Applying to medical school is one of the most competitive and demanding journeys any aspiring doctor will face. It’s no secret that the competition is fierce. However, by understanding the requirements, focusing on key areas, and strategically approaching the application process, you can maximize your chances of success. Below are tips to strengthen your medical school application and stand out from the crowd.
1. Focus on GPA and MCAT
There’s a saying in the Canadian medical school application process—“GPA is king.” MCAT is a close second. The requirements for GPA and MCAT scores in Canada are the funnelling point for many applicants.
For example, UofT often requires GPAs of 3.94–3.96. Ottawa often requires GPAs of 3.93+, and McMaster typically accepts applicants with GPAs ranging from 3.8 to 3.9. The University of Western Ontario often has high MCAT cutoffs which change annually. The average CARS score of accepted applicants for McMaster’s medical school is around 129. With these scores in mind, it is no surprise that passing the initial GPA/MCAT screen in Canada can be difficult.
GPA and MCAT are often the first statistics that admissions committees consider in medical school applications, so it’s essential to score well in both. This doesn’t mean that a lower score automatically disqualifies you, but having competitive GPA and MCAT scores can significantly impact the number of interviews you receive.
In Canadian medical school applications, aim for a GPA of 3.9+ and MCAT scores of 512+. Achieving these scores will help you pass the initial screen and improve your chances of getting medical school interviews.
Tips for Achieving High GPAs and MCAT Scores
GPA: If you’re struggling in a subject, seek help early. Reach out to upper-year colleagues for recommendations on courses to take. Some courses may be difficult to achieve high grades in, so avoid these if possible. While it’s tempting to take only “bird” (easy) courses, balance your schedule by including courses that allow for high grades while still being useful for your education.
MCAT: Give yourself ample time to prepare for the MCAT. Use active studying strategies, take plenty of practice exams, and identify weak areas to strengthen your score. Consider a prep course or tutor if needed, however you will find that this is often unnecessary for most science majors.
Check out our guide on the MCAT, including tips for acing the Chemistry/Physics, CARS, Biology/Biochemistry, and Psychology/Sociology sections.
2. Prepare for the CASPer Test
Many medical schools require the CASPer test, which assesses interpersonal skills, professionalism, and ethical decision-making. CASPer is a situational judgment test that presents real-world scenarios and asks how you would handle them.
Although some believe you cannot prepare for CASPer, practicing ethical dilemmas and scenarios can improve performance over time. You’ll have very limited time to respond, so it’s important to gain proficiency in analyzing ethically ambiguous situations quickly, think clearly, and answer with professionalism and integrity.
Looking to score in the top quartile? Check out our guide on how to ace the CASPer here.
3. Gain Meaningful Clinical Experience
A critical component of your medical school application is demonstrating an understanding of what a career in medicine entails. Medical schools want to know that you have a good grasp on what it’s like to work in healthcare, that you can interact well with others, that have an earnest desire to help, and that you are prepared for the challenges of medical training.
Volunteering: Consider volunteering in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare settings to show your commitment to medicine while gaining valuable patient care exposure. Consistent long-term volunteering is often preferable over numerous short-term experiences.
Shadowing Physicians: Though shadowing is less important for Canadian medical schools, it offers a firsthand look at a doctor’s daily responsibilities. Try to shadow various specialties for a broad perspective.
Paid Positions: Consider roles such as medical scribe, EMT, CNA, or BLS/ACLS instructor for hands-on paid experience in clinical settings.
Check out our article on how to choose the best premed extracurriculars to help your stand out medical school application stand out.
4. Get Involved in Research
While not a requirement for medical school applicants, many premeds will have some degree of research experience. If you truly dislike research, consider a short-term project (3–6 months) to produce a poster or publication. At the bare minimum, this shows admissions committees that you have essential research skills that are often requiring for residency programs or academic medicine careers.
Research involvement, whether in bench research, clinical studies, or public health projects, demonstrates analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. If you’re new to research, reach out to professors or local hospitals for opportunities to assist with data collection or literature reviews.
Not sure how to get involved in research? Check out our honest guide on how to find your first research position.
5. Demonstrate Leadership and Service
Doctors need to have excellent leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Consequently, medical schools look for applicants with leadership experience and a passion for service. These experiences have to necessarily be science-related. Leadership can be demonstrated through arts, sports, research, advocacy, or any of your other passions.
Leadership Roles: Any position will do, as long as the role demonstrates your initiative, teamwork, and positive impact. Identify problems, take action, and achieve positive outcomes for your community.
Community Service: Volunteering with underserved communities, tutoring, or participating in global health initiatives demonstrates your commitment to helping others. During my undergrad, I volunteered to provide and deliver music education programming to at-risk youth—do something that you are passionate about!
6. Write Compelling Personal Essays
Personal essays offer a chance to connect with admissions committees beyond your entries on an autobiographical sketch or CV. This is where you explain why you want to pursue medicine. Be sincere, reflective, and specific. Start your essays as early as possible, and get as many of your peers, medical students, or physicians to read over your essays and offer constructive criticism.
Tell Your Story: Reflect on the experiences that shaped your desire to pursue medicine. Avoid clichés like “I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was a child.” Instead, focus on meaningful moments or challenges that pushed you toward this path. Common examples may include meaningful early exposures to healthcare, role models in medicine, experiences with taking care of sick family members, or how a different passion evolved into a love for medicine.
Be Honest and Authentic: If you’ve faced adversity or significant challenges, don’t shy away from discussing them. Medical schools value resilience and applicants who have overcome obstacles to pursue their goals.
7. Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendations are useful to admissions committees as they provide an outsider’s perspective on your abilities, character, and readiness for medical school. Choose your recommenders wisely. Try to choose professors, research mentors, or clinical supervisors who know you well. Ideal candidates are those who you have interacted with for months to years at a close level, and can write about your strengths as a future physician in detail.
Build Relationships Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for letters of recommendation. Foster strong relationships with your professors and supervisors during your time in undergrad or during gap years. Even for myself, I began to think about individuals that I could form long-term professional relationships with that could be strong referees in the future.
Provide Clear Instructions: When asking for a letter, give your recommenders enough time and provide them with all necessary details, including deadlines and specific guidelines from the medical schools you’re applying to. Provide specific examples that can serve as a guide that you would like referees to comment on.
8. Highlight Diversity and Unique Experiences
Medical schools highly value diversity in all forms as it enriches the learning environment and improves healthcare outcomes. Your unique experiences, whether related to cultural background, socioeconomic status, personal challenges, or special skills, can set you apart. Consider how your life experiences, like speaking multiple languages or overcoming adversity, have shaped your perspective and ability to connect with others. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you to contribute meaningfully to the medical school community and the healthcare profession.
Cultural Background: If you’re part of an underrepresented group in medicine or have faced significant challenges due to your background (e.g. due to race, gender, socioeconomic status, disability, etc), this may be an opportunity (if you’re comfortable) to emphasize these attributes on your medical school application. Medical schools are ultimately seeking physicians who can represent diverse communities. Your background may help you better empathize with a broader range of patients, making you an invaluable addition to any medical profession.
Unique Skills or Talents: Whether you’re able to speak multiple languages, have unique artistic abilities, or enjoy a unique hobby, don’t hesitate to share these aspects of yourself. These skills can contribute to your role as a future physician, particularly in areas like patient communication with diverse populations.
9. Plan for Interviews
Securing an interview is an exciting step, but it also means the pressure is on. Practice answering common medical school interview questions in front of a camera, work on your delivery in MMI and panel interviews with peers, and be prepared to discuss your medical school application in depth. Be genuine, stay calm, and remember that the interview is an opportunity for the school to get to know you as a person.
Schedule Mock Interviews: Practice with friends, mentors, or advisors to get feedback on your answers and delivery. Focus on learning how to speak both confidently and thoughtfully.
Know the School: Before your interview, research the medical school thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in that specific program and how you would contribute to their community.
Final Thoughts
Strengthening your medical school application involves a combination of academic excellence, meaningful experiences, and authentic self-reflection. By focusing on these areas, you can present a well-rounded application that highlights your unique journey and commitment to becoming a physician.
