University of Calgary (UofC) Faculty of Medicine Application

Known as one of Canada’s most research-intensive and community-driven medical schools, the UCalgary med school application process is holistic, accounting applicants academic accomplishments, non-academic experiences, and life circumstances.

Known for its accelerated three-year MD program and a strong commitment to clinical excellence, UofC med school offers a unique path for students seeking early patient contact and an intensive learning experience. With its integration of basic sciences and clinical experience from day one, the program appeals to driven, independent learners who thrive in fast-paced, problem-solving environments.

But gaining admission isn’t simple, and requires much more then just academic performance. You must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and a readiness for an intensive curriculum that blends clinical exposure with community service and inquiry-based learning. Calgary seeks future physicians who are academically capable , and embody compassion, leadership, and a commitment to serving diverse populations across Alberta.

Need med school application help?

At MedApplications, we specialize in med school application help, guiding applicants through the UofC medical school application process. Whether you’re a highschool or pre-med student looking for admissions advice, building a compelling application package, need help understanding medical school application timelines, or navigating the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI), our expert team offers tailored guidance to help you secure a spot in one of Canada’s best medical schools!

About the UofC Faculty of Medicine

The Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary delivers a three-year undergraduate medical education program that is fast-paced, self-directed, and grounded in patient-centered learning. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the program is housed at the Foothills Campus to the Foothills Medical Centre, one of Canada’s largest hospitals. The three-year program emphasizes immersive clinical exposure and integrating scientific knowledge with practical skills from the outset.

The Foothills Campus includes the Health Sciences Centre, the Heritage Medical Building, the Health Research Innovation Centre, and the Teaching, Research and Wellness building. These facilities form a hub for clinical teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Regional and rural training opportunities are offered through community hospitals and clinics across southern Alberta, supporting the school’s broader goal of producing physicians who are grounded in a deep understanding of community-based care.

The school’s philosophy is guided by social accountability and equity. The schools emphasizes the diverse needs of local, global, and Indigenous communities. Partnerships with these communities are approached through respectful engagement and addressing health inequities through co-created initiatives. Students are encouraged to develop as socially conscious practitioners, capable of understanding the social determinants of health and advocating for improved access and outcomes across populations.

The newly redesigned pre-clerkship curriculum known as the Reimagining Medical Education (RIME) initiative, reflects a major pedagogical shift. RIME was developed through years of collaboration with students, faculty, and administrators, and consists of a spiral format in which core clinical and scientific concepts are revisited with increasing complexity. Emphasis is on generalism and managing undifferentiated and complex presentations alike, while also integrating social and structural factors of health. In addition to traditional lectures, there is small-group learning, simulation, bedside teaching, and protected independent study time. In addition, longitudinal components such as the Professional Roles curriculum give students the opportunity to explore areas of interest in scholarship, clinical service, and community engagement throughout their training.

Clerkship comprises the third and final year. Students rotate through a wide range of specialties, including surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthesia, and emergency medicine. These rotations take place in both urban and rural settings across Alberta, offering learners the chance to engage in a variety of healthcare environments. In addition to core rotations, students complete 14 weeks of electives, allowing them to explore areas of interest in more depth and gain experience that supports their residency applications. The University of Calgary also offers an integrated longitudinal clerkship for students seeking an alternative clinical experience rooted in continuous patient care and rural community immersion.

Academic Admission Requirements

Admission to the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine requires a strong academic foundation, though the program is designed to be inclusive of a range of educational backgrounds. Applicants must complete at least two full-time academic years (minimum of 24 credits completed between September and April) of undergraduate study by the time of application. While there are no specific prerequisite courses required, applicants are expected to demonstrate academic rigour across their studies. Both Alberta and out-of-province applicants are eligible to apply, though the criteria differ significantly between the two categories.

The minimum GPA requirement for Alberta applicants is 3.20 and for Non-alberta applicants is 3.80 on a 4.0 scale. GPA is calculated using all full-time undergraduate academic years that meet the 24-credit threshold. Spring and summer courses, as well as part-time studies, are excluded from the GPA calculation. Applicants who will have completed their undergraduate degree prior to matriculation may remove their lowest GPA year. Those who have completed a graduate degree by June 30th of the application year will have their graduate GPA included in the overall calculation.

The MCAT is a required component of the application process and must be written by the fall of the application year. Similar to other Canadian medical schools, Calgary places particular emphasis on the CARS section. Non-Alberta applicants must achieve a minimum CARS score of 128. There is no CARS minimum for Alberta applicants. When assessing an applicant’s MCAT, the admissions committee will automatically consider the highest available CARS score, provided it has been released to the University of Calgary.

The University of Calgary welcomes applications from both traditional and non-traditional candidates, including graduate students and students who studied internationally. Graduate students may have their graduate GPA considered in the admissions process, provided the degree is completed by the specified deadline. International students whose education is not from a Canadian MD-PhD granting institution must ensure that their academic history is transferable and meets the eligibility requirements.

Given the competitiveness of the 2025 med school application cycle and UofC’s nuanced requirements, it is essential to approach the application with careful preparation. MedApplications’ Comprehensive Application Review and Pre-med consulting services can help you assess your GPA and MCAT readiness, optimize your academic record, and navigate Calgary’s specific evaluation criteria with confidence. From interpreting credit eligibility to ensuring your MCAT score meets the CARS threshold, our advisors are equipped to support you through every step of the application journey!

Non‑Academic Requirements

Medical School at UofC strongly favors Alberta residents in its admissions process. Each year, a minimum of 85% of the available seats are reserved for Alberta residents. To be considered an Alberta resident, applicants must either have been physically present in Alberta for 24 consecutive months between their 15th birthday and the start of classes, or have completed 24 months of active duty in the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP prior to the start of the program. Applicants must also hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or convention refugee status. International applicants are not eligible.

UofC evaluates candidates based on non-academic criteria that provide a holistic picture of an applicant’s values, experiences, and potential contributions to the profession. This include the Top 10 Experiences section, a designated personal essay, a detailed employment history, listings of publications and awards, and three letters of references. Each element plays a key role in determining an applicant’s Personal Attributes score, which is central to interview selection. To support students through this multifaceted process, MedApplications offers expert guidance and consulting across all elements of the UCalgary application.

Top 10 Experiences

The Top 10 Experiences section is one of the most important components of the UCalgary application and a primary tool used to assess an applicant’s personal qualities and readiness for medical training. Applicants may list up to ten experiences ranging from employment and volunteer roles to educational, life, or research activities that they feel are foundational to who they are. Each experience must include a clear title, a descriptive summary, and a personal reflection explaining the impact the experience has had on the applicant. Entries related to work, education, or volunteering require a verifier who can confirm the experience. The Top 10 Section allows file reviewers to assess attributes such as resilience, empathy, leadership, and commitment to service. Crafting meaningful entries for your Calgary medical school application can be challenging, especially when medical schools look for applicants who can demonstrate true resilience and leadership. This is why MedApplications offers individualized coaching to help applicants effectively communicate the significance of their experiences and make their applications stand out.

Personal Essay

All applicants are required to complete one personal essay reflecting on personal challenges, their path to medicine, or experiences related to underrepresented or marginalized identities. The Admissions Committee is committed to diversity and encourages applicants to share meaningful aspects of their background, particularly if they have had to overcome adversity. Whether through reflections on identity, hardship, or resilience, this essay allows applicants to share their unique narratives in a thoughtful and authentic way. This application is a major opportunity, especially for non-traditional applicants, to stand out!

Employment History, Publications, and Awards

Beyond the Top 10 Experiences, applicants are also required to submit a full employment history, and may also include academic publications and awards. The employment history section should include all paid positions held to date, regardless of their duration or perceived prestige. Even short-term or entry-level jobs are considered valuable and are worth including.  For publications, applicants should list only peer-reviewed articles or abstracts presented at national or international conferences. While submission of the actual documents is not required at the time of application, applicants must be prepared to provide them upon request. Awards should be listed and applicants should be able to produce proof if needed.

These sections provide further insight into an applicant’s achievements, academic engagement, and commitment to professional development. Notably, if an employment, publication, or award experience is listed in the Top 10 section, it must also be entered in these  sections.

Letters of Reference

Three reference letters are required for the UCalgary med school application. Each referee is asked to complete a unique evaluation form tailored to a specific attribute:

1. Organizational, Management, and Leadership Skills
2. Commitment to Communities and Advocacy
3. Interpersonal Behaviours and Collaboration.

Referees should be chosen carefully and be individuals who have worked closely with the applicant in a professional or academic capacity. Referees must be able to offer detailed, unbiased insights into the applicant’s character and suitability for a career in medicine. Family members, peers, and family friends are not acceptable references. A strong reference can significantly strengthen an application, and MedApplications can assist applicants in identifying suitable referees and ensuring each reference aligns with program expectations.

Application Scoring System

Applicants to the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine are assessed using a holistic framework that gives equal weight to both academic and non-academic components. The pre-interview score is composed of 50% academic attributes and 50% non-academic attributes, and two distinct review committees: an Academic Review Committee and a General Review Committee.

Academic Score

The academic component includes an applicant’s GPA (weighted at 20%) and their score on the CARS section of the MCAT (10%). A further 10% of the academic score is allocated to a global assessment of academic merit, which considers not only course load and difficulty but also trends in academic performance, extenuating personal circumstances, and commitments outside the classroom. The final 10% is awarded for demonstrated intellectual curiosity and scholarly activity, which may include research involvement, publications, and other academic accomplishments.

Non-Academic Score

The non-academic score accounts for the remaining 50% of the pre-interview assessment and is derived from a detailed review of the applicant’s personal submissions and life history. File reviewers assess applicants for:

• Evidence of communication skills
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal skills and collaboration
• Evidence of maturity, insight, and resilience
• Evidence of commitment to communities and advocacy on behalf of others
• Evidence of organizational, management, and leadership skills

Each of these categories make up 10% of the total non-academic score. Attributes are evaluated through the applicant’s Top 10 Experiences, designated personal essay, employment and extracurricular history, awards, publications, and letters of reference. Reviewers are instructed to evaluate the depth and relevance of each experience rather than simply the number or prestige of accomplishments, encouraging applicants to emphasize meaningful growth and reflection.

Following the interview stage, final admission decisions are based on a combination of the pre-interview score (50%) and the interview score (50%).

With many components contributing to both the academic and non-academic scores, applicants often benefit from strategic guidance in crafting a cohesive and compelling application. MedApplications offers personalized support to help applicants highlight their strengths and present their unique stories in a manner that aligns with UCalgary’s admissions values.

Detailed Admission Statistics

With an overall success rate of ~9.1%, the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine is highly competitive. In the most recent application cycle, the average GPA of accepted students was 3.9, and the average MCAT CARS score was 127.5. The average age of accepted students has hovered around 25–26 years in recent years, reflecting a cohort with a range of academic and life experiences. For the Class of 2026, 38% of students identified as male and 62% as female. Notably, 6.2% of students entered without a completed undergraduate degree, while 28.7% held graduate-level credentials. These figures suggest that Calgary’s admissions process values both traditional academic pathways and diverse educational backgrounds.

Equity and Diversity Pathways

The UofC med school offers multiple admissions pathways to reflect its mission of training physicians who will serve the unique and evolving needs of Alberta’s diverse communities. Applicants may apply through the Indigenous Admissions Pathway, the Black Applicant Admissions Process, the Rural and Remote Applicant Process, or the general applicant pathway. While each stream offers tailored opportunities to share lived experience and community connection, all applicants must meet the minimum academic standards and complete a full application to be eligible for review.

Indigenous Admissions Pathway

The Indigenous Admissions Pathway reflects UCalgary’s commitment to reconciliation, Indigenous health equity, and the support of Indigenous learners. This stream is available to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants who self-identify and submit verified documentation of Indigenous ancestry. Though there are no reserved seats for Indigenous applicants, several key modifications ensure equitable consideration:

1. All Indigenous applicants are considered Alberta residents for admissions purposes, regardless of where they reside.
2. All who meet the minimum academic requirements (GPA of 3.20 or higher) are guaranteed an interview.
3. The scores assigned to components such as the MCAT and MMI are standardized to account for areas where Indigenous applicants have historically been disadvantaged.
4. Each Indigenous application is reviewed by at least one Indigenous community member
5. Successful applicants are automatically connected with the Indigenous Health Program which offers tailored mentorship, sharing circles, and admissions workshops including MMI preparation.

Applicants may choose to submit either a general applicant essay or a personal essay describing their connection to the Indigenous community. The Indigenous Admissions Pathway reflects UCalgary’s commitment to supporting non-traditional applicants, offering tailored guidance for the UofC medical school application. This pathway was developed in partnership with the Indigenous, Local, and Global Health Office and the Office of Indigenous Engagement to foster a culturally safe and supportive admissions experience.

Black Applicant Admissions Process

The Black Applicant Admissions Process (BAAP) provides an optional stream for students who self-identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, Black South American, or multiracial with Black ancestry. BAAP was developed to ensure that Black applicants are equitably considered within the broader admissions framework. While there are no reserved seats for Black applicants, those applying through BAAP benefit from the involvement of BIPOC community members in both the file review and interview stages. Applicants may choose to submit either a general personal essay or a BAAP-specific personal essay reflecting on their lived experience, community connection, or reasons for applying through the stream. While these essays are not scored, they are considered contextually by reviewers to better understand the applicant’s background and journey into medicine.

Rural and Remote Applicant Process

The Rural and Remote Applicant Process is a new and evolving initiative that supports students who have strong ties to rural and remote communities. Recognizing the urgent need for physicians in these underserved regions, this pathway provides applicants the opportunity to highlight their community connections and rural experiences in a focused personal essay. Like the BAAP and Indigenous stream, this essay is not formally scored but is considered by file reviewers to provide social and geographic context to the application. The Rural and Remote process seeks to identify candidates whose lived experiences and professional goals align with serving rural populations across Alberta and beyond. It is anticipated that the process will expand in the coming years to include additional support and recognition for rural applicants.

In addition to these formal pathways, the Calgary’s medical school also offers a discretionary review process during the file review stage. Reviewers may flag a small number of applicants who demonstrate an exceptional alignment with the school’s mission to serve Alberta communities, even if their component scores fall outside of the typical competitive range. These flagged files are assessed holistically by the Admissions Committee, which may choose to offer admission based on the applicant’s overall potential and unique contribution. While this route is not one students can apply to directly, it underscores the school’s commitment to a diverse physician workforce that meets the broad health care needs of the province.

Each of these admissions streams provides unique opportunities for applicants to showcase their backgrounds, values, and aspirations within the framework of a competitive and community-oriented medical school. At MedApplications, we specialize in helping candidates navigate these pathways with confidence. Whether you need help preparing a compelling personal essay, coordinating supporting documents, or participating in mock interviews tailored to each stream, our path-specific coaching ensures your application reflects both your lived experience and your readiness for medicine. Doing this will truly maximize your chances of admission to the Cumming School of Medicine.

MMI: The Multiple Mini Interview

The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is a pivotal part of the Canadian medical school application process, designed to assess applicants beyond academic metrics. Held in person for recent admissions cycles, the MMI format allows evaluators to observe candidates across multiple short stations, each focused on a different prompt. Typically,  applicants rotate through eight MMI stations, where they are presented with a situational, ethical, or personal scenario, often anchored in an image, object, or set of data. Following the initial question, candidates respond to four to five follow-up prompts that probe deeper into their reasoning, values, and communication style. The MMI assess applicants for altruism, compassion, empathy, and integrity, strong communication skills and a respect for collaboration—qualities medical schools look for in applicants. The admissions committee values applicants who demonstrate good judgment, the ability to tolerate stress and ambiguity, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for their work. Self-awareness, honesty, and a willingness to self-assess are also considered vital characteristics. Each encounter is timed and structured to allow assessors to evaluate applicants across a range of competencies while minimizing bias.

In addition to the formal interview itself, UofC offers a full-day experience that gives applicants a more immersive understanding of the school. Candidates are organized into groups and have the opportunity to tour the medical school and attend a presentation led by the Director of Admissions. This session includes a video created by first-year medical students and offers an informal setting to ask questions about the program. The day is also an opportunity to connect with current medical students and gain a sense of the school’s culture and facilities. Applicants facing financial hardship may apply for MMI bursaries, which can cover return economy airfare and one night’s accommodation.

MedApplications’ MMI Coaching provides tailored, one-on-one preparation to help applicants excel in Calgary’s dynamic and comprehensive interview process. Through individualized mentorship, simulated MMI stations, and personalized feedback, candidates can strengthen the non-academic qualities most valued by UCalgary. Whether refining communication techniques or building confidence in ethical reasoning, MedApplications equips aspiring medical students with the tools they need to stand out and succeed.

Application Timeline

Staying on top of medical schools application deadlines is critical for the 2025 med school application cycle. Take a look at important dates below:

• July 8, 2024: Application cycle opens.
• October 1, 2024 – 4:00 p.m. MDT:
  • Final deadline to submit your online application.
  • All documents must be received: transcripts, references, WES reports (if applicable), proof of Indigenous ancestry, and other required items.
  • Deadline to release MCAT scores to UCalgary through the AAMC. (Important: You must do this manually.)
• October– January: Admissions team reviews completed applications.
• Late January to Early February: MMI invitations are sent via email. Applicants can schedule interview times using the application portal.
• Early to Mid March: MMI dates, likely in person.
• First two weeks of May:
  • Admission decisions are released via email.

Pathways to Medicine Scholarship: Med School Admission from High School

The University of Calgary’s Pathways to Medicine Scholarship Program is a unique and life-changing opportunity for high school students in Alberta who are passionate about becoming physicians but face significant socioeconomic or systemic barriers. Designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, including those from low-income families, Indigenous communities, or rural areas, this program provides full funding for a four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, a relocation allowance, a paid summer internship, and access to a mentorship and enrichment curriculum. What makes this program especially powerful is the guaranteed admission to the Cumming School of Medicine’s MD program after undergrad, as long as recipients meet the academic and admissions criteria, including GPA, MCAT, and interview performance.

To apply, students must be Alberta residents graduating from a local high school, and must demonstrate financial need based on Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs. They are also required to apply to any University of Calgary undergraduate program and submit a nomination letter from a recognized community leader or organization. Eligible candidates receive a preliminary application from the program, followed by a secondary application and participation in Multiple Mini Interviews if shortlisted. Only five students are selected annually, making this a highly competitive yet profoundly impactful scholarship for those who are successful.

For high school students navigating the complex med school application timeline, MedApplications offers expert support every step of the way. Our team specializes in helping students craft strong applications, secure competitive scholarships like the Pathways to Medicine award, and prepare for interviews with confidence. Whether you need help with your nomination package, advice on standing out in your essays, or coaching for MMIs, MedApplications helps you make your dream of becoming a doctor a reality.

Tuition and Financial Planning

Medical school is expensive, and the University of Calgary is no exception. First-year students are provided an expect total costs of approximately $29,196, including a tuition $21,567, ancillary fees ($2,107 for general fees, associations, and registrations), and books/supplies ($5,522). For more details, consult the MD Program’s official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does UofC’s three-year MD program differ from traditional four-year programs?
A: UofC’s accelerated program integrates clinical exposure from day one, emphasizing problem-solving and self-directed learning. The condensed timeline requires resilience and adaptability, but graduates match into residencies at comparable rates to four-year programs.

Q: Are there specific MCAT score cutoffs for Alberta vs. non-Alberta applicants?
A: Yes. Non-Alberta applicants must score ≥128 in CARS (no minimum for Alberta residents). All applicants need ≥124 in other sections. Competitive applicants typically exceed these thresholds.

Q: How important is the Top 10 Experiences section?
A: It is critical. It accounts for 50% of your pre-interview score. Focus on depth, reflection, and verifiable impact. Quality over quantity goes a long way! MedApplications’ ABS Workshops refine entries to align with UofC’s values.

Q: Can I apply through multiple equity pathways (e.g., Indigenous and Rural)?
A: Yes, but you must submit separate essays/documentation for each. Pathways like Indigenous Admissions guarantee an interview if minimum GPA (3.20) is met.

Q: What financial aid is available for the MMI?
A: UofC offers bursaries covering economy airfare and one night’s accommodation for applicants facing financial hardship. Apply early via the admissions portal.

Q: How should I prepare for UofC’s MMI stations?
A: Practice ethical reasoning, communication, and stress management. Stations often probe altruism, collaboration, and rural/Indigenous health equity. MedApplications’ MMI Coaching simulates UofC’s unique format.

Q: Is the Pathways to Medicine Scholarship open to international students?
A: No. Only Alberta residents graduating from local high schools, with demonstrated financial need, are eligible.

How MedApplications Can Help You Succeed

At MedApplications, we provide medical school application help tailored to UofC’s unique med school application timeline and equity pathways. Our services include:

• Academic Consulting: GPA/MCAT strategy, graduate degree planning, and Alberta residency eligibility checks.
• Top 10 Experiences Coaching: Craft reflective, verifiable entries that highlight leadership and social accountability.
• Equity Pathway Guidance: Personalized support for Indigenous, Black, and Rural applicants, from essays to documentation.
• MMI Preparation: Mock circuits with UofC-style stations (e.g., rural health ethics, teamwork scenarios) and feedback from Alberta-trained physicians.
• High School Advising: Strategic planning for Pathways to Medicine Scholarship applicants, including nomination packages and interview prep.

Ready to stand out in UofC’s competitive process? Book a consultation to start your journey!