rejected at mcgill-score cutoff

Student Lounge International Students
1

Hi everyone,

I just got a rejection from McGill’s general engineering program. Their average last year was 91.5%, but my problem is that my averages are definitely above that, not by a lot, but not by a tiny percentage to adjust for this year’s pool

My grades are here:
calculus vectors 97
biology 93
chemistry 92
physics 93
english 93
economics 93
data management 94
advanced functions 91
european histroy 90

those are all the 4Us I’ve taken throughout high school. I’m pretty sure for engineering they require physics, chem, english, calculus and vectors, advanced functions, and one other course. That being said, my average is over 93.4%, which is past the last year’s requirement of 91.5%. If it’s close, they would have waited, but instead they outright rejcted me. I don’t mean to sound whiny about this, as I do realize that McGill is highly selective and many qualified applicants get rejected. But I’m just really really confused if there was a mistake in this–normally canadian universities don’t send out rejection letters until later, or if the applicant REALLY does not meet the average if they were to send out this early.

For those out there have you guys been accepted to general engineering degree? What were your averages?

(btw i’ve also taken ACT (33,34,32,30) in December and in Sept (33, 32, 24, 32) as well as SAT physics with 750 and SAT math II with 760 all of which I’ve sent to McGill.

2

It clearly states on the McGill website that having or exceeding the minimum does not guarantee acceptance. The applicant pool this year may have been stronger.

“…grades that are equal to or better than those listed do not guarantee admission for September 2016. Admission to McGill is competitive and subject to availability of space. As such, minimum grades for entry may fluctuate up or down by as much as 5% in any given year.”

3

If you are concerned that there might have been a mistake in your application - perhaps something went missing? - it wouldn’t hurt to call to confirm that your application was complete. It may not do any good, but at least you’d know.

4

Are you Canadian, American or overseas?

5

@TomSrOfBoston

i am a canadian applicant from Toronto

and yes, i do realize that grade fluctuation, but at least they could have waited for the second grade update instead of outright rejecting an applicant whose grade points are above the past year’s average? i don’t understand…it’s not common to be rejected this early for many universities in canada