Getting into Medical School In Canada Begins With MedApplications

Every year, countless aspiring doctors worry about getting into medical school in Canada. Competition at these prestigious institutions is fierce; there are only so many spaces available, and you need to create a high-quality application if you want to seize the attention of the adjudicators, outshine the competition, and succeed. When it comes to attaining a coveted spot at the best medical schools in Canada, it’s never easy, but worth giving it your best try, with the advice and support of medical professionals! 

Canadian medical schools are amongst the best institutions in the world for studying medicine. The unparalleled standards set out by the Medical Council of Canada makes Canadian Medical Licensure an internationally-versatile qualification.

Due to the prestige of Canada’s MD programs, competition is at an all-time high, right down the list of medical schools in Canada. Students from all over the world vie for limited spots every year. Standards in academic and extracurricular merits are incredibly high.

Your med school application needs to stand out if you want to increase your chances of getting accepted to your dream medical school.

MedApplications team of highly experienced physician coaches are here to guide you through this daunting task, and each step of the way along your journey. Our doctor team knows the ropes, has insights and knows the requirements of  every medical school in Canada. As such, we are uniquely qualified to arm you with expert advice on your application.

Medical School in Canada Requirements

Applying to a Canadian medical school requires substantial preparation. Competitive candidates typically begin planning for their applications in their first year of undergraduate studies, if not earlier.

An application is a snapshot of your entire life, not just your school records. You’re expected to condense everything you’ve done academically, professionally, and personally into one impressive file.

You can submit your application to the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) in either the third or last year of undergraduate studies

Your OMSAS applications consist of the following components:

  • University credits and GPA. Two of the most important elements in your application – that will strongly impact your acceptance — is a) your performance in your undergraduate degree and b) your MCAT score.  

A very high GPA is a key factor in acceptance.Typically, students who apply to medical school have completed their degrees in full, or at least three years of it. Medical schools typically require some core classes to be taken in your undergraduate studies like biology, chemistry, and English. Besides these classes, no specific undergraduate degree or courses are required.

  • MCAT Scores. High scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will significantly strengthen your application. In fact, strong MCAT results are one of the greatest advantages you’ll have on the path to getting into medical school in Canada. This exam tests you for knowledge of physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, critical analysis and reasoning, psychology, and sociology. It is highly recommended that you prepare rigorously to score as high as possible on this important exam.
  • The Autobiographical sketch. The OMSAS Autobiographical Sketch comprises and consolidates every notable thing you’ve done from the age16 until now. A smart approach is to position your life events in a way that clearly underscores your experience and suitability for a career in medicine. You are allowed up to 32 entries – so make them count. Of these, you must be sure to include education, employment, awards, accomplishments, and any research you’ve completed. It is important to start planning early for this because medical schools look for experienced, well-rounded applications.
  • Supplementary Application Questions. This portion is unique to each medical school. Generally, you will be asked to write small essays regarding your life goals, what challenges you’ve overcome, why you picked that particular school and what aspects of a career in medicine you really love.
  • CASPer Test. The Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPER) is an online, 90-minute exam. It tests for non-cognitive factors like decision making and interpersonal skills. Only some schools, like McMaster University, require this test as a part of admission.
  • Letters of Recommendation. Applicants are required to submit letters of recommendation to schools. Referees, generally your past professors and employers,  should be selected long before the application process begins. It is crucial to select referees who can attest to your academic, professional, and personal strengths — and who are totally in your court to give you a glowing referral.

MedApplications Canadian Application Programs

Features

  • Application Development Consultation
  • Canadian MD Application Edit/Review
  • Autobiographical Sketch/CV Review
  • School Selection Consultation
  • Application Document Revisions
  • Specific MD Advisors
  • In-Person Consultations
  • Professional Medical Editor/Polish
  • Dedicated Client Care Coordinator
  • Online Application Webinar
  • Success Guarantee*

Individual Canadian MD School Application

  • Application Development Consultation 1 Hour Consultation
     
  • Canadian MD Application Edit/Review 1 Application
     
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  • Application Document Revisions Unlimited
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Premium Canadian MD Application
 

  • Application Development Consultation 2 Hours of Consulting
     
  • Canadian MD Application Edit/Review 2 Applications
     
  • Autobiographical Sketch/CV Review
     
  • School Selection Consultation
  • Application Document Revisions Unlimited
  • Specific Specialized Advisors
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  • Online Application Webinar
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Comprehensive Canadian MD Application

  • Application Development Consultation 5 Hours of Consulting
     
  • Canadian MD Application Edit/Review 5 Applications
     
  • Autobiographical Sketch/CV Review
     
  • School Selection Consultation
  • Application Document Revisions Unlimited
  • Specific Specialized Advisors
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  • Dedicated Client Care Coordinator
     
  • Online Application Webinar
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Ultimate Canadian MD Application
 

  • Application Development Consultation Unlimited Consulting
     
  • Canadian MD Application Edit/Review Unlimited Applications
     
  • Autobiographical Sketch/CV Review
     
  • School Selection Consultation
  • Application Document Revisions Unlimited
  • Specific Specialized Advisors
  • In-Person Consultations
  • Professional Medical Editor/Polish
     
  • Dedicated Client Care Coordinator
     
  • Online Application Webinar
  • Success Guarantee*

How We Can Boost Your Chances of Getting Into Medical School in Canada

Creating a professional, competitive and standout medical school application can be the deciding factor in whether your application is successful. Your application, after all, is a snapshot not only of your academic life, but your personal life, professional career, and even your personality. It is your entire self on paper. 

Is it worth it to study hard, participate in extracurriculars, and ace the MCAT just to be rejected because of your application? Presenting yourself properly on your application is just as important as all the exceptional things you’ve done to get to this stage.

At MedApplications, our team of experienced physician coaches will give you the confidence and skills required to put your best foot forward.

Canadian Medical School Application Prep Program

At MedApplications, we uniquely approach every application to tailor it to your needs. Our expert team will look over every detail to create the strongest application we can for you. 

Our team of physicians has in-depth knowledge of every Canadian medical school’s admission requirements. We’ll guide you step-by-step, from the creation of your application to your interview.

Citizenship and Residency: Medical Schools in Canada Requirements

Getting accepted into a Canadian medical school as an international student is very difficult. Most schools only accept permanent residents or Canadian citizens, and the few schools that take international students offer limited spots.

The schools that accept international students are:

  • Dalhousie University (NS)
  • McGill University (QC)
  • McMaster University (ON)
  • Memorial University (NL)
  • Queen’s University (ON)
  • University Laval (QC) (French language)
  • University of Montreal (QC) (French language)
  • Sherbrooke University (QC) (French language)
  • University of Toronto (ON)

International students typically study in Canadian medical schools via contracts with other countries or foreign universities. Acceptance as an uncontracted international student is challenging, to say the least.

It is important to note that some medical schools have lower GPA and MCAT cutoffs for applicants from the school’s province. If you’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, applying to schools within the province you reside may be easier than applying to out-of-province schools.

The Ontario Medical School Application

Any student in Ontario will need to complete an application with OMSAS. This service handles all medical school applications for Ontario universities.

Here are a few facts that you should know:

  • In 2019 alone, 22,300 applications were received and the target class size for 2020 is 917.
  • OMSAS is affiliated with the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
  • There are specific fees that you must pay when submitting an application through OMSAS. These include university-specific fees and a general OMSAS application service fee of $220.
  • You must have valid proof of your GPA and MCAT scores. While some schools don’t require an MCAT score, you should still complete the test as most schools do require it.
  • You can find a list of medical schools in Canada and their distinct requirements on the official OMSAS website.
  • The deadline for applying and paying for OMSAS is at the beginning of October, MCAT scores are due by November, and initial offers of admission are sent near the end of spring.

Your OMSAS application is another layer of complexity that you must take into consideration if you want to improve your chances of getting into your ideal medical school.

MedApplications works with medical school applicants to help them prepare for their medical school applications, potential interviews, and to create strong supplementary documentation for their application.

Best Medical Schools in Canada

Are you looking to study medicine in Canada and want to attend one of the best medical schools in the country?

Of the 17 medical schools across Canada, we believe these three stand out as the most renowned and sought after. These schools include:

University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Founded in 1843, UofT’s Faculty of Medicine is one of Canada’s oldest institutions. The Faculty of Medicine was ranked 13th in the world by QS University Rankings in 2019. Nationally, it’s tied in first place with McGill University as Canada’s best medical school. 

UofT medical school is famous for significant medical breakthroughs like the discovery of insulin and the first lung transplants in the world.

Its location in Canada’s largest city, Toronto, gives it a unique edge in research, networking, and clinical opportunities.

Its four-year MD program is highly competitive, with an average successful GPA of 3.96 in 2019. It is one of the few schools in Canada which accepts international students, albeit in small quantities.

McGill University Faculty of Medicine

Founded in 1829, McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine is Canada’s oldest medical school. Ranked 19th by QS rankings, McGill  holds international prestige as a top tier institution. It has placed first in ‘MacLeans Magazine University Rankings’ as the best medical school in the world for the last 14 years.

McGill is a research-intensive school with a long history of groundbreaking discoveries. Over 60 years ago, stem cells were first discovered at McGill, and countless other breakthroughs have occurred since.

McGill University is an English language school located in Montreal, one of Canada’s most culturally rich and exciting cities. Ranked by QS as the best student city in which to live in the World, there is always something to do. Plus, the cost of living is very low compared to Toronto or Vancouver.

The average GPA for admission to McGill is 3.88. International students are accepted but in limited quantities.

UBC Faculty of Medicine

The UBC Faculty of Medicine is BC’s only medical school, giving it a unique position as the only institution to serve the entire province. It possesses a unique system of distributed medical education across four distinct campuses,  the first of its kind in North America.

Ranked 34th in the world and 3rd in Canada, UBC is a highly prestigious institution with a strong focus on research.

Students can choose between living in Vancouver or studying in more rural areas of BC. 

UBC does not accept international students unless contracted by foreign governments or institutions. Preference is always given to BC residents, with only 9% of students admitted from out of province.

The average successful GPA is 86.98 in 2019. Note, UBC converts four-point averages to be out of 100.

Easiest Medical School to Get Into in Canada

Are you interested in becoming a doctor and don’t care where you attend medical school? Getting accepted to a medical school is a long and arduous process… and perhaps you know your MCAT and GPA is not as high as it should be?

Apply in your home province:

Applying in your home province is typically one of the easiest ways to get accepted. Each province accepts a specific amount of local applicants over those applying from other provinces.

While Ontario is often the most competitive due to the sheer size of its population, there are far more medical schools in Ontario. Aspiring doctors can choose to apply to study in the eastern, central, western, and northern regions of the province, increasing their chances of getting accepted at one of the schools.

Applying out of province is always an option, but you may decrease your chances of getting accepted, especially if your grades and MCAT score are not stellar.

What are your educational goals?

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