Political Science at Western: Admission Average
Western University · London, ON
What average do you need for Political Science at Western?
Political Science at Western University typically admits students with averages in the high 70s-80s, roughly 78–89%. It ranks #14 of 17 Western programs by admission average.
Popular pre-law program, strong alumni in government and policy.
How competitive is it?
Of the 21 universities we track that offer it, 17 ask for a higher average and 1 asks for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 78% up to 89% is inside it, and 74% up to 78% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Political Science at other universities
- McGill University – high 80s
- Carleton University – mid 80s
- Brock University – mid 80s
- University of Windsor – mid-to-high 80s
- University of British Columbia – mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP)
- Simon Fraser University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Victoria – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid 80s
- Concordia University – mid 80s
- Université de Montréal – mid-to-high 80s
- Bishop's University – mid 80s
- Dalhousie University – mid-to-high 80s
- Acadia University – mid-to-high 80s
- St. Francis Xavier University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Winnipeg – mid-to-high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – mid 80s
- Mount Allison University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 70s-low 80s
- Wilfrid Laurier University – high 70s-80s
- York University – high 70s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- One additional U/M course
- History or Law (recommended)
First-year courses
- Introduction to Politics
- Canadian Government
- Comparative Politics
- Research Methods
- International Relations
These are typical for Political Science programs across Canada. About the Political Science degree
After a Political Science degree
Political Science usually takes 4 years.
- Lawyer – $70,000 to $300,000+
- Policy Analyst / Public Servant – $65,000 to $130,000
- Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer – $75,000 to $160,000
- Crown Attorney / Prosecutor – $75,000 to $160,000
- Political science does not determine law school admission - your GPA and LSAT score are what matter.
- Ottawa and Queen's are particularly strong for students wanting federal government careers.
- Model UN, debate, and student government are the most relevant extracurriculars for this degree.
Applying to Western
Western University is best known nationally for the Ivey Business School, which offers Canada's most selective and prestigious undergraduate business program (HBA). Western has a reputation for a vibrant social campus life alongside genuine academic excellence. The campus in London, Ontario is widely considered one of the most beautiful in Canada.
Western University is in London, ON, was founded in 1878 and has about 40,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,200 a year, co-op is not widely offered and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Getting into Ivey requires strong first-year grades (typically 80%+ at Western) plus extracurriculars and an application - grades at Western aren't everything.
- Western's social culture is a real part of the experience - many students cite it as a key reason they chose it.
- London is a mid-sized city - lower cost of living than Toronto but fewer industry connections.
Other Western programs
- Ivey HBA (Business) – high 80s-low 90s (for admission to Western; Ivey selection internal)
- Medical Sciences – high 80s-low 90s
- Neuroscience – high 80s
- Biochemistry – high 80s
- Chemical Engineering – high 80s
- Civil & Environmental Eng. – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Software Engineering – high 80s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Commercial Aviation Management – low-to-mid 80s
- Kinesiology – high 80s
- English Literature – high 70s-80s
- Psychology – high 70s-80s
- Nursing (BScN) – high 80s-low 90s
- Education (BEd) – high 70s
- Law (JD - post-undergrad) – LSAT-dependent