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.
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.