During the application process to McGill, prospective students must provide proof of proficiency in English if they are not native speakers. Official transcripts from previously attended schools are also required. These transcripts must be sent directly from the school from which previous credits were earned. The university requires standardized test scores reported electronically by the testing center. They accept the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), Advanced Placement (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB).
McGill looks for an ACT score of at least 29 in most departments. Alternatively, applicants may submit one SAT I test score plus two or more SAT II subject test scores. The minimum score for Critical Reading is 620, 560 for Math (600 in the case of the Engineering and Architecture departments) and 610 for Writing. Subject tests range from 500 (for Hebrew language) to 610 (for Writing and Literature).
Recommendation letters, otherwise known as reference letters, are not required by all departments. In most cases, transcripts and test scores are all that is needed for administrators to reach an admissions decision. For the departments of Architecture, Education, Music, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Religious Studies and Social Work, signed and sealed letters are mandatory. Music applicants need to perform an audition, and Architecture applicants must submit a portfolio of their previous work.
McGill makes its admissions determinations on a case-by-case basis, with a certain degree of discernment when it comes to individual variability. Although they strive to maintain high academic standing among their peer institutions, the school offers an opportunity for applicants to describe extenuating circumstances which may have affected their academic performance in the past. An official two-page letter is requested in the case that a prospective student needs to explain additional details which may help counselors reach a fair decision.