario's university admissions process is less mysterious than it feels — but the details matter, and misunderstanding them costs students offers every year.
Here's how the core of it actually works, without the rumours.
- Admission averages come from your best six Grade 12 U/M courses — your "Top 6".
- Required prerequisite marks usually count regardless, so they carry extra weight.
- Competitive programs scrutinize prerequisites like MCV4U, SCH4U, SBI4U and SPH4U.
- Protect prerequisite marks first; don't forget ENG4U is near-universal.
Your admission average is built from six courses
Most Ontario universities calculate your admission average from your best six Grade 12 U (university-preparation) or M (university/college) courses. That average — your "Top 6" — is the number programs compare you on.
Crucially, required prerequisite courses are usually included whether or not they're among your strongest. So if a program requires Calculus and Vectors, your MCV4U mark counts even if it's not in your best six.
Prerequisites are where a few marks decide everything
Competitive programs require specific courses and look closely at them. Life-science and health programs lean on SCH4U Chemistry and SBI4U Biology; engineering and math programs require MCV4U Calculus & Vectors, often alongside MHF4U Advanced Functions and SPH4U Physics.
Because these prerequisite marks are non-negotiable, they carry outsized weight. A strong Top 6 average with a weak required course can still close doors at the most selective programs.
Where to actually put your energy
Protect your prerequisite marks first — they're the ones you can't drop. Then build a Top 6 that plays to your strengths while meeting every program requirement you care about. And remember that English (ENG4U) is a near-universal requirement, so it belongs on the priority list even for STEM applicants. You can confirm each program's exact requirements through Ontario Universities' Info, and applications themselves run through OUAC.
If a prerequisite course is the one giving you trouble, that's the highest-leverage place to get help. A free consultation is a good way to figure out where your energy will pay off most before the school year gets away from you.