Simon Fraser University (SFU) is consistently ranked among Canada’s top comprehensive universities. If you are aiming for admission, understanding how your high school or college marks translate into academic standing is the first step toward building a successful application.
Your Estimated Admission Probability
Estimated Selectivity Matrix
While SFU's macro acceptance rate is ~59%, direct entry competitiveness varies wildly by major:
- Computing Science ~15% - 25%
- Beedie School of Business ~30% - 35%
- Engineering Science ~35% - 40%
- Faculty of Science ~60%
- Arts & Social Sciences ~70%+
How to Beat the Odds
1. List a Strategic Second Choice: SFU lets you pick two programs. Make your second option a less competitive faculty (like Arts) to secure university entry.
2. Nailed the English Requirement: Ensure your IELTS/TOEFL scores or English 12 grades are sent early. Applications with missing language flags are deferred indefinitely.
3. The College Transfer Route: If your high school average falls under 75%, consider taking Douglas College or Langara College transfer courses. SFU welcomes local transfer students gladly.
How an A- Letter Grade Impacts Your Application
When calculating your competitive admission average, letter grades are converted to a standardized percentage or a 4.0 GPA scale.
An A- letter grade is an excellent academic benchmark. In most Canadian secondary and post-secondary grading systems, it breaks down as follows:
- Percentage Equivalent: 80% to 84%
- GPA Conversion: 3.67 on a standard 4.33 scale, or 3.50 on a 4.0 scale.
While an A- demonstrates strong academic command, its impact varies depending on the specific faculty you want to enter.
Faculty Cutoffs and Selectivity Tiers
SFU utilizes a holistic “List A and List B” course evaluation method, meaning your grades in program-specific prerequisites matter just as much as your overall average.
Highly Competitive Programs (Threshold: Above an A-)
For programs like Computing Science and the Beedie School of Business, an A- grade puts you right on the baseline threshold. Applicants to these programs frequently average an A (85%+) or A+ (90%+). If your average sits at an A-, ensure your personal profile, extracurriculars, or secondary choices are robust.
Moderately Competitive Programs (Threshold: Solid A-)
For the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Environment, an A- letter grade makes you a highly competitive applicant. Historically, these programs accept students with steady mid-B to low-A averages.
Accessible Entry Programs (Threshold: B to A-)
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) boasts the university’s largest enrollment capacity. An A- average places you well above the historical cutoffs for these disciplines, giving you an exceptionally high probability of direct admission.