Your Guide to the McMaster University Medical School School of Medicine

Every year, thousands of students submit their applications to the McMaster University Medical School. This is one of the most popular medical schools in Canada because of its strong reputation and proximity to Toronto and the GTA.

The Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University is a world-leading medical school located in Hamilton, Ontario. It is one of two medical schools in Canada that offers a three-year MD program instead of the traditional four-year program.

The medical program at McMaster University was founded in 1969 and has since become a world leader in medical education. The MD program admits 203 students yearly into its three-year program, which runs 11 months out of the year. This extended school year allows students to attain all the knowledge they would typically learn in a four-year program.

McMaster University Medical School employs a problem-based, clinical approach in teaching its students. This approach helps prepare world-class doctors who can use their licensure to practice in Canada or internationally. 

McMaster Medical School is a pioneering institution in medical education. The school first implemented teaching techniques which are now readily used across North American and European MD programs.

McMaster Medical School was the first school to use a problem-based learning curriculum, where students are taught to solve problems and think critically in a clinical environment. Most medical schools in North America have adopted this technique into their curriculum as standard practice.

Other pioneering innovations like the CASPer test or multiple-mini-interviews were also first developed at McMaster University. McMaster University has changed the world of medical education, with schools across the globe now using their innovative learning methods.Ranked 14th in the world and first in Canada by the Times Higher Education Ranking, McMaster University Medical School is a leading institution in research, education, and clinical practice. Its cutting edge teaching methods have consistently produced some of the best clinicians in the world.

McMaster University Medical School Acceptance Rate and Statistics

Of the 4,974 applicants who applied in 2018, only 552 received interviews. Of those interviewed, only 206 students were admitted to that year. The acceptance rate for all applicants is 4.1%.

Of the 206 students admitted, 202 were from Ontario and the remainder from out of province. No international students were admitted that year. McMaster Medical School does accept international applicants, but admission is very difficult.

The majority of students admitted had incomplete bachelor’s degrees. Most students studied either health science, medical science, or general science in their undergraduate degree.

The mean GPA of admitted students is 3.87, with the majority of students placing in the 3.9 to 4.0 bracket. 

The mean score for the critical analysis and reasoning skills section of the MCAT was 129.

McMaster Medical SchoolTuition Fees

The tuition for the McMaster medicine program is considered high when compared to some of the other Canadian universities. Despite this, the school remains a popular choice for students looking to become doctors.

For the 2018/19 year, tuition for Canadian citizens or permanent residents is $27,922 per year. For visa students, tuition is $95,000 per year.

Tuition fees are the same for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, regardless of the province they reside in.

McMaster Medical School Admission Requirements

There are no residency or citizenship requirements, and visa applicants are accepted. However, acceptance for Ontario residents is higher than in other categories.

To be admitted to the McMaster Medical School, students must complete at least three years of undergraduate study in any field. GPA is highly important in the selection process, so strong academics are a must. 

Students are also required to write the Medical College Admission Test within five-years of your application. Only the verbal and critical analysis and reasoning scores will be used in your application.

Another requirement for admission is the CASPer test. This test, which was developed by McMaster University Medical School, evaluates applicants on non-academic criteria such as interpersonal skills, professionalism, empathy, and ethics. The test is taken online, and no studying is required. Students must take the CASPer test in the early fall of their admission year.

Lastly, if applicants have competitive applications, they are invited to an in-person interview. The MMI will include ten interview stations, with each station having a different rater. Applicants will move between each station, being interviewed for approximately eight minutes each time.

At the stations, applicants are either interviewed or observed by the rater on topics such as critical thinking, awareness of societal health issues, personal qualities, communication, collaboration, ethics, and health policies.

McMaster University Health Sciences Pre-Med

In addition to a world-leading MD program, McMaster University offers a phenomenal undergraduate pre-med program. The Mcmaster Health Science Program (BHSc) is one of the best pre-medical programs in Canada.

The program’s problem-based, experiential learning methods are created to emulate a medical school environment. Students immerse themselves in innovative educational methods that help students develop the critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities required for medical school admission.

The McMaster Health Science Program is a highly competitive undergraduate degree that only accepts the most qualified candidates. Graduates from this program have consistently shown very high medical school acceptance rates yearly.

Five Reasons Why to Choose McMaster School of Medicine

Prefer avoiding the stressful mega cities and studying in a medium-sized Canadian city? McMaster University may be the right choice for you. While Hamilton is a large enough city, it isn’t as big as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Vancouver.

Here are a few more reasons why McMaster University is a top choice for those interested in medical school:

  1. Unparalleled innovation in medical education. At McMaster Medical School, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation in medical education. McMaster Medical School has long been a pioneer in finding new ways to improve medical education.
  2. Large hospital and research network. McMaster Medicine has affiliations with two major hospital systems in Hamilton, as well as community healthcare facilities and groups across southern Ontario. Students have vast opportunities to practice their skills and obtain research experience in these facilities. McMaster Medicine also has affiliations with other high-level institutions where students can gain experience.
  3. Three-year program. Students at McMaster Medicine complete their degrees in three years, as opposed to the standard four-year MD program. This shortened study period allows students to enter residency faster, and work in the medical field sooner than others. McMaster’s three-year program is much more difficult and teaches students the same way they’re expected to practice medicine in the field – with hands-on, problem-based learning methods.
  4. Located in Hamilton, Ontario. If you’re not keen on living in big cities, Hamilton is a perfect compromise. With a population of 579,200, Hamilton is vibrant with music, arts, and dining while having a small-town feel.
  5. Proximity to Toronto. If you manage to find some spare time in your rigorous medical education, hop on the GO train or take the highway to Canada’s largest city. Toronto is a rich, diverse, and beautiful city full of endless opportunities, both personally and professionally. 

Attending medical school at McMaster University will prepare you for your future career in medicine. The extensive networking opportunities, combined with its proximity to Toronto, make this an ideal school for med students.

Improve Your Chances of Getting Into McMaster Med

The McMaster Medical School admission process is competitive, and you will need an application that helps you stand out. MedApplications helps students identify their major strengths and weaknesses when applying to medical school.

Our team of doctors, medical professionals, and admissions experts will work with you to create a winning application. Our thorough process includes hands-on experience for your interview, best practices for your application, and much more.

We have the expertise to improve your chances of getting into medical school at McMaster University. Get in touch with a member of our team today to learn more.

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