* Your program of choice: Different programs have different admission requirements and averages. Programs like Engineering or Medicine are significantly more competitive than others.
* Your high school grades: Queen's looks at your overall academic record, not just a single grade. They consider your average in your top 6 Grade 12 courses (Ontario applicants), or equivalent courses from other provinces or countries. A high average is crucial, but the specific number varies by program and applicant pool.
* Your course selection: Taking challenging courses (like Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses) demonstrates academic rigor and is looked upon favorably.
* Extracurricular activities: Your involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and leadership roles showcase well-roundedness and personal qualities.
* Personal statement/application essay: This gives you a chance to showcase your personality, goals, and reasons for applying to Queen's.
* References: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors who know you well can bolster your application.
Instead of focusing on a specific grade, aim for the highest possible grades you can achieve in challenging courses. Check the Queen's University website for the specific admission requirements and average for each program you are interested in. These averages are usually given as ranges and represent the average of successful applicants, not a guaranteed admission threshold. Even exceeding the average doesn't guarantee admission.