McGill Applicant Portal vs Minerva

McGill says it has transitioned to the McGill Applicant Portal for new applications. Use that portal from account creation through admission-file completion and the decision. Do not rely on an older guide that tells every undergraduate applicant to manage the application in Minerva.

myMcGill and Minerva remain important, but they serve broader university administration. McGill describes myMcGill as a portal providing direct, single-sign-on links to commonly used systems. Minerva is the web-based student information system where records are stored and where available users handle registration, student accounts and related administrative work.

After submitting and paying for an application, open the submitted application and read each checklist item. McGill distinguishes document-based items, forms completed through a checklist link, information supplied by an external organization, and later requests added by an admission officer. A red mark means an item has not been received; a green check means it has been received. When all required items show as received, the file can move into review.

Only send what the checklist requests. McGill says unsolicited references, personal statements and extracurricular material are not reviewed and can slow processing. If two programs require the same general document, McGill's undergraduate FAQ says one upload is normally sufficient, except for Dentistry, Law or Medicine; program-specific items still belong to the relevant program.

A complete checklist does not mean an immediate decision. McGill says an application moves to in review after the required items are received. A pending status can remain in review while the university compares the file with the applicant pool and available spaces; McGill says no action is required solely because a file is pending. Continue watching for a new checklist request or decision notification.

When McGill makes a decision, it sends an email directing the applicant to the Applicant Portal. Read the decision letter and any conditions there. After accepting an offer, the portal can show a conditions-of-admission checklist for final marks or other outstanding items.

McGill says an uploaded document cannot be edited or deleted. For an important transcript change, use Updated transcripts if that checklist option appears; it is unavailable when the only transcript-related item is self-reported grades. Otherwise use Get Help. If another uploaded file is wrong, ask McGill for help rather than attaching it to an unrelated checklist item. Flatten fillable PDFs, remove password protection and match the file to the requested item.

The general uploader currently accepts common document, spreadsheet, presentation and image formats with a 32 MB maximum. Music portfolio media uses a separate workflow and different limits. Treat those technical limits as current guidance reviewed on this page's date; the live uploader and program instructions control if they change.

If an application has been started or submitted, McGill directs applicants to Get Help inside the Applicant Portal. If an in-progress application cannot be submitted, McGill says to use the contact option at the bottom of the Welcome/Bienvenue tab. Prospective students who have not started an application can use the Future Students contact route.

For Minerva login or guest-access help, use the HELP link in Minerva or contact Service Point. For a fee, record or registration issue, use the office named for that task. A support request should identify the system, checklist label, program and non-sensitive error message. Keep passwords, PINs and authentication codes private.