If you’re applying to university in Ontario, you’ve probably asked yourself—do universities look at midterm marks? It’s a fair question, and one that comes up for students in all situations: current high schoolers, adults returning to school, and international students completing an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The short answer is yes, midterm marks can matter but how they’re used depends on timing, course completion, and the type of offer being considered. Understanding this early can ease a lot of stress and help you plan smarter.

At Ontario eSecondary School, a Ministry-inspected Ontario online high school, students often come to us not only for clarity around admissions timelines and midterm marks, but also to fast-track or upgrade courses quickly to meet university and college admission requirements. Keep reading to see how the process works and what you can do if your marks aren’t where you want them yet.

Quick Recap: Do Universities Look at Midterm Marks for OUAC?

• Yes, universities do look at midterm marks, especially when final Grade 12 marks are not yet available.
• Midterm marks are most often used for conditional offers, particularly for second-semester and in-progress courses.
• Grade 12 midterms matter more than Grade 11 marks, which are typically used only for early consideration.
• First-semester midterms are usually replaced by final grades, while second-semester midterms often drive admission decisions.
• If your marks aren’t where you want them yet, upgrading or fast-tracking a course can still keep you on track for admission.

What Grades Do Ontario Universities Look At for Admission?

To understand where midterms fit in, it helps to know what grades Ontario universities look at for admission overall. Final Grade 12 U or M marks are always the priority, which typically means completed results in required courses such as ENG4U, along with program-specific mathematics and science courses like MHF4U, MCV4U, MDM4U, SCH4U, and SBI4U, depending on the program a student is applying to. 

When those final marks aren’t available yet, universities review the most recent and relevant data they have, which often includes midterm marks for courses currently in progress. Grade 11 marks may also be used earlier in the admissions cycle, but they are usually replaced once Grade 12 results are submitted. The goal is to build the clearest academic picture possible at each stage of the admissions process.

How Universities Use Midterm Marks at Different Points in the School Year

Do Universities Consider Grade 12 Midterm Marks?

Yes—universities consider grade 12 midterm marks when final grades aren’t ready yet. This is especially common for second-semester courses or students upgrading a prerequisite. A strong midterm can support an offer, while a weaker one doesn’t automatically disqualify you. Universities know there’s still time for improvement.

Are First Semester Midterms Used for University Admissions?

Students often wonder, are first semester midterms used for university admissions? Sometimes, yes, but usually only as an early indicator. Once first-semester final grades are available, those carry more weight. First-semester midterms rarely determine final outcomes on their own.

Do Ontario Universities Use Second Semester Midterms for Offers?

This is where midterms matter most. Very often, yes. Second-semester midterms allow universities to issue conditional offers before the school year ends, especially when required Grade 12 U or M courses are still in progress. These midterm results help admissions teams confirm that a student is on track to meet program prerequisites before final grades are submitted.

When and How Midterm Marks Are Sent to Ontario Universities Through OUAC

Many students ask when midterm marks are sent to Ontario universities and how that actually works. Schools submit grades to the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) at set points throughout the year. Universities receive multiple updates, including midterm and final grades. In short, does OUAC send interim grades to universities? Yes. Universities expect transcripts to evolve over time and make decisions accordingly.

What Is a Conditional Offer and How Do Midterm Marks Factor In?

A conditional offer means you’ve been accepted based on your current academic performance, with the expectation that you’ll meet specific conditions by the end of the course. Conditional offers based on midterm marks are very common in Ontario. Midterms show whether you’re on track to meet the required final grade.

Are Predicted or Interim Grades Considered by Universities?

Yes. Predicted or interim grades may be used whenever final marks are not yet available, regardless of the type of school a student attends, as long as it is ministry-inspected. They are most commonly used when students are completing required courses later in the year, upgrading or retaking a course, or following a non-traditional schedule that does not align with standard semester timelines, such as self-paced online learning options offered at OES. These grades help universities assess current academic progress and are later confirmed with final results.

How Midterm Marks Impact Course Upgrades, Retakes, and Fast-Tracked Credits

Midterm marks are especially important for students upgrading or retaking courses to meet admission requirements. At Ontario eSecondary School, students can start courses year-round, work at their own pace, and generate midterm results that universities can review quickly. This flexibility is helpful if you need to improve a mark, complete a prerequisite, or fast-track a credit before key deadlines. You can explore all available options on our Courses page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Midterm Marks and OUAC

Do Universities Only Look at Final Marks?

No. Final marks matter most, but midterm marks are often used when finals aren’t available.

Do Universities See First Semester Midterms in OUAC?

Yes, universities can see first-semester midterm marks, but they typically place more weight on final grades once those are submitted. A lower midterm does not automatically hurt your application, as there is still time to improve your performance before final marks are reviewed.

Can You Still Get a University Offer If Your Course Isn’t Finished Yet?

Yes. Universities often issue conditional offers before final marks are submitted, using midterm or interim grades to assess whether a student is on track to meet admission requirements. The offer is then confirmed once final grades are received.

Can Strong Midterm Marks Improve Your Chances of Admission?

They can. Strong midterm marks can positively influence admission decisions when final grades are not yet available, as they show that you are performing well and on track to meet program requirements.

What Happens If Your Final Mark Is Lower Than Your Midterm?

Universities review whether you still meet the requirements of your offer based on your final mark. A small drop does not always cause issues, but planning ahead and communicating early is important if your final result may be lower than expected.

Do All Ontario Universities Use Midterm Marks the Same Way?

No. Policies vary by institution and program, but most Ontario universities follow a similar approach by using midterm marks when final grades are not yet available and relying on final results for confirmation.

Do Ontario Universities Look at Grade 11 Marks for Early Offers?

Sometimes. Grade 11 marks for university early offers in Ontario may be reviewed early in the admissions process, but they are typically replaced by Grade 12 results once those marks become available.

Book a 15-Minute Academic Guidance Meeting to Plan Your Next Steps

Midterm marks matter, but they are only one part of the admissions picture. Universities use them to make informed decisions when final grades are not yet available, and a lower midterm does not automatically close doors. If your marks aren’t where you want them yet, timing and planning can still make a real difference. Ontario eSecondary School supports students who need to upgrade, retake, or fast-track courses to meet admission requirements, with personalized guidance at every step. To get clear, practical advice for your situation, book a 15 Minute Academic Guidance Meeting and take the next step with confidence!

Planning ahead? You may also find these helpful:

How to Get Early Admission to Ontario Universities: Grades & Timelines

What Grades Do Universities Look At in Ontario?