McGill Arts & Science: Admission Averages & Program Requirements

Are you drawn to both the humanities and the sciences? Do you crave a flexible academic path that allows you to explore diverse interests? McGill University's Faculty of Arts & Science might be the perfect fit. This guide will help you understand the admission process, program requirements, and the distinctive nature of the BA&Sc degree.

What is the Faculty of Arts & Science?

The Faculty of Arts & Science at McGill is one of the largest and most diverse faculties, offering a wide range of programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It's a vibrant hub for intellectual exploration and interdisciplinary learning.

The BA&Sc: Best of Both Worlds?

One of the Faculty's defining characteristics is its Bachelor of Arts & Science (BA&Sc) degree. Unlike a traditional Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), the BA&Sc allows students to combine courses from both faculties in a truly integrated way. This means you can pursue your passions in fields as diverse as literature, history, biology, chemistry, computer science, and more, all within a single degree. This unique blend fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a broad understanding of the world.

The McGill Arts & Science Admission Average

McGill is a highly competitive university, and admission to the Faculty of Arts & Science is no exception. The McGill Arts & Science admission average varies depending on the program and your province/country of origin. Generally, successful applicants have strong academic records.

What Grades Do You Need?

While there's no fixed minimum GPA, aiming for an average in the high 80s to low 90s (or equivalent) is generally recommended for competitive consideration. Certain programs, especially those in high demand (e.g., Psychology, Computer Science within the BSc), may require even higher averages. Your grades in prerequisite courses (discussed below) also carry significant weight. Remember that admission is holistic, considering factors beyond grades, but strong academics are foundational.

Prerequisite Courses to Know

Depending on the program you're applying to within Arts & Science, specific prerequisite courses may be required. These are courses you *must* have completed in high school (or CEGEP in Quebec) to be eligible for admission. Common prerequisites include: * **Mathematics:** Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors * **Sciences:** Biology, Chemistry, Physics * **Languages:** English, French (depending on your background) Refer to the official McGill website and your desired program's page for a complete list of prerequisites. The McGill BA&Sc requirements will be listed there, alongside the BA requirements for the specific program in question. This is especially true for the McGill physical sciences GPA requirements for the BSc programs.

How Prereqs Impact Your Application

Not only do you need to *have* the prerequisites, but your grades in those courses are also carefully evaluated. Strong performance in prerequisite courses demonstrates your aptitude for the subject matter and increases your chances of admission. Failing to meet the prerequisite requirements will automatically disqualify your application. ## Exploring Majors and Minors McGill's Faculty of Arts & Science offers a dizzying array of majors and minors. Here's just a small sampling: * **Humanities:** English Literature, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Classics * **Social Sciences:** Political Science, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Anthropology * **Natural Sciences:** Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth & Planetary Sciences, Mathematics * **Interdisciplinary:** Cognitive Science, Environment, International Development Studies, Gender, Sexuality, Feminism, and Social Justice Studies The BA&Sc degree gives you the flexibility to combine majors and minors from different areas, creating a truly customized academic experience. For example, you could major in Computer Science and minor in Philosophy, or major in Biology and minor in English Literature. ## Life After Admission Once you're admitted to McGill Arts & Science, a world of opportunities awaits. You'll have access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant student community. McGill encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities, research projects, and internships to enhance their learning experience and prepare for future careers. Career advising services are available to students and alumni as well. You can access those services even before you graduate. **Ready to see if you're a good fit for McGill?** [Take our free quiz to see if you qualify for our support: https://quiz.admissionprep.com/program-assessment-quiz](https://quiz.admissionprep.com/program-assessment-quiz) ## FAQs **What is the admission average for McGill Arts & Science?** The admission average varies depending on the program and your region, but generally falls in the high 80s to low 90s (or equivalent). Some competitive programs may require higher averages. **What are the prerequisites for the BA&Sc degree?** Prerequisites depend on your chosen program. Common prerequisites include Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English/French. Check the specific program requirements on the McGill website. **Is the Arts & Science faculty competitive?** Yes, admission to McGill's Faculty of Arts & Science is competitive due to its strong reputation and high demand. A strong academic record, particularly in prerequisite courses, is essential.