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Questions we have frequently encountered.
Disclaimer: This website was created for informational purposes only. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we are not affiliated with any medical school, admissions office, or resources we promote. Always verify details directly with official university websites or admissions representatives, as policies and requirements may change. We are not responsible for any errors made by users.1) My cGPA is xyz... am I cooked?
1) My cGPA is xyz... am I cooked?
Nobody can tell you this for certain. Look at the admission statistics for your university of interest, and make sure you meet the cutoffs. If you do, who is stopping you from applying. You have other aspects of your application as well.
2) How do I calculate my OMSAS GPA?
2) How do I calculate my OMSAS GPA?
Use the conversion table provided by OMSAS: https://www.ouac.on.ca/guide/undergraduate-grade-conversion-table/
3) Bad first year GPA, what do I do now?
3) Bad first year GPA, what do I do now?
Work on having stronger upper years, so that you can meet cutoffs. An upward trend is said to be appreciated by admission teams. Some schools also look at wGPAs (best 3 years, 2 years, etc.) so look into those as well Admission Requirements, it is good to know your options.
4) What MCAT score do I need for Ontario schools?
4) What MCAT score do I need for Ontario schools?
Depends on the school you are applying for, there is no one-size-fits-all. Important to check cutoffs and admission stats: Undergrad/Grad Students
5) How long should I study for the MCAT? And where do I even start?
5) How long should I study for the MCAT? And where do I even start?
Typically, students spend about 3 months. However, this is also determined by your previous knowledge and the amount of time you can dedicate to the exam. Consider MCAT Prep to help you get started with studying.
5) How long should I study for the MCAT?
5) How long should I study for the MCAT?
Typically, students spend about 3 months. However, this is also determined by your previous knowledge and the amount of time you can dedicate to the exam.
6) Should I do a Master's?
6) Should I do a Master's?
ONLY if you are truly interested. Getting a Master's is not as simple as just "getting a Master's," especially if thesis-based or a project. It requires significant time, effort, and dedication to research or advanced coursework. Also keep in mind, most Ontario medical schools will only let you apply to medical school during the final year of your Master's (meaning: you need to be done your degree before you can enroll). They do not want students to use the degree as a stepping stone and abandon it halfway.
7) How do I stay motivated/avoid burnout?
7) How do I stay motivated/avoid burnout?
Advice for this is easier said than done. It is highly likely that you will experience burnout at some point. It is really important to pace yourself and prioritize your physical wellbeing and mental sanity first.
Use accommodations, reach out to professors, talk to your friends/advisors/mentors. Take advantage of the resources provided by your university.
Make sure to continue doing the things you love alongside your work, otherwise you may end up resentful of the path you chose.
Exercise. The studies are NOT lying when they tell you how much this can change your life.
Keep your friends/family close and updated with your life; this can allow them to see where they can support you.
Get exposure into the field in whichever way you prefer. This lets you constantly remind yourself of why you are even doing all this.
We know this last point is very hard to do especially given this pathway, but seriously try to not compare your progress with others. You have accomplished plenty and gotten over hurdles that others may not have had to face.
Have a rough plan/timeline so that you know the direction you are headed in and aren't feeling lost. BUT if your path derails a little bit, that is so okay. So many genuinely great moments for us have come out of nowhere. More help with planning here: Undergrad/Grad Students
Remember, you don’t want to be a walking paradox — training to care for others while neglecting your own health.
8) WHAT ARE MY CHANCES?????
8) WHAT ARE MY CHANCES?????
Listen, we all know Reddit offers a lot of good advice and support, and some of it can be really helpful, but, REDDIT IS NOT THE ADMISSION COMMITTEE. Take things with a grain of salt. Your application is not identical to someone else's because YOU are not identical to someone else.
Focus on the actual admission statistics, understand the cutoffs and criteria for the schools you’re applying to, and align your efforts accordingly. Most importantly, give it your absolute best effort. We’ve condensed key information here to help guide you through this process: Undergrad/Grad Students
9) How much does it cost to apply to medical school in Ontario?
9) How much does it cost to apply to medical school in Ontario?
A few things go into this:
Application processing fee ($220)
Individual school fees ($125-130)
Transcript fees (as per your university)
MCAT/prep ($330 USD for exam + what you spend on resources)
CASPER/distribution fees ($50 + $18 for distribution to each school)
It can get pretty chunky depending on how many schools you apply to. Please do consider the fee assistance programs to help, just make sure you apply early enough.
10) When should I apply?
10) When should I apply?
Well, when you're ready. No point in rushing an application when you could wait some more time and polish it. Just keep in mind that (roughly) you apply the year before you want to start. For example, to start medical school in Fall 2026, you would apply in the Fall of 2025.
Some universities allow you to apply after your third year, others require you complete your undergraduate degree Undergrad/Grad Students
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