Western University Faculty of Medicine Application

The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University consistently ranks in the top 1% of universities worldwide and is recognized for combining cutting-edge research with immersive learning experiences across a premier health network.

With over 110 health-care partner sites and $175 million in research funding in 2023–2024 alone, Western University is amongst the best medical schools for Canadian Students.

At MedApplications, we specialize in helping aspiring physicians navigate the admissions process. Whether you need support crafting a standout essays or preparing for interviews, or are a non-traditional applicant looking for application advice, we can help you highlight your strengths and stand succeed every step of the way!

About the Western University Faculty of Medicine

Western University’s Medical Program offers a four-year MD program that blends academic rigor with training across urban and rural settings. The program is delivered at two campuses: London and Windsor. From lectures and labs to case-based discussions and early clinical exposure, Schulich Medicine provides students with a well-rounded and immersive medical education grounded in both theory and practice.

Western University’s aims to prepare socially accountable physicians who are responsive to the needs of Southwestern Ontario and broader Canadian healthcare system. The program emphasizes adaptive, team-oriented learning that equips students to navigate the complexities of modern care. Respect for diversity, commitment to health system improvement, and a deep engagement with the social determinants of health are central to the School’s values.

Western Medical School’s London and Windsor campuses provide students with rich and distinctive learning environments while maintaining full curricular consistency. At the London campus students learn in the Medical Sciences Building, Donald Rix Clinical Skills Learning Building, and train at nearby hospitals including London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care. In Windsor, students are based at the University of Windsor’s Medical Education Centre, which features advanced anatomy labs, clinical skills suites, and classrooms with full video-conferencing capabilities. Clinical training occurs at Windsor Regional Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, and affiliated sites across Essex County.

Across both campuses, students benefit from access to extensive research infrastructure, including summer research programs and mentorship opportunities with leading investigators. Through a combination of academic excellence, community engagement, and clinical immersion, Western University prepares its medical students to become thoughtful, skilled, and socially responsible physicians.

In Years 1 and 2, students participate in a pre-clerkship curriculum that establishes a foundation in medical science while fostering the development of clinical reasoning and communication skills. Early learning focuses on fundamental concepts such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, genetics, and biochemistry, delivered through lectures, small group discussions, and hands-on labs. Students also clinical skills through structured in patient interviews, physical exams, and the use of medical records. Professionalism and wellness are also cultivated through longitudinal learning in small groups and seminars. In the latter half of pre-clerkship, students prepare for the transition to the clinical environment by consolidating their academic knowledge and developing the practical competencies needed to engage effectively in patient care. This transition phase serves as a bridge between classroom-based instruction and the hands-on training that characterizes clerkship.

Year 3 marks the beginning of clerkship, a 52-week integrated experience during which students rotate through core disciplines including internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, psychiatry, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and anesthesia. Learning takes place in hospitals, clinics, and community practices throughout Southwestern Ontario. Students also complete at least one rotation in a rural or regional setting, reinforcing Schulich’s commitment to distributed medical education. In Year 4, students pursue clinical electives in fields of personal interest, either within Schulich or at external institutions. The final stage of training, Transition to MD, allows students to synthesize their learning across disciplines and refine their readiness for residency.

Academic Admission Requirements

Admission to Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine is based on a combination of academic excellence and breadth of educational background. Applicants must be in the final year of, or have completed, at least three years of undergraduate study leading to a four-year degree from a recognized university. Two full-time undergraduate years (30 credit hours each) must be completed. There are no specific prerequisite courses. Graduate students are eligible to apply but must be in the final year of their program. International applicants with undergraduate degrees from outside Canada or the United States may apply, but their degree must be equivalent to a four-year Canadian undergraduate program.

A minimum GPA of 3.70 must be achieved in each of the two best undergraduate years. Each of these years must meet the full-time study criteria. GPA is calculated using only undergraduate coursework, with no consideration given to spring, summer, or graduate courses. Repeat courses are excluded from GPA calculations, and no more than one pass/fail course is permitted in each of the two GPA-eligible years.

The MCAT is a mandatory component. All four sections of the MCAT are considered, and students from the general admission pathway must score at least 127 in the BBFLS, CPBS, and CARS sections, and at least 126 in the PSBB section. For applicants applying through Southwestern Ontario, Black, Access, or Military Pathways, a score of 125 in each section is required. If the MCAT is written more than once, only the most recent set of scores is used. Results must be from a test written within five years of the application deadline.

Given the strict academic criteria and competitive nature of Western’s Medical School, understanding how your transcript and MCAT aligns with admissions requirements is crucial. MedApplications’ Comprehensive Application Review can help applicants identify their two strongest undergraduate years, interpret OMSAS GPA conversions, and determine whether their course loads meet Schulich’s standards. We also help aspiring pre-meds and non-traditional applicants in MCAT preparation strategies and planning strong applications.

Non‑Academic Requirements

In addition to academic metrics, Western University places strong emphasis on applicants overall experiences, values, and character. Other then requiring all applicants to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, Western University requires each application to include a reflective Autobiographical Sketch and structured reference assessments.

Western Autobiographical Sketch

Western’s Autobiographical Sketch (ABS) is a key application booster for med school, and is designed to reveal the lived experiences, personal growth, and guiding values that shape an individual’s path toward medicine. This includes bot the a written and video-recorded components that invite applicants to share non-academic strengths, meaningful or transformative life experiences. This portion of the application encourages authentic self-reflection and storytelling, helping the admissions committee understand how applicants would contribute to the Schulich learning environment. Importantly, the Western ABS is only accessible after the OMSAS application window closes. At that time, detailed instructions are provided regarding submission timelines, format expectations, and how to access the Kira Talent platform. A submission fee is required.

If you’re unsure how to best structure your narrative, reflect on impactful experiences, or present your story confidently on video, MedApplications offers personalized coaching to help you craft an ABS that highlights your unique journey with clarity and professionalism. Our team provides tailored feedback to ensure your exactly what medical schools look for!

References

Western requires three confidential reference assessments, each completed through an online form. These references are designed to provide structured, comparable insights into an applicant’s personal and professional attributes. Referees must be individuals who know the applicant well and can provide objective evaluations. Among the three required referees:

• One must be academic or employment-related
• One must be non-academic or personal
• The third is flexible and may fall into either category

Referees are asked to assess key qualities such as maturity, interpersonal skills, reliability, and suitability for a career in medicine. Their responses play an important role in helping the admissions team asses applicant’s readiness for the responsibilities of medical school.

Interview Format

The Western University Medical School uses a panel interview to assess applicants. Each year, top-ranked candidates are invited to participate in a 45-minute virtual interview, conducted via video conference. These interviews are highly standardized and feature a three-person panel composed of a physician, a current medical student, and a community member, each bringing a unique perspective to the assessment process. This style allows for a deeper exploration of an applicant’s motivations, experiences, and interpersonal skills. The interview focuses on a series of structured questions. At the end, there is some time for applicants to ask the panel about their experiences in medicine or at Schulich. Accommodations are available for candidates with documented disabilities.

The panel may ask applicants to reflect on personal challenges, ethical dilemmas, teamwork scenarios, or broader issues facing healthcare in Canada. Since the interview is standardized, each candidate is asked a similar set of questions, enabling the committee to make consistent, comparative evaluations. The interview does not test clinical knowledge or scientific facts, but rather focuses on communication skills, maturity, empathy, professionalism, and commitment to a career in medicine, key traits that all medical schools look for in applicants. To prepare, applicants should:

• Reflect on the values that guide their decision to pursue medicine, review their autobiographical sketch, and consider how their lived experiences demonstrate resilience, leadership, and collaboration.
• Practice responses out loud or conduct mock interviews to develop clarity, confidence, and presence in a virtual setting.
• Learn about relevant healthcare issues, particularly those affecting underserved communities in Southwestern Ontario.

MedApplications’ Interview Coaching provides tailored support to help applicants excel in Schulich’s panel interview format. Through personalized mentorship, realistic mock interviews, and expert feedback, MedApplications helps candidates approach all question types effectively and present their most authentic and prepared self. With our guidance, you can approach the Schulich medicine interview with confidence!

Detailed Admission Statistics

With 2,611 applications received and 190 students ultimately admitted, the Schulich School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of approximately 7.3%. Successful applicants also demonstrated strong academic performance, with average GPAs of 3.95 and 3.90 across their best two undergraduate years. MCAT averages include are 129 in BBFL, 128 in CPBS, 127 in CARS, and 129 in PSBB.  To be competitive, applicants should aim for strong MCAT scores across all sections and maintain a high GPA, ideally above 3.9. 62% hold a bachelor’s degree and 38% are entering with advanced degrees, including master’s and PhDs. Additionally, 17% of the class are first-generation university students, 21% identify as LGBTQ2S+, and 22% applied through the Access pathway. In such a selective admissions process.

Equity and Diversity Pathways

The Western MD Program offers several application pathways for individuals of non-traditional, diverse, and marginalized background. This includes pathways for Black applicants, Indigenous applicants, residents of Southwestern Ontario, individuals with financial, medical, or socio-cultural challenges, and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces. These pathways have distinct eligibilities, documentation needed, and admission processes.

Black Applicant Pathway

The Black Applicant Pathway (BAP) is open to applicants who self-identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, or multiracial. BAP applications are reviewed by a diversity and equity panel composed of physicians, community members, and medical students who self-identify as Black and have received EDI training. Applicants are required to submit a brief personal statement (maximum 500 words) describing their experiences as a Black individual. Still, candidate must achieve a GPA of 3.30 and MCAT above 125 to be considered.

Indigenous Applicant Pathway

The Indigenous Applicant Pathway reflects Western’s commitment to supporting students from  First Nations, Métis, and Inuit backgrounds. The school designates five seats in each class though this pathway. Applicants must submit confirmation of Indigenous ancestry and a personal statement outlining the applicant’s involvement with Indigenous communities and their future goals. Additionally, letters of support from Indigenous communities or organizations are necessary to demonstrate community engagement. Interviewed candidates are welcomed by traditional Elders and supported by Indigenous medical students throughout the process. Interviews for Indigenous applicants are conducted by a culturally safe panel consisting of an Indigenous physician, a community member, and a current medical student.

Southwestern Ontario Pathway

The Southwestern Ontario Pathway is designed for applicants who completed all four years of high school and graduated from one of the designated counties in Southwestern Ontario. While there are no reserved seats for SWO applicants, those who qualify may be granted MCAT flexibility if they meet the minimum requirement of 125 in each MCAT section. These applicants must still satisfy all other academic and non-academic requirements. This pathway aligns with Schulich Medicine’s goal of training physicians who are familiar with and committed to serving communities across Southwestern Ontario.

Additional Access Pathways

Access Pathway supports:

1. Applicants who have faced significant barriers to pursuing a medical education due to financial hardship, medical challenges, or socio-cultural factors.
2. Latin American Canadian applicants.
3. Filipino Canadian applicants.

Applications are evaluated by a panel trained in implicit bias and EDID practices. Although there are no fixed seats or quotas, candidates may be considered for MCAT flexibility provided they achieve a minimum of 125 in each section, though this is not guaranteed. Access Pathway applicants must submit a personal statement describing their challenges, community involvement, and how their lived experiences will support them as future healthcare providers. Supporting documentation relevant to their specific challenges must also be included.

Military Medical Training Program

The Military Medical Training Program (MMTP) is available to applicants who have served as active members of the Canadian Armed Forces for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the application deadline. To qualify, applicants must receive CAF approval for medical school tuition funding and consent to verification of their service. Applicants through the MMTP may also be considered for MCAT flexibility, though this is not guaranteed. All applicants must still fulfill the academic and non-academic requirements outlined for the general stream.

Navigating the various admissions pathways at Schulich Medicine can be complex, particularly given the unique requirements and documentation needed for each stream. At MedApplications, we offer expert guidance tailored to your background and goals, helping you identify the most appropriate pathway and ensuring your application meets all requirements. From refining your personal statements to compiling strong supporting documentation and preparing for interviews, our team is dedicated to maximizing your chances of success!

Application Timeline

Staying on top of deadlines is crucial to having a successful Canadian medical school application cycle, as missing a deadline can result in a withdrawn application. Below is an outline of Western University’s 2024–2025 med school application timeline:

• Early July: OMSAS opens and the application process officially begins. Use this time to map out your application strategy and begin compiling required documents.
• Early October: Application deadline for med schools in Ontario. All materials, fees, and transcripts must be submitted by this time.
• Late January – Early February: Interview invitations are sent out.
• February 22 & 23 and March 1 & 2, 2025: Interview days. These structured panel interviews are conducted virtually.
• Early April: Deadline to apply for Schulich Medicine scholarships.
• Early May: First round of admission offers are released.

Pro Tip: Confirm admission deadline details using the OMSAS website and create a personalized plan to navigate the medical school application timeline.

Financial Planning & Scholarships

For the 2024–2025 academic year, tuition for Ontario residents is $23,986, while out-of-province students pay $27,766. In addition, students should budget for mandatory ancillary fees, including health coverage, transit passes, and student organization fees, which collectively total approximately $1,716.64. Further costs such as textbooks, medical equipment, and other academic supplies can add several hundreds to thousands of dollars annually.

To help ease the financial burden of medical education, Western offers more than $5.1 million in scholarships and bursaries. This includes prestigious Schulich Medicine Scholarships, valued at $33,600 per academic year for up to four years, totaling $134,400. Additional awards and needs-based funding are also available through the university to support students from diverse financial backgrounds. Further details regarding tuition, financial aid, and award opportunities can be found on the Western University and Office of the Registrar websites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does Western require CASPer?
A: No. Western is unique among Ontario medical schools and does not require CASPer. Selection relies on GPA, MCAT, ABS, and panel interviews.

Q: How does Western calculate GPA?
A: Only the two best full-time undergraduate years are considered (minimum 3.70/year). Summer/graduate courses and pass/fail credits are excluded.

Q: What MCAT scores are competitive?
A: General applicants need 127+ in BBFLS/CPBS/CARS and 126+ in PSBB. Equity pathway applicants may qualify with 125+ per section.

Q: What’s unique about Western’s ABS?
A: It includes a video component (via Kira Talent) and reflective writing. Focus on storytelling and highlighting experiences that have shaped your medical journey.

Q: How does the Southwestern Ontario (SWO) pathway work?
A: SWO applicants must have attended high school in the region. They receive MCAT flexibility (125+ per section) but no reserved seats.

Q: What interview format does Western use?
A: A standardized panel interview (45 minutes) assessing communication, ethics, and alignment with Schulich’s values (e.g., social accountability).

Q: Can I apply to both the Black Applicant Pathway (BAP) and Access Pathway?
A: No. Applicants must choose one equity pathway and submit tailored documentation (e.g., BAP personal statement, Access proof of barriers).

Q: How important is research for Western?
A: While not mandatory, 38% of admitted students hold advanced degrees. Research can strengthen your ABS but is weighted less than GPA/MCAT.

How MedApplications Helps You Succeed

Need Medical School Application Help? MedApplications’ expertise aligns with Western’s MCAT-heavy, GPA-focused, and equity-driven admissions:

• GPA & MCAT Strategy: Identify your two strongest years, MCAT section-specific prep, and retake planning.
• ABS & Video Coaching: Polish written/video narratives to highlight resilience, leadership, and SWO ties (if applicable).
• Panel Interview Prep: Mock interviews with Schulich alumni, focusing on health equity and rural medicine
• Equity Pathway Guidance: BAP, Indigenous, or Access applicants get tailored support for statements, referees, and MCAT waivers.
• Scholarship Advising: Schulich’s $134K scholarships demand early planning and we help craft competitive profiles!

Perfect your Western medical school application with our med school application help! Book your free consultation today!