by Youthfully
Last updated September 7, 2024
When applying to universities in Ontario, many students wonder if their Grade 11 marks will be considered.
We’ll help clarify things for you, broken down by each university.
Are Grade 11 Marks Important for University?
Yes, most Ontario universities do consider Grade 11 marks for early admission offers, particularly when Grade 12 marks are not yet available.
Usually, Ontario universities will defer to your Grade 11 equivalent mark in the absence of a Grade 12 mark, to make up your “Top 6” (including prerequisites).
For example, Queen’s Commerce requires ENG4U, MCV4U, one other 4U math, and three additional 4U or 4M courses.
If your school is semestered and you are taking ENG4U and your second 4U math in the second semester, they will defer to your ENG3U and 3U math for earlier offers. In most circumstances, offers are only given if your Grade 11 equivalent mark is very strong. Otherwise, the university will simply wait to provide a decision until your Grade 12 marks become available.
Ontario universities will not reject you based on your Grade 11 marks.
It’s essential to remember that each university may have its own specific policies regarding the use of Grade 11 marks in their admission process.
Here’s a breakdown of how some universities treat these marks:
| University | Grade 11 Grades |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | Applicants may receive early offers based on Grade 11 marks when Grade 12 marks are not available. |
| Carleton University | Carleton considers both Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks for early admission offers, especially when Grade 12 grades are not available. |
| McMaster University | Early offers may be based on a combination of final Grade 11 and interim Grade 12 grades, with final decisions relying on Grade 12 grades. |
| Nipissing University | Grade 11 marks may be used for early offers if Grade 12 marks are not yet available. |
| Ontario Tech University | Early offers of admission may be based on Grade 11 U/M marks when Grade 12 marks are not yet available. |
| Queen’s University | Early offers are based on a combination of Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks, with final decisions based on Grade 12 results. |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | – Release offers for grades-only programs at the beginning of December based on final Grade 11 averages and registration in the required Grade 12 courses. – All offers based on Grade 11 final marks and Grade 12 course registration or interim results are conditional. |
| Trent University | Early admission offers may be based on final Grade 11 marks when Grade 12 marks are not yet available. |
| University of Guelph | Final Grade 11 U/M grades may be used to fulfill required courses if Grade 12 grades are not available. |
| University of Toronto | – Will make conditional offers of admission based on available Grade 11 and Grade 12 grades, provided the OUAC record indicates enrollment in all required Grade 12 courses, including ENG4U. If a Grade 12 grade in a prerequisite subject is not available, we will use the grade in the corresponding Grade 11 course. – For the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, we always take Grade 11 results into consideration. |
| University of Toronto Mississauga | – Will make conditional offers of admission based on available Grade 11 and Grade 12 grades, provided the OUAC record indicates enrollment in all required Grade 12 courses, including ENG4U. – If a Grade 12 grade in a prerequisite subject is not available, we will use the grade in the corresponding Grade 11 course. |
| University of Waterloo | – May consider 3U/M grades for early offers to some programs. – Architecture: In early March, we review both 3U/M and 4U/M grades for select students for the Architecture interview process. If we do not have a required course when making decisions, we will use the Grade 11 grade. – Accounting and Financial Management and Sustainability and Financial Management: We review 3U/M grades, in combination with 4U/M grades and the School of Accounting and Finance Admission Assessment, for early offers to the program. |
| University of Windsor | Grade 11 marks may be used for early offers when Grade 12 marks are not yet available, though final decisions rely on Grade 12 marks. |
| Western University | Early offers of admission may be based on a combination of final Grade 11 and Grade 12 marks. |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | Early offers may be extended based on final Grade 11 U/M marks if Grade 12 marks are not available. |
| York University | Grade 11 U/M marks are used for early offers of admission when Grade 12 marks are not available. Final offers are based on Grade 12 grades. |
When Do Ontario Universities Receive Grade 11 & Grade 12 Marks?
If you’re from an Ontario high school, Grade 12 marks are sent to the university on the following schedule for the 2024-2025 application season:
- November 19, 2024: Deadline for the OUAC to receive all midterm or final grades available for 4U/M courses from Ontario high schools. Schools may report in-progress grades for full-year courses as soon as they are available.
- January 15, 2024: Deadline for all final grades from completed Grade 11 and 12 courses and a list of all current-year courses in progress.
Are Grade 11 marks Used for Early Acceptance?
In many cases, Grade 11 marks are used for early acceptance, allowing universities to extend offers before Grade 12 midterms are available.
However, these offers remain conditional based on final Grade 12 results. Each university will issue final offers once Grade 12 courses are completed, so it’s crucial to maintain a strong performance in both Grade 11 and Grade 12.
In conclusion, while Ontario universities do consider Grade 11 marks for early admission offers, Grade 12 marks play the most significant role in securing final admission. Be sure to check each university’s specific policies for more detailed information.
Do Grade 11 Marks “Count” For University Admission?
Based on the typical admission processes outlined in the OUAC guide, Grade 11 marks are generally used for early admission offers, not for rejections.
Universities in Ontario primarily rely on Grade 12 marks for final admissions decisions, and it’s rare for Grade 11 marks alone to lead to a rejection. Grade 11 marks might be used when Grade 12 results are unavailable or to make preliminary offers, but rejections are typically made based on Grade 12 performance or the failure to meet specific admission requirements.
If you’re applying early and your Grade 11 marks don’t meet the criteria for early offers, it’s likely that you won’t receive an early acceptance, but your application will remain in consideration until your Grade 12 marks are available.
The Youthfully Advantage
At Youthfully, we understand the nuances of university admissions.
Our experienced coaches have helped students navigate this process successfully, ensuring they highlight their academic strengths and meet each university’s unique requirements.
Whether you’re aiming for early admission or strengthening your Grade 12 application, we’ve got the expertise to guide you through it all with confidence.
Let’s make sure you’re putting your best foot forward in your university applications.
