Quick Recap: How to Upgrade High School Marks for University

• Upgrading in Ontario means retaking a completed course to earn a higher grade for university or college admission.
• Students can upgrade high school courses online in Ontario through Ministry-inspected schools like Ontario eSecondary School (OES).
• OES offers self-paced, accredited courses that can be finished in as little as four weeks, with 24/7 tutoring and certified Ontario teachers.
• Upgrading just one course—like ENG4U, MHF4U, or SCH4U—can significantly raise your admission average.
• Apply early: the OUAC deadline is January 15, 2026, and the OCAS deadline is February 1, 2026.

 

Admission to your preferred university largely relies on your academic performance. This raises an important question: What grades do universities look at in Ontario? Many students find themselves just shy of a program cutoff or realize later that they could have performed better. Learning how to upgrade high school marks for university can be the turning point that helps you qualify for competitive programs, scholarships, or specific prerequisites.

In Ontario, upgrading your marks doesn’t have to mean repeating an entire semester or sitting in a classroom again. Today, students can upgrade high school courses online in Ontario through accredited, Ministry-inspected schools that offer the same recognition as traditional institutions.

One of those is Ontario eSecondary School (OES)—a trusted online high school where learners can start anytime, study at their own pace, and earn fully recognized OSSD credits. If you’re ready to improve your grades and expand your university options, read on to learn how OES makes it faster and easier to reach your goals.

What Does “Upgrading” Mean in Ontario?

In Ontario, students retake courses to upgrade their marks—typically to improve their overall average, meet university or college prerequisites, or strengthen their applications for competitive programs. For example, improving a Grade 12 English mark can make a real difference when meeting admission cutoffs or scholarship criteria.

When a course is repeated for this purpose, an “R” appears on the transcript beside the upgraded credit, indicating that the student has completed the course again within 12 months to achieve a higher grade. The new mark is recorded, and universities and colleges generally consider the higher of the two grades for admission purposes.

Through Ontario eSecondary School, students can complete an OES high school course upgrade for university admission entirely online—balancing studies, work, or other commitments without waiting for a new semester.

Upgrading vs. Retaking a Course

In short, retaking is the process of completing a course again, while upgrading is the result—earning a higher mark than before. OES provides flexible, fully accredited pathways to earn online high school credits in Ontario with certified teacher support and 24/7 access to lessons and materials, making upgrading faster and more accessible for all learners.

Who Can Upgrade Their High School Marks?

Upgrading isn’t just for current students, it’s available to anyone aiming to improve their grades or complete admission requirements.

High school students often upgrade to raise their high school averages, while adult learners use it to finish their OSSD or qualify for new programs. International students can upgrade online through OES to meet Canadian post-secondary standards, earning fully recognized Ontario credits from anywhere in the world.

OES’s flexible, self-paced structure also supports homeschoolers, athletes, performers, and students managing health or scheduling challenges.

How to Upgrade Your Courses with Ontario eSecondary School (OES)

OES makes upgrading straightforward and stress-free. As a Ministry-inspected Ontario online high school, it’s designed for flexibility, allowing students to enroll at any time and progress at their own pace. Students can finish a course in as little as four weeks or take up to twelve months depending on their timeline.

Teachers provide personalized feedback throughout each course, ensuring students not only complete their work but also understand the material deeply enough to see long-term success. When the course is done, OES submits the updated grade directly to OUAC or OCAS on your behalf.

Step-by-Step Process for Upgrading High School Courses Online

1. Choose your course – Select the subject you want to upgrade from the full OES catalog of Grade 9–12 courses.
2. Register online – Enrollment takes just minutes through the OES website, and you can start within 24 hours.
3. Complete coursework at your pace – Lessons, assignments, and assessments are all accessible online, anytime.
4. Engage with certified Ontario teachers – Receive guidance, grading, and ongoing support through the student portal.
5. Get your new mark submitted automatically – OES updates your transcript directly with the higher grade for OUAC or OCAS.

This flexible process is ideal for students searching for how to improve high school grades after graduation or looking to fast-track their progress toward university acceptance.

Courses Commonly Upgraded for University Admission

Not every course has the same impact on your admission average. Most Ontario universities evaluate a student’s Top Six 4U or 4M courses—and upgrading just one can make a significant difference.

Most In-Demand 4U Courses

• ENG4U (English) – Required for all Ontario university programs.
• MHF4U (Advanced Functions) and MCV4U (Calculus and Vectors) – Critical for STEM, Business, and Engineering programs.
• SBI4U (Biology), SCH4U (Chemistry), and SPH4U (Physics) – Essential for Health Sciences and pre-med programs.
• BOH4M (Business Leadership) and BBB4M (International Business) – Popular for Commerce, Economics, and Management studies.

Each of these courses is available at OES for upgrading, fast-tracking, or credit completion, ensuring students meet all academic prerequisites before applying.

Key OUAC and OCAS Deadlines for the 2026 Admission Cycle

University and college applications in Ontario follow strict timelines. For 2026 admission:

• OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre) – Equal consideration deadline is January 15, 2026.
• OCAS (Ontario College Application Service) – Equal consideration deadline is February 1, 2026.

Students should plan to complete upgraded courses 4–6 weeks before these dates to ensure grades are processed in time. OES’s flexible schedule and fast-track options make this achievable, even for those starting late in the cycle. For official updates, applicants can visit the OUAC and OCAS websites directly.

Why Upgrade Through Ontario eSecondary School (OES)

Choosing the right school for upgrading matters. Ontario eSecondary School (OES) is Ministry-inspected (BSID #696804), employs certified Ontario teachers, and includes free 24/7 tutoring with every enrollment. Students can start any day of the year, study from anywhere, and finish at their own pace — sometimes in as little as four weeks.

OES’s academic team ensures transparent communication, consistent grading, and fast transcript delivery. Beyond coursework, learners can also access admissions counselling and additional services for expert guidance on university pathways, prerequisite planning, and application support.

FAQs About How to Upgrade High School Marks for University

Can I upgrade after graduation?

Yes. Many adults return to improve or complete credits after graduation. Online programs like OES make it easy to study from anywhere on a flexible schedule.

Will universities know I upgraded online?

They’ll see your updated grade, but Ontario universities and colleges fully accept credits from accredited, Ministry-inspected schools like OES. There’s no penalty for upgrading online.

How long does upgrading take?

​​Timelines vary depending on your pace — most students complete a course in four to twelve weeks. OES’s self-paced format lets you move as quickly or steadily as you need..

Can international students upgrade for Canadian universities?

Absolutely. OES supports learners worldwide who want to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and qualify for admission to Canadian universities and colleges.

For more answers, visit the OES FAQ page or contact us directly.

Book Your 15-Minute Academic Guidance Meeting and Start Upgrading Today

Improving your grades can open doors to programs and opportunities that once felt out of reach. The academic advisors at Ontario eSecondary School are ready to help you chart a clear path forward.

Book your free 15-minute Academic Guidance Meeting to get personalized course recommendations and start upgrading your marks today. With OES’s self-paced learning, certified teachers, and direct OUAC/OCAS submission, you’ll have the tools and support to reach your next academic milestone—fast.