Math101 · Independent Ontario learning library
For the full five-university source audit, worked calculations, repeat policies, supplement matrix, and historical-evidence limits, read How Ontario University Admission Averages and “Cutoffs” Really Work.
Required courses come first
If a program requires ENG4U, MHF4U, and MCV4U, you must complete those prerequisites and meet any course minimums. That does not prove that all three enter every university’s admission-average calculation. Find the exact current prerequisite list and the calculation rule.
Here is why “top six” needs a university name attached:
| Institution | Current general Ontario high-school rule located in this review |
|---|---|
| U of T | Applicants present six 4U/M courses including ENG4U and prerequisites. U of T’s public central and faculty guidance should be read for the exact admission category rather than reduced to an uncited universal six-highest formula. U of T Canadian high-school requirements |
| Waterloo | Waterloo defines its admission average as the top six Grade 12 U/M courses including all required courses. Waterloo admission-average calculation |
| McMaster | McMaster requires six 4U/M courses completed or in progress, including program requirements, and directs applicants to its Admissions Tool for the program’s prerequisites and anticipated range. OUInfo McMaster offers · McMaster Admissions Tool |
| Queen’s | Queen’s generally uses prerequisites plus next-best 4U/M courses to total six; Engineering uses its five prerequisites. OUInfo Queen’s offers |
| Western | Western says English is always included, then uses the highest acceptable Grade 12 courses to total six. Other required program courses must be completed but do not necessarily enter the average. Western Ontario high-school requirements |
Then ask:
- how many additional Grade 12 U/M courses complete the admission average
- whether a minimum mark applies to a prerequisite
- whether repeated, summer, night, private, or online courses are treated differently
- whether supplementary forms, interviews, portfolios, or auditions are evaluated
Why Grade 11 marks can appear in early decisions
Before all Grade 12 marks exist, some universities use the academic information available under their published process. Later grades can produce later decisions. An applicant not receiving an early offer has not automatically been rejected.
OUInfo’s current comparison says U of T, Queen’s, and Western consider Grade 11 marks; Waterloo does so case-by-case; and McMaster says no. McMaster’s own Ontario-applicant page identifies Midwifery as its exception. Western says it reviews Ontario applicants in every offer round using the combination of Grade 11 and/or Grade 12 marks available at the time. OUInfo Quick Compare · McMaster Ontario high-school applicants · Western admission-decision timing
Offers are usually conditional
Read the actual offer. Conditions may include the OSSD, required final average, prerequisite minimums, program documents, or a deadline. Calculate the risk course by course; do not assume an unofficial rounded estimate is enough.
Why reported cutoffs vary
A self-reported average may omit a prerequisite, use a different set of six courses, come from a different applicant category, or include supplementary evaluation. Capacity and applicant strength can also change from year to year.
Do Grade 9 and 10 marks count for Ontario university admission?
They are generally not the senior admission grades used for direct-entry program decisions, but they build the prerequisites and knowledge needed for Grade 11 and 12. Check the program’s rules for any unusual applicant category.
Is a top-six average always exactly the six highest marks?
No. Waterloo includes all required courses; Queen’s generally includes prerequisites and uses only five prerequisite courses for Engineering; Western always includes English but says other program prerequisites need not enter the six-course average. The institution and program define the calculation.
Does a 90 guarantee admission somewhere that lists “high 80s”?
No. Published ranges are planning information, not guarantees. Applicant pools, capacity, prerequisites, supplementary evaluation, and the year can change the result.
