McMaster University Medical School

Ranked among the best medical schools for Canadian applicants, The Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University might be near the top of your list!

Renowned globally for pioneering Problem-Based Learning and housing one of the nation’s largest three‑year MD programs, McMaster shapes physicians who excel in clinical reasoning, compassionate care, and leadership. However, gaining admission requires more than strong grades, you must demonstrate your fit for Problem-based learning, mastery of the CASPer test, readiness for a fast‑paced curriculum, and alignment with the school’s values of social accountability, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Need med school application help?

At MedApplications, we understand the nuances of McMaster’s admissions process. From constructing a standout application package to mastering the CASPer situational test and excelling in the Multiple Mini‑Interview (MMI), our tailored services, including Medical School Application Consulting, CASPer Test Preparation, MMI Interview Coaching, and High School Pre‑Med Advising provide in‑depth support at every stage.

About the Michael DeGroote School of Medicine

Since its inception in 1966, McMaster’s medical school has distinguished itself through a commitment to student‑centered learning and social accountability. The school believes traditional lecture‑based curricula fail to cultivate true clinical problem‑solvers. As a result, McMaster formalized the world’s first Problem‑Based Learning model, which places students in small groups to tackle real clinical cases, developing critical thinking, teamwork, and self‑directed study habits.

The DeGroote School of Medicine carries this legacy forward, emphasizing:

• Patient‑centered care through early clinical exposure
• Interprofessional collaboration, training alongside nursing, rehabilitation, and midwifery students
• Community engagement, addressing local healthcare needs in Hamilton, Niagara, and Waterloo regions
• Global health leadership, with opportunities for electives and research abroad

McMaster’s accelerated three‑year MD program is organized into three integrated phases.

The first ten month of medical school is known as foundations and focuses on building clinical knowledge and skills required to enter the clinical environment. Foundations begins in July with a rigorous introduction to problem based learning tutorials, where small groups (6–8 students) analyze 2–3 clinical cases per week. These tutorials interweave basic science, epidemiology, ethics, and social determinants of health. Simultaneously, students engage in weekly clinical skills labs, practicing history taking, physical exam techniques, and communication with standardized patients. Self‑directed learning days allocate a significant amount of studying hours, critical for developing the capacity to identify knowledge gaps and seek out resources. Students also attend system‑based lectures and practical workshops on topics like medical imaging and pharmacotherapy.

The second phase of McMaster’s medical curriculum is clerkship, which consists of 14 months of fill-time clinical immersion across numerous medical specialties. Clerkship starts in May of Year 2. Below are a list of the full‑time clinical rotations student’s undergo:

• Internal Medicine: 8 weeks
• General Surgery: 6 weeks
• Pediatrics: 6 weeks
• Psychiatry: 4 weeks
• Obstetrics & Gynecology: 4 weeks
• Emergency Medicine: 4 weeks
• Family Medicine: 6 weeks

Rotations occur at Hamilton Health Sciences (General, Juravinski, and McMaster Children’s), Niagara Health sites (St. Catharines, Welland County), and Waterloo’s Grand River Hospital. Each rotation includes supervised inpatient and outpatient experiences.

The last phase of Medical School at McMaster is 12 months of Advanced Electives & Residency Prep preparation. During this time, students customize elective streams in their areas of interest, including specialty clerkships, global health rotations, or research placements. Parallel Transition into Residency workshops focus on CaRMS application strategy, interview preparation, and career planning. Longitudinal professional development seminars continue throughout all phases, covering leadership, ethics, health advocacy, and resilience building.

The McMaster School of Medicine consists of three regional campuses in Hamilton, Niagara, and Waterloo. We outline information on each campus below.

Hamilton Campus

Located on McMaster’s main campus, Hamilton Health Sciences is an expansive network including Hamilton General, Juravinski Hospital, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, and the McMaster Children’s Hospital. Students benefit from access to tertiary‑level specialties including trauma, transplantation, and infectious diseases, as well as cutting‑edge research institutes like the Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute. Local public health partnerships and urban community clinics offer experiences in underserved populations. On‑campus simulations and anatomy labs also reinforce problem based learning learning sessions.

Niagara Regional Campus

Based in St. Catharines, Niagara Regional Campus students train at Niagara Health System, including St. Catharines General and Welland County General. This smaller campus offers intimate student‑faculty interactions, early immersion in rural medicine, and robust community engagement projects such as mobile screening clinics in Niagara’s agricultural communities.

Waterloo Regional Campus

Waterloo Regional Campus, housed in Kitchener, places students at Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General. Emphasis is on interprofessional teamwork, with shared problem based learning sessions alongside nursing and rehabilitation students. Waterloo Regional Campus fosters strong mentorship and fosters leadership in community‑based initiatives addressing population health challenges in the rapidly growing Waterloo Region.

Academic Admission Requirements

Admission to McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine requires several key academic qualifications. Applicants must complete a minimum of three years (15 full-course equivalents) of undergraduate study by April of the application year, although a four-year degree in any discipline is recommended. There are no required prerequisite courses, and McMaster welcomes applicants from all academic backgrounds. In fact, students from the humanities and social sciences often perform strongly in components like the CARS section of the MCAT and the CASPer test.

The minimum GPA required is 3.0 on the OMSAS 4.0 scale, but successful applicants typically fall within a competitive GPA range of 3.7–4.0, with recent averages around 3.9. GPA is calculated as a cumulative average from all undergraduate coursework with no weighting or grade exclusions.

The MCAT is mandatory, but only the CARS section is considered. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 123, although competitive candidates often exceed 128. If the MCAT is taken multiple times, only the most recent score is used, and the test must have been written within five years of the application date.

McMaster welcomes non-traditional applicants, including career-changers and graduate students, valuing diverse academic backgrounds. Graduate students are eligible to apply but must remain enrolled at the time of application. A letter of support from a supervisor, committee member, or department chair is required to confirm the applicant’s academic standing and intent to apply. International applicants may be required to submit a WES (World Education Services) evaluation to ensure their transcripts are equivalent to Canadian academic standards.

Despite the flexible entry criteria, McMaster’s program remains highly competitive due to its problem-based learning model and limited class size. Since GPA and MCAT are such a critical aspect of the application, it’s important to understand how your current GPA stand up against others. MedApplications’ Comprehensive Application Review Academic Consulting Package will help you interpret GPA and MCAT calculations, identify courses to bolster your average, and pursue summer or post‑baccalaureate options if necessary.

Like all Ontario medical schools applications, McMaster’s process runs through OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service), the common portal through which all Ontario medical school applications go through.

Non‑Academic Admission Requirements

Beyond academics, McMaster assesses your personal attributes and experiences through several key components:

1. Autobiographical Sketch
2. CASPer Situational Judgement Test
3. Three Reference Letters

Unlike some other programs in North America, McMaster does not require secondary applications.

Autobiographical Sketch

The Autobiographical sketch is a list of the applicant’s extracurricular activities and achievements since the age of 16. It is required by all ontario medical schools. Applicants’s have Up to 32 entries across six categories

• Employment
• Volunteer activities
• Extracurricular activities
• Awards and accomplishments
• Research and publications
• Other meaningful experiences

The purpose of the autobiographical sketch is for applicant’s to demonstrate leadership, community impact, teamwork, resilience, and other key criteria in the CanMeds framework. McMaster uses the ABS to assess how ready applicants are capable to meet the future healthcare needs of patients, using it as a screening tool for interview invitations.

We highly recommend building a well-rounded application that includes items across a diverse range of categories. If you’re an aspiring medical student wondering how to best prepare your autobiographical sketch, our pre-med consultants are here to offer expert guidance which can make the difference in receiving and not receiving an interview invite.

Each item in the autobiographical sketch must have a verifier that can confirm the applicants involvement in the activity or achievement indicated. It is crucial to reach out to verifiers early to obtain their approval before listing them.

CASPer Situational Judgment Test

All applicants to McMaster’s MD program are required to complete the CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) as part of the admissions process. This is a mandatory online situational judgment test (SJT) designed to assess key non-academic qualities essential for future physicians, such as empathy, ethics, communication, and professionalism.

The CASPer test presents 14 challenging, real-world scenarios across two response sections: one with video responses and one with typed responses. Applicants are asked what they would do in difficult situations and, more importantly, why. The goal is to understand your ethical reasoning and interpersonal skills. The test takes approximately 90–110 minutes, including breaks, and is scored by trained human raters.

Strong performance on the CASPer is critical, as it plays a major role in determining which applicants move forward in the admissions process. Unlike academic metrics, CASPer evaluates your real-time judgment and values alignment, giving McMaster a better sense of how you might perform in high-pressure clinical settings.

Tips for success:

• Practice with sample CASPer-style scenarios to build comfort with the format;
• Hone your ability to explain your reasoning clearly and concisely;
• Reflect on ethical dilemmas, communication breakdowns, and interpersonal challenges;
• Time management is key: train yourself to think and respond quickly without sacrificing quality.

At MedApplications, our CASPer Prep Coaching helps you master the test with mock practice sessions, personalized feedback, and proven strategies to help your voice stand out. Our team can help you sharpen your responses, identify common pitfalls, and approach CASPer with confidence so you’re not just prepared, but competitive.

Reference Letters

Applicants are required to submit three letters of reference from individuals who can speak to their skills, character, and alignment with McMaster’s values of empathy, professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning. While letters from family members, family friends, colleagues, or peers are not accepted, it is vital to choose referees who can meaningfully comment on the applicant’s personal and professional qualities. Referees should highlight why the applicant would make an excellent physician and provide insights into attributes such as communication, problem-solving, professionalism, and self-awareness. Please note that reference letters from family members, family friends, colleagues, or peers will NOT be considered.

At the end of the initial application, all applicants are screened and scored based on the composite score, consisting of:

• 32% GPA
• 32% MCAT CARS
• 32% CASPer score
• An up to 4% bonus for applicants with a graduate degree

Given the heavy emphasis on both academic and non-academic competencies, it is essential for applicants to focus and excel across numerous application components. For consultation across any aspect of the application, including CASPer test performance, ABS writing, referee selection, and more, MedApplications’ Application Consulting offers comprehensive advice and feedback to mastering each aspect of your application and maximizing your chances of a medical school acceptance!

Admission Statistics & Historical Trends

With approximately 5,300 applicants and 220 accepted students each year, the McMaster University Medical School has an acceptance rate of around 4.2%. While only the CARS section of the MCAT is considered, it plays a critical role. Competitive applicants typically score 129 or higher. In addition, a high GPA is essential, with the mean OMSAS GPA for incoming classes ranging from 3.92–3.96.

To be considered competitive, we recommend aiming for a CARS score above 128 and an OMSAS GPA of 3.9 or higher. Applicants should also focus on excelling in non-academic components, including the CASPer test, Autobiographical Sketch (ABS), and the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). In such a competitive process, working with experienced advisors at MedApplications can be the difference between an acceptance or having to wait another cycle to re-apply.

Alternative Application Pathways

McMaster’s DeGroote School of Medicine recognizes that a diverse physician workforce strengthens patient care and community trust. To that end, the school offers multiple admissions streams designed to reduce barriers and elevate underrepresented voices. Each pathway asks you to share your unique experiences and commitments in a deeply personal narrative, supported by documentation, so that the admissions committee can understand both your challenges and your potential contributions. Importantly, all applicants from alternative application streams must meet the same minimum academic criteria as the general pool: three or more years of undergraduate degree-level courses by May, an overall GPA of at least 3.00 (OMSAS 4.00 scale), a minimum MCAT CARS score of 123, and completion of the CASPer test.  There are additional admissions pathways for those in the Canadian Armed Forces and individuals looking for admission into the MD/PhD program.

Indigenous Student Admission Pathway operates in partnership with local and national Indigenous organizations to reserve seats for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants. Beyond the OMSAS application, you will submit a FIAP self-identification form and an Indigenous personal statement (500–750 words) reflecting on your cultural heritage, community leadership, and vision for improving Indigenous health outcomes. You must also provide proof of ancestry (e.g., treaty or status cards, registry membership, or letters from recognized community Elders). Applicants not endorsed through FIAP will be considered in the general applicant pool. In selecting candidates, the Indigenous Advisory Committee evaluates both academic readiness and cultural connection. MedApplications’ Equity Pathway Coaching can help you craft a heartfelt statement, navigate requirement specifics (including MCAT deferral logistics), and prepare for any Indigenous-focused interview stations.

For students who self-identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, or Black North American, the Black Equity Stream (BESt) offers a holistic evaluation process. BESt applicants complete a 300–500-word personal narrative exploring how their lived experience has shaped their commitment to serving Black communities and addressing health disparities. You can also submit community testimonials or letters of support to provide additional context about your advocacy and leadership. Any BESt applicants not invited to interview will be reviewed in the general applicant pool. MedApplications’ BSAP-specific workshops guide you in refining your narrative to highlight leadership, advocacy, and resilience, ensuring your voice resonates powerfully during BESt review and beyond.

Canadian Armed Forces: Military Medical Training Program (MMTP) Stream is available to active members of the Canadian Armed Forces under the MMTP agreement. You must email an introduction letter to the MD Program Admissions Office indicating your MMTP application through CAF on OMSAS. There are up to three seats allocated annually for MMTP candidates. MedApplications’ CAF Stream Coaching provides targeted support for outlining military experience in your personal statement, navigating CASPer and MCAT preparation, and crafting that introduction letter to maximize your competitive edge.

MD/PhD Combined Program at McMaster admits up to three students yearly who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to research. MD/PhD applicants must submit applications through both OMSAS (for the MD) and the McMaster University School of Graduate Studies portal (for your chosen PhD program). You must be accepted by the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and one of the following PhD programs: Medical Sciences; Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences; Chemical Biology; Health Policy; Health Research Methodology; Biomedical Engineering; or Neuroscience (MINDS). MD/PhD candidates must meet all MD academic requirements, as well as any additional graduate admissions criteria. MedApplications’ MD/PhD Application Coaching helps you articulate your research vision, coordinate parallel MD and PhD applications, and prepare a standout proposal that highlights both your clinical aspirations and scholarly potential.

Each of these pathways requires careful attention to both content and format. With MedApplications’ path-specific guidance, we can help you create a personalized admissions roadmap including document checklists, statement workshops, and mock interviews that will prepare you to fully prepared to represent your community and lived experiences.

MMI Interview Format

The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine is a hallmark of their innovative approach to medical education. Pioneered at McMaster, the MMI was developed to improve the reliability of applicant assessments by increasing the number of short, focused interview encounters. Instead of a single, traditional interview, applicants rotate through a series of stations in a timed circuit, allowing interviewers to evaluate each candidate across multiple scenarios. This model has not only revolutionized McMaster’s own selection process but has also been adopted by numerous medical schools across Canada, the United States, and internationally.

During the MMI, candidates proceed through ten stations, spending two minutes reading the prompt outside the room and eight minutes inside to respond to a scenario. Although applicants may use additional reading time, any excess directly reduces their station time. Each station’s interviewer receives a flexible set of questions to guide the conversation rather than a strict script, enabling them to probe deeper, challenge the candidate’s viewpoint, or clarify scenario details on the spot. Importantly, the McMaster MMI evaluates non-academic aptitudes only, no clinical knowledge is required or tested, making it critical for applicants to demonstrate strengths in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking rather than subject-matter expertise.

The McMaster MMI examines a broad range of personal qualities and professional skills. Key competencies include ethical decision-making, awareness of social health issues in Canada, problem-solving ability, self-appraisal, relating to others, motivation to study medicine, and learning styles. Since the MMI is designed to measure these non-academic attributes reliably, applicants should focus their preparation on practicing clear, concise communication, reflecting on personal experiences that illustrate teamwork and ethical reasoning, and staying informed about current health-and-society topics. Understanding the MMI format and rehearsing with timed scenarios can help candidates navigate each station confidently and showcase the personal qualities McMaster seeks in future physicians.

MedApplications’ MMI Coaching offers personalized, one-on-one mentorship to help applicants craft compelling personal stories, strengthen non-academic competencies, and excel in the MMI through realistic practice stations and expert feedback.

Admission Timeline

It is important to keep deadlines related to all medical schools in mind when navigating the process, as missing deadlines can eliminate ones application. While we outline the 2024-2025 Med School Application Timeline below, please refer to the official OMSAS and McMaster University website for all updated dates.

• When do med school applications open? OMSAS portal opens in early July and the admission process for all ontario medical schools begins. Kick off your planning with MedApplications’ Admissions Strategy Session.
• Late July–August: Register and prepare for CASPer.
• October 1 (4:30 pm ET): OMSAS Application Deadline. All applications to Ontario medical schools must be submitted by this time.
  • Across Canada, Medical schools application deadlines vary, but McMaster’s OMSAS submission is due October 1.
  • When do med schools start reviewing? McMaster begins evaluations after the October 1 deadline.
• Mid‑October: CASPer test completion deadline.
• Late January – Early February: MMI invitations released. This is an essential time for preparing for the interview through high-quality strategy and mock-interview sessions.
• February–March: Virtual MMI stations conducted.
• May 13, 2025: Offers and waitlist notifications. Engage MedApplications for decision counseling if needed.

McMaster BHSc for High School Students

In addition to its MD program, McMaster University offers the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program. The BHSc program is a highly sought-after four-year undergraduate degree that emphasizes problem-based learning, interdisciplinary research, and health policy. With more than 3,500 applicants competing for just 350 seats each year, admission is extremely competitive and suited for students with strong academic and extracurricular profiles. Students admitted into the BHSc program have a high rate of matriculating into medical school, and therefore admission can provide a substantial boost for aspiring physicians.

MedApplications’ High School Advising supports top-tier students in crafting application essays, preparing for program‑specific interviews, and planning rigorous extracurricular portfolios.

Tuition, Financial Planning & Scholarships

McMaster’s tuition for Ontario residents is approximately $25,000 per year and $30,000 for out‑of‑province students, with additional supplemental fees. Expect further costs for textbooks, problem based learning resources, travel during distributed rotations, and living expenses.

Available Supports

• Entrance Scholarships: Renewable awards for strong entering students.
• Needs‑Based Bursaries: Awarded by the Office of Financial Aid.
• External Awards: OGS, CIHR, and private foundations specialising in Indigenous, Black, and rural student support.
• MCAT Fee Assistance and Medical School Application Fee Waiver is also available to eligible students facing financial barriers.

Further details about tuition can be found on the McMaster MD Program’s Website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I balance a heavy course load with CASPer and MMI preparation?
A: Time management and strategic planning are essential. Begin by mapping all academic and application deadlines in a comprehensive calendar. MedApplications’ Academic and Admissions Strategy Sessions for Pre-meds will help you allocate weekly time blocks for CASPer practice, MMI mock drills, and ABS drafting without compromising your coursework. By front-loading your application tasks and leveraging efficient study methods, like spaced repetition for MCAT and targeted framework drills for CASPer, you can maintain academic performance while preparing effectively.

Q: What distinguishes a successful Autobiographical Sketch entry?
A: A compelling ABS entry tells a concise story of challenge, action, and reflection. Rather than simply describing activities, focus on moments when you applied leadership or advocacy to address real problems. For instance instead of “volunteered at food bank,” write “led a team of volunteers to organize weekly mobile food distributions for 250+ residents facing food insecurity, securing partnerships with local grocers and documenting a 20% increase in meal access.” MedApplications’ ABS workshops offer personalized critique to refine your narratives and align every entry with McMaster’s desired competencies.

Q: How important is the MCAT CARS section for McMaster?
A: McMaster exclusively considers the CARS score, making it critically important. High CARS performance not only demonstrates your reading comprehension and critical reasoning, key skills for problem based learning, but can compensate for minor deficiencies elsewhere. Preparing with daily reading exercises, logic mapping, and timed practice sets can help push your score into the highly competitive 129+ range.

Q: Can I apply through multiple equity pathways?
A: Yes, you may indicate eligibility across multiple pathways. For example, an Indigenous student from a rural background. Each pathway requires its own statement and documentation, so be prepared to tailor your narratives. MedApplications’ Equity Pathway Coaching will help you decide which combination of streams best showcases your profile and ensures that each statement remains focused and authentic.

Q: What should I do if my GPA or ABS is slightly below expectations?
A: Holistic review means that strong CASPer scores, ABS entries, and MMI performance can offset minor academic dips. However, retaking key courses or pursuing a summer research project can demonstrate academic growth. MedApplications will develop a personalized improvement plan, combining targeted academic upgrades with strategic enhancements to your non-academic profile.

Q: Are McMaster interviews virtual or in-person?
A: Recent cycles have transitioned to virtual MMIs for accessibility. Expect to engage via secure video platforms in a quiet, professional setting. MedApplications’ mock virtual MMIs include technology checks and environment optimization tips, so you present at your best.

Q: How does McMaster support student wellness during the accelerated program?
A: McMaster offers wellness resources including peer mentorship, academic support, and counseling services to help students cope with the intensity of a three-year curriculum.

How MedApplications Guides You to Success

McMaster’s DeGroote School of Medicine seeks reflective, resilient, and resourceful physicians ready for an accelerated, community‑focused program. MedApplications offers:

• Admissions Strategy Sessions: Personalized timelines, goal setting, and milestone tracking.
• Academic Consulting for pre-meds and non-traditional applicants: GPA and MCAT planning, transcript audits, and course selection.
• ABS Development Workshops: Crafting concise, impactful entries aligned with CanMEDS.
• CASPer Preparation: Ethical frameworks, timed simulations, and feedback on written/video responses.
• MMI Simulation Sessions: Practice stations, debriefs, and confidence‑building for virtual interviews.
• Equity Pathway Mentorship: Supporting Black, Indigenous, rural, and contextual applicants at every step.
• High School Pre‑Med Advising: Long‑term planning for BHSc and MD hopefuls.

Our team of seasoned McMaster alumni and experienced admissions consultants will be your partners throughout this journey, providing the tools, feedback, and application boosters you need to transform your application into an offer of admission.

Ready to become part of McMaster’s legacy? Book your comprehensive consultation today and take the first step toward a transformative medical education at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.