Canadian Medical School Requirements
By MACINSIDERS INSIDERS AGENT jesus
The first thing you should do is look at the prerequisites and minimum/average GPAs of each school. Please keep in mind that the minimum MCAT and GPA scores are likely to change each year as the competition grows. Additionally, minimum scores do not guarantee acceptance into a program.
Listed below are the requirements for the six Ontario medical schools for 2009:
McMaster University:
GPA Calculation: OSMAS Scale – All marks are used.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0
MCAT: Verbal Reasoning (minimum score: 6)
Prequisites: None.
Northern Ontario School of Medicine:
GPA Calculation: OSMAS Scale – All marks are used.
Minimum GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0
MCAT: Not required.
Prequisites: None.
University of Ottawa
Minimum years of undergraduate study: 3
GPA Calculation: (1st year GPA + 2nd year GPA x 2 + 3rd year GPA x 3) ÷ 6
Minimum GPA: not stated; however, aim for a weighted average of 3.85
MCAT: Not required.
Prerequisites: 6 units arts or social sciences; 6 units biology; and 6 units from biochemistry, chemistry, or organic chemistry
Queen’s University
GPA Calculation: Either the average of all of your courses (or your two best full-years (at least 30 units per year). You must meet the minimum GPA cut-offs using either method.
Minimum GPA: Not stated, but 3.7 unofficially.
MCAT: Not stated, but minimum 10/10/10 R * unofficially.
Prerequisites: 6 units in life sciences, 6 units in physical science, 6 units in humanities or social sciences.
University of Toronto:
GPA Calculation: If you have completed at least three years of undergrad with a full course load (30 units) each year, then you can eliminate the grade of one full credit (6 unit course) or two half credits (3 unit course) for each year of study. Summer courses are not included in the calculation of GPA.
Minimum GPA: 3.6 out of 4.0
MCAT: Minimum 9/9/9 N*
Prerequisites: 12 units in life sciences, 6 units in humanities, social sciences or languages.
University of Western Ontario
GPA Calculation: Only years with 5 full year courses are considered. The level of courses should correspond to your year of program. For example: if you’re in 3rd year, then three out of five courses must be 3rd year courses or higher. Your two best years must meet the minimum GPA cut-offs. Residents of Western Ontario qualify for the SWOMEN academic requirements, see their website for details.
Average GPA (Class of ’09): 3.75.
MCAT: 11/10/9 Q *
Prerequisites: None, but a mixture of science, humanities, and social sciences are recommended.
In short, what does this mean to you? Plan out your courses carefully. Try to maintain a full course load (30 units) in order for that year to qualify in the GPA calculation. Keep in mind that extracurricular activities also play a large role.
*MCAT score format: BS / PS / VR WS
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