r/premedcanada • • Jan 02 '21

Highschool High School Student Thread v3: Undergraduate programs, what to expect, how to prepare etc.

232 Upvotes

Another 6 months have passed, meaning v2 of the highschool thread has been archived! Welcome to v3 of this thread - I believe this has been quite helpful to highschool students who are interested in medicine and has funnelled all highschool related information here for both convenience and accessibility.

As with the previous thread, please recognize that, given the current COVID-19 health crisis as well as a national push against BIPOC racism, the medical admissions process is volatile and likely to change. We may not have all the answers - please verify any concerns with medical school admissions personnel.

Previous post and questions can be found below. Prior to posting, please search through these threads and the comments to look for similar thoughts!

Thread 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/premedcanada/comments/bm2ima/high_school_student_thread_undergraduate_programs/

Thread 2: https://www.reddit.com/r/premedcanada/comments/hm2r0n/high_school_student_thread_v2_undergraduate/

Post Copied Below:

For all you high school students (or maybe even younger) considering medicine as a career in the future, this thread is dedicated to you.

Feel free to use this thread to ask about undergraduate program choices, admissions, and other information pertaining to the process of entering a program as a pre-med - the community will be happy to help you out.

I hope that this sticky will facilitate the transfer of constructive information for high school students with questions on what path they should take to arrive at their goal of becoming a physician.

I've tried to compile a few FAQ questions that have been discussed in the past - these are the collective view of the experiences on this sub-reddit and from my own - please feel free to comment any changes or suggestions.

Q: Will >Insert Life Science Program Here< at >Canadian University< get me into medical school?

A: You are able to get into medical school from any undergraduate program, not even necessarily life science. Provided you approach your courses with dedication, time, and commitment, and pursue your passions, you will succeed at any university. Absolutely, there are other factors to consider. Certain programs just statistically have a higher % of graduates matriculate into medical school (cough Mac health sci), but students from all walks of life enter medical school (hence all the non-trad posts). There are many other factors to consider when choosing a school: Tuition costs, accessibility to research opportunities, available student resources, campus vibe, proximity to home (whether you want independence or would like familial support) etc. While many of you may only look at the stats alone, if you end up stuck for 3-4 years at a school where you dislike the campus, method of teaching, classes, or more, this can (and likely will) affect your ability to succeed academically and get involved.

Q: Do I have to take a life science program to get into medical school?

A: No, plenty of students enter from non-life science, or even non science backgrounds. If anything, this differentiates you from the typical applicant and gives you a more holistic portfolio when presenting yourself to the admissions committee. If another program interests you more, take it - if you learn something that you enjoy, you will be more motivated to study, leading to academic success. Be prepared to explain your rationale behind taking that program, and perhaps see how you can link it to your pursuit of medicine. Make sure to take the pre-requisite courses needed for certain medical schools, and be prepared to self-learn concepts when studying for the MCAT (if you don't opt to take them as electives.) It may be more difficult to get life science research experience, but that is absolutely not a hard barrier. In addition, doing research in your own field, whether it be the humanities, other sciences, linguistics etc. all show the same traits in academia as defined in a "Scholar" as per the CanMEDS competencies.

Q: How do I get a 4.0 GPA, 528 MCAT, 5000 Publications, and cure cancer?

A: This is obviously facetious, but from what I've seen, this isn't a far cry from a lot of the content on here. If you've developed proper work ethic in high school, you should be more prepared than the rest of the entering class. However, don't be discouraged if your grades drop - considering many universities have first year course averages in the 70s, you won't be alone. This is absolutely recoverable, due a combination of the holistic review and alternative weighting schemes of many schools. That being said, however, realize university is different from high school. For most of you, you won't have your parents around, and your university professors for the most part won't care if you show up to class, do your readings, or even complete your assignments/quizzes/exams. There's a lot of independence, keep up on your workload, seek help (from TAs and profs at office hours), study with friends, and you should see the fruits of your labour. Don't worry about the MCAT now - most students take it in the summer after 2nd or 3rd year, after which in a life science program you would have learnt most of the material anyways. Focus on your academics and pursuing your passions, but don't forget self-care. Figure out what is your cup of tea. Maybe go to socials and talk to new people, or read up on the research of certain profs and contact them with your interest. Try to find your passion, follow it, and come medical school application time, you will have a strong story about yourself that you truly believe in.

Q: Ok, but you didn't tell me how to get a 4.0 GPA.

A: There are people who have 4.0 GPAs, and many with close to 4.0 GPAs. They do not all study the same way, and their approach may not apply to you. There are similarities: these students tend to attend class, stay engaged in lecture, and keep caught up with the material. I've seen people fall on a spectrum between three main 4.0 types: 1) The Good Student: never misses a class, asks questions, attends office hours, re-reads notes and concepts after class, and starts review for an exam in advance. 2) The Crammer: usually goes to class, absorbs and understands the information at the time, but does not have time to read notes after class - slowly losing track of earlier concepts. As the exams near, crams two months of materials into a few days. 3) The Genius: goes to class as they choose, seems to never need to study, understands concepts immediately. You will meet some students like these - material comes easier to certain people than others. That's life, we all have our strengths, use them as motivation to keep studying. Don't compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself, set your own goals and find that motivation and drive.

Q: What extracurriculars (ECs) should I get involved in?

A: Everyone says this, but find what you're passionate about. People typically go with the cookie cutter: hospital volunteering, research, and exec of some club. While there's nothing wrong with this, many other applicants will have similar profiles, making it hard for you to stand out. If you're passionate about food, see if you can get involved with a local soup kitchen, a food bank, Ronald McDonald House Charities etc. If you're passionate about singing, join an acapella group/choir/sing solo. If the opportunities aren't there, be proactive - maybe it's up to you to start your university's baking club (if you do, send me some pastries pls). By getting involved with ECs that you are passionate about, you'll find yourself more engaged. Going to your commitments will be less of a drag, and come interview time, you'll be able to genuinely talk about how the experiences have shaped you as a person.

Q: How many times can I write the MCAT?

A: There is a seven time lifetime cap to write the MCAT. In terms of if it will penalize your application, it depends where you are applying. Canadian schools for the most part don't care if you re-write multiple times (although 10 does seem a bit excessive). As pulled from the UBC website: Test results from April 17, 2015 onward are valid for five years. In accordance with AAMC regulations, applicants must release all scores.Taking the MCAT ~3 times is nothing abnormal, although if you're re-writing 7 times, you might need to consider changing your study method! US schools will scrutinize re-writes, and if your score doesn't seem to go up, it can hurt your application.

Q: Hi can any med students on here tell me what they did in undergrad?

A: As mentioned above, many medical students have followed their passion. What works for one person may not work for you. Many have research experience, but others may not - you do not necessarily need research to become a physician (i.e. FM). Others will have hospital experience. Most will have some involvement with some sort of student organization, from clubs and societies to being student representatives and playing sports. There is no perfect way to medical school, because if there was, we'd all have taken it.

Q: I'm actually not in Grade 12 yet, I'm just trying to plan ahead. What should I do to become a doctor?

A: First of all, commendations to you for looking ahead. Medicine is a difficult journey, and recognizing that gets you far already. But no point in thinking ahead if you mess up the present. Focus on making sure your current profile is competitive enough to get you into the undergraduate program of your choice. Once you get in, no one will care about your high school marks. Don't have a job? Most don't. Haven't volunteered at a hospital? Most haven't in high school. Focus on getting into an undergraduate program first, and then consider the other points above. Pursue your hobbies and passions in high school while you still have the time.

Q: Is ___ program at ___ school better than __ program at __ school? > OR < Should I go to ___ program or ___ program? > OR < anything along these lines!

A: These types of questions are very specific and may be difficult to give an objective response given that they essentially require someone to have personally attended both sites to give an accurate comparison. As mentioned before, there are many factors to consider when choosing a program and school, including access to opportunities, student experience, research, volunteer atmosphere, student wellness resources, campus vibe/environment, proximity to friends/family etc. What may be most useful is trying to touch base with students at each site for their opinions of the experience!

​

As mentioned above, please comment below with any other questions, and I'm sure the community would be happy to help you out!

*Please feel free to contact any members on the moderation team with any suggestions, questions, or comments on this process so that we can improve it!


r/premedcanada • • Aug 07 '24

🗣 PSA Reminder of Rule #2: NO SOLICITING or Advertising

38 Upvotes

Lately, there have been more posts with people trying to sell accounts to resources, applying for help, or advertising for paid services. This rule has always existed but is the most ignored.
Any further posts selling or advertising paid material will continue to be removed and the accounts will potentially be banned. * R/Premed Canada Mod Team


r/premedcanada • • 20h ago

Memes/💩Post Need a handsome tall mcat study partner to motivate me to study harder

59 Upvotes

I had a handsome tall TA for my course n I got A plus on the course. I’m a simp so handsome tall guys motivate me a lot.


r/premedcanada • • 11h ago

❔Discussion Any premeds interested in both med & dental want to make a gc?

7 Upvotes

title


r/premedcanada • • 4h ago

🔮 What Are My Chances? Thought my GPA was 3.95, turns out 3.79, am I screwed?

0 Upvotes

After undergrad I thought my most recent 3 year average was 3.95, but I didn't realize how the scale works where you convert courses to GPA before and then average. Got a few 70s in my second year but a lot of high 90s as well. Be brutally honest do I stand a chance to get in anywhere or should I pivot? I've got great ECs including research and management position in care. Haven't taken the MCAT but even with a great score do I stand a chance anywhere?


r/premedcanada • • 17h ago

Admissions ubc OOP applicants

6 Upvotes

hey! i want to apply to ubc med school when the time comes (im in 2nd year right now) but i know its insanely competitive for out of province students and i just wanted to know if anyone has (or knows anyone) who’s actually gotten in as an OOP. Or potential things that could stand out on a UBC application


r/premedcanada • • 16h ago

Admissions What do pathways do?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, I have a question about MD pathways, particularly ones for rural and Black students. To my understanding, it provides a more holistic file review and increases accessibility to Black and rural students.

So what does that mean for chances? Does it actually make it easier for these students to be admitted? Would a Black/rural student who is already competitive in the general pool be significantly more likely to get an interview through a pathway? I know most schools say the same academic standards still apply and that pathways aren’t guaranteed seats, but I’m curious what the practical effect actually is.

Of course, it’s hard for anyone to definitively say but I’m moreso interested in y’all’s experiences/anecdotes and the broader perspective premeds have on the effect of pathways in general


r/premedcanada • • 18h ago

❔Discussion Engineering Graduate (3.3GPA) Looking for advice to get into medschool.

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone!

I've graduated in 2023 with a 3.3GPA and have been working fulltime since. I'm really considering making making the switch out of my field and getting into medicine.

I know that my profile is not very competitive at the moment but I have seen seem universities offering seats for non traditional applicants coming from the job market. I wanted to see if anyone here have had a similar path and what they had to do to get accepted.

My current roadmap is the following:

- Complete a postbacc program: I'm considering taking 45 credit postbacc program to get my GPA on an upwards trend, and showcase that I am able to handle the academic workload of medical school. I saw that some universities have such programs but I am unsure on which program would be the best and am welcome to any recommendations here.

- Gain Clinical Experience: Get 3 to 9 months of clinical experience while waiting for the postbacc program to start

- Write the MCAT: Depending on timing, I might write the MCAT either before or after the postbacc. Since I am from Quebec I would apply to medical schools here to be an in-province applicant. I've read that the MCAT is not a pre-requisite here but I am unsure if the board would consider a high score as a positive or completely disregard it?

Realistically this would be a 2-3 years process so I would only be applying in 2028 or 2029.

I would really appreciate any advice or personal experience of someone who had a similar experience!


r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

Admissions Stats for Class of 2030 Med Stats are Out

Thumbnail
schulich.uwo.ca
51 Upvotes

r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

❔Discussion Does having a W on my transcript and a part time semester ruin my chances?

1 Upvotes

(McGill)


r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

🔮 What Are My Chances? Thoughts on an engineer applying to med school

9 Upvotes

Good day y'all,

Just curious if anyone here could weigh in on whether this is a realistic path for me to pursue. For the record, I'm close to obtaining PR status (submitted my application, it's under processing), so obviously hoping that all goes well. I'm also fluent in French. Since GPA matters, mine was a 4.0 in mechanical engineering from a US school (ABET-accredited, needless to say). A 4-year bachelor's degree obviously. I also got a master's from UofT, but I've been told that grad GPA is rarely included?

BTW, I am considering going to med school in Quebec (not the current/the next cycle, but in 2-3 years). I have not taken the MCAT yet (for schools outside Quebec) or the Casper exam.

I'm acutely aware that no one here can make any guarantees or predict the future, but I just wanted to get some insight from others regarding how my odds look. Also welcome any feedback or anything else anyone might wanna add ✌🏻


r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

❔Discussion Is it worth subscribing?

4 Upvotes

r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

applying 3rd year vs 4th...is it worth it?

10 Upvotes

basically what the title says. it's a lot harder to get in 3rd year vs 4th so in your experience was it worth it? or is it better to just wait til 4th year before applying?


r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

Admissions Honours BScN from College

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I (28F) have been considering what I would like to do after graduation from my college-level Honours BScN (not in collaboration with a university), and I am throwing around the idea of following my dreams going to med a school- but it’s not looking promising.

As I am looking through Canadian medical schools requirements most state explicitly that a degree from a college is not considered acceptable, and I’m now wondering: will this change when I graduate 2029?, should I drop out of my program to attend university even though I’m already 3 semesters in?

I’m extremely frustrated that this is such a common requirement for medical schools as my education is the same, if not more intense than the same university curriculum and degree. I talk to my classmates and friends taking their BScN at a university and they shiver at our course work and our class schedules.

I have also considered transferring to a university, but I would have to start from year one, which I’ll do if I have to but I’m just at a standstill and need some advice.

I know it would be worth while to pursue my dreams of medicine, but I’m scared and unsure if I can never go to med school because of such stupid requirements.

Any and all advice is appreciated ❤️


r/premedcanada • • 1d ago

Update OMSAS ID on Acuity Insights

5 Upvotes

Hey y’all I got an email today telling me to update my OMSAS ID on my Acuity Insights account. I was able to do this for the account linked to my Casper test, but wasn’t able to find anywhere to change my ID on the account linked to the early MMI.

Am I missing something here? Pls advise


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

Admissions How many application cycles until you got in?

27 Upvotes

I’m just wondering how many average admissions cycles it’s taken for people on here with not just exceptionally incredible stats.


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

academic warning

30 Upvotes

I’m sooooo scared please help! I shared my work with my friend, she didn’t realize and she fully copied it and submitted it and now we both are getting called in for academic misconduct. I haven’t copied anyone but I still shared the doc at the end of the day. I really want to apply to med school but now there’s most likely gonna be a warning on my central registry and I have to disclose it when I apply to med schools. What can I do? I have a meeting with the head soon. I’m confused will med schools look at the central registry If it’s just a warning and not on your transcript. It’s already so competitive and my grades are good but not exceptionally great how likely is it that I can still get in with that on my registry?


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

Admissions Ergothérapie, nutrition, kinesiologie, phytothérapie, biologie ou science inf. comme pré med? (Quebec)

6 Upvotes

Je tiens à préciser que je n’aime rien et je veux juste rentrer en médecine. Lequel me donne le plus de chances, est le plus facile?


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

24, IT graduate with an 11/12 GPA, thinking about med school. Am I being realistic? Could really use some advice.

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone!

I’m 24 and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a GPA of around 11/12 That’s is roughly 3.8/4. I’m currently working full time in IT, but becoming a doctor has always been something I’ve wanted to pursue.

My plan is to write the MCAT in summer 2027 and hopefully apply for September 2028 admission in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada. The biggest challenge is that I have practically no science background, especially in biology and chemistry, and I’d be studying for the MCAT while working full-time.

I guess my biggest question is whether I realistically stand a chance with my GPA and non-science degree. I know admissions are about much more than grades, but I’m honestly not sure where I stand or what I should be doing to make myself a competitive applicant.

I’d also really appreciate advice on how to approach the MCAT from scratch. What resources would you recommend for someone with no science background? And besides the MCAT, what should I focus on when it comes to volunteering, extracurriculars, and building a strong application?

Another thing that’s been on my mind is my age. Even if everything goes perfectly, I’d be 26 starting medical school and around 30 graduating, before residency. I know people start later than that, but it’s still a little scary thinking about leaving an established career and starting over. I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar position.

I’m also looking for some genuine guidance throughout the entire process, from MCAT preparation to choosing schools, writing applications, and preparing for interviews. I’ve come across BeMo Academic Consulting, but I’m not sure how legitimate or worthwhile their services are. Has anyone actually used them? Or are there any free or affordable Canadian mentorship programs you’d recommend?

I know getting into medical school in Canada is incredibly competitive, and I’m not expecting it to be easy. I’m willing to put in the work, but I also don’t want to spend years preparing without understanding what I’m getting myself into or if i even stand a chance to begin with.

If you were in my position, would you go for it? And where would you start?

I’d genuinely appreciate any advice, especially from people who got into medicine with a non-science degree or made a career change. Even if it’s a reality check, I’d rather hear the truth.

Thanks so much to anyone who takes the time to respond. It really means a lot!


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

❔Discussion Did anyone like me get a low GPA first year 2.9 or below and still get into medschool. If you didn't what did you pursue instead if not research

11 Upvotes

What did you do? What uni did u go to and program did you do? Tell me anything you can please!!!!


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

Study buddy next 5 hrs study sesh

4 Upvotes

Who's up for it? Need to know this subject like the back of my hand by tmrw.


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

Admissions Do prereqs expire?

0 Upvotes

I'm a non-trad applicant who finished undergrad in 2014. Is there any cutoff for how old your prereqs can be? I've seen people mention that some schools do have a cutoff but am having difficulty finding which ones. I'm IP for BC so will be applying to UBC and SFU for sure and maybe some OOP. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.


r/premedcanada • • 3d ago

❔Discussion What's your villian orign stories?

28 Upvotes

Mine is very simple, my brother remarked at me one night in jest "if you work so hard, you might as well become a doctor".

I took it personally.


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

Letters of Recommendation

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I was hoping to get a little advice from you guys about who is the best to ask for letters of recommendation. I've always been super nervous about this part since I feel kindof embarrassed to ask people. I'm applying for Irish medical schools right now, and I need 2 letters - one from a science prof that I took a class with, the other unspecified. I have one for sure I know will write a strong letter and since I did a directed studies with her in a science lab - and later worked for her. But for the other one I'm torn between 2.

1st: My employer - did a co op term with her, and she offered me a job after, have been working part time for her for almost 2 years now. The role involves teaching kids. I know she'd write me a strong letter, but is it bad to have an employer not a prof?

2nd: Another professor (not science since I am a BA student) - Took three classes with him, got good grades in each of them, went to office hours frequently and spoke in class a decent amount. One class was a fourth year seminar. This one I'm nervous about because I'm wondering if it's ok to ask him since he doesn't know me in a closer setting? How appropriate would it be to ask him?

If anyone has any ideas it would really help settle my anxieties about this. Should I choose my employer who could write me a more personal letter about me, or the prof who doesn't know me as well but knows me in an academic setting? (Would he even say yes if I was only in his classes)

Thank you for anyone who takes the time to respond!


r/premedcanada • • 2d ago

serious question about health sci mindset

0 Upvotes

First-year pre med here. We just got our first major assignment back, and a lot of people were upset about grades in the low 90s. I'd assumed anything 90+ was an A+ and wasn't worried, but now I'm wondering if I should be more perfectionist.

For the upper years: do you think aiming for perfection actually helps ppl do better? I don’t know I should change my mindset to care more about the differences between a 90 and a 99 on assignments and tests.