Generally Considered Hardest (High Admission Averages):
* University of Toronto (U of T): Consistently ranks among the hardest universities in Canada to get into, particularly for highly competitive programs like medicine, engineering, computer science, and business. The overall average is high, and even less competitive programs often have rigorous admission requirements.
* University of Waterloo: Known for its strong co-op programs, especially in engineering, computer science, and mathematics. Admission averages are very competitive.
* McMaster University: Highly selective, particularly for health sciences programs (medicine, nursing). Many other programs also have high admission averages.
* Western University: Similar to McMaster, Western is competitive, especially for programs like business (Ivey HBA) and health sciences.
Generally Considered Easier (Lower Admission Averages, Relatively Speaking):
It's crucial to remember that "easier" doesn't mean *easy*. These universities still require strong academic performance. The lower admission averages usually reflect less competitive programs or a larger applicant pool relative to available spots in specific programs.
* Some smaller universities: Some smaller universities and colleges with specialized programs may have lower admission averages than the large, research-intensive universities listed above. Specific examples vary year to year and depend on program.
* Certain programs within larger universities: Even at highly competitive universities, some programs may have lower admission averages than others. For example, a less specialized arts program at U of T might have lower admission requirements than engineering.
Important Considerations:
* Program-Specific Averages: The difficulty of getting into a university varies wildly depending on the specific program. A less popular program at a prestigious university might be easier to get into than a highly sought-after program at a less selective university.
* Applicant Pool: The difficulty of admission fluctuates yearly depending on the number and qualifications of applicants.
* Application Process: Beyond grades, universities consider extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. A strong application can improve your chances even if your grades aren't perfect.
In conclusion, while some universities are generally perceived as more difficult to enter than others, the best way to determine the actual difficulty is to check the specific admission averages for the program you're interested in at each university. These averages change annually, so always refer to the most recent information available on the university websites.