What Happens if You Don't Get Accepted into University in Ontario?

When it comes time to apply for post-secondary, many students become concerned about what will happen if they don’t get accepted into the university of their choice. Or even worse, what if they don’t get accepted into any university at all? Don’t panic. It isn’t the end of the world! Not all hope is lost if you aren’t accepted into university. Instead of following a linear pathway, there’s other alternative paths available for you. 

As an educational service centre in Kitchener, we have plenty of experience helping students move onto post-secondary. Join us as we explore university acceptance in Ontario, what happens if you aren’t accepted, and alternative options for students who are rejected.

Is It Hard to Get into University in Ontario?

Yes, many of Ontario’s most prominent universities are difficult to get into. Famous post-secondary institutions like University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and University of Waterloo all have an average acceptance rate below 55% (UofT: 43%, Queen’s: 42%, Waterloo: 53%). This means that of all the students that apply each year, less than 55% are accepted. 

However, acceptance rates also vary from university to university and across different programs. For example, University of Toronto’s Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Science programs are significantly more competitive than their Social Science and Humanities programs. 

Easier-to-Get-Into Universities in Ontario

Some universities are easier to get into than others, but just because a university has a higher acceptance rate doesn’t mean it’s less valuable. Each of these universities have their own special programs designed to prepare students for the workforce and set them up for long-term career success.

If you can’t meet the requirements of universities like UofT, consider these other Ontario universities:

1. Wilfrid Laurier University

1. Acceptance Rate: 89%

2. Lakehead University

1. Acceptance Rate: 82-90%

3. Laurentian University

1. Acceptance Rate: 78%

4. University of Guelph-Humber

1. Acceptance Rate: 75%

5. Nipissing University

1. Acceptance Rate: 78%

6. Toronto Metropolitan University

1. Acceptance Rate: 80%

Keep in mind that just because these universities have higher acceptance rates doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to be accepted. Carefully review each university’s admission requirements. 

Do Universities Accept You If You Don't Get Good Grades?

For most universities, no, you will not be accepted if you don’t have good grades. 

While other factors may play a role, such as extracurriculars, Ontario universities primarily choose students based on their grade point average, as well as their individual grades in relevant subject areas. The more competitive a university is, the more likely they are to expect a higher grade average. Less competitive universities, such as Wilfrid Laurier, will accept lower marks than a highly-competitive university like UofT. That’s why students should review admission requirements for their desired program before applying, this will give an idea of what the grade expectations are. 

Read More: Do Ontario Universities Look at Grade 11 Marks?

How to Ensure University Acceptance When Applying in 2025

1. Check Grade Expectations: Ontario Universities usually list a specific grade cut-off point in their admission requirements. This means they might instantly reject students that don’t meet the minimum grade requirement. To prevent being rejected, apply for a university that has grade requirements aligning with your current grades. 

2. Check Pre-Requisites: Another aspect of admission requirements is pre-requisites. Most commonly, these pre-requisites ask students to have credits in a particular course or subject area, or reach a certain grade point average in these specific courses. Other common examples are statements of interest, which some universities ask to be submitted for further consideration. It’s important to know what all the requirements are in order to avoid an unnecessary rejection. 

3. Seek Recommendation Letters: A recommendation letter from a teacher or other colleague is a great way to put yourself ahead of other applicants. A recommendation letter can vouch for you, your work ethic, your capabilities, and qualifications. 

4. Follow Deadlines: Students who miss the deadline are more likely to not make the cut when it comes to admission decisions. Generally, Ontario universities prioritize applications based on when they were submitted. If a certain program is filled early into admission considerations, you lose the chance of being accepted. It’s one of the quickest ways to get rejected, but can be easily avoided if you’re mindful.

What to Do if You Don't Get Accepted into University in Ontario

1. Apply to College: In Ontario, colleges are usually significantly less competitive than universities. Opting to apply for college instead of university gives you a better chance of being accepted into a post-secondary program. Colleges are a great choice for many students looking for a hands-on, interactive experience. For career paths like hospitality or trades, college is widely preferred over university. 

2. Take a Gap Year: Many young students fear the idea of a gap year, but it’s a great opportunity to enhance your skills, improve your GPA, and make the best choice for your future. While a lot of Ontario students rush into post-secondary, many end up dissatisfied with their chosen career path. A gap year lets you find what you are truly passionate about, whether that be something that requires a degree, diploma, or going straight into the workforce. If you’re uncertain about what you want your future career to be, consider taking a gap year. 

3. Academic Upgrading with Pathways: Our Academic Upgrading Program is a flexible and personalized approach to upgrading your academic understanding. Academic upgrading is a great option to reassess your grades and meet admission requirements. It’s not too late to get your grades up and make it into your desired post-secondary institution! Let us know your goals and we’ll find something that works for you.