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Frequently Asked Questions
Applications for admission to the medical school are online at the OMSAS website at www.ouac.on.ca/omsas/ The application deadline is in early October of the year prior to anticipated admission. Applicants are encouraged to begin their applications early to avoid problems in filing the on-line application. Applicants must create an account on the OMSAS website no later than September 15.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: The information below is meant to clarify, not replace the other information in the Admissions Requirements. Please read all sections of the website in full.
ABOUT APPLICATION ELIGIBILITY:
1) How many years of undergraduate studies are required for admission?
- Canadian Universities:
At least three years in a coherent course of study which, if completed, would lead to a university degree, most commonly a Bachelor's degree. Candidates who apply during their third year of study must be completing the equivalent of 15 credits by the end of the third year, and have completed the course requirements for either a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year program. Candidates who apply during their fourth year are expected to be completing the equivalent of 20 credits, or completing their four-year degree. Candidates who will not meet these requirements due to enrollment in special programs must submit a letter of explanation directly to the Admissions Office.
- Universities Outside Canada:
Applicants attending American universities must be completing a four-year Bachelor’s degree. Applicants attending universities outside Canada or the U.S. must complete the equivalent of a four-year Canadian Bachelor's degree. This equivalency must be assessed in a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services. World Education Services may be contacted at http://www.wes.org/ca/
2) Is there an undergraduate program of study that is most suitable for admission to medicine?
No. Students with university education in any discipline are encouraged to apply. Medicine requires individuals with strong backgrounds in the social sciences, humanities, physical sciences and life sciences. All programs are treated equally in the evaluation process.
3) Does the University of Toronto accept transfer students (students who are currently undergraduate medical students in other medical schools or who have completed one or more years of undergraduate medicine in another medical school) ?
No. Transfers are not allowed.
4) Does the University of Toronto accept applications to the first year of the Doctor of Medicine Program from students who are currently undergraduate medical students in other medical schools?
The circumstances of the applicant would be evaluated individually. Any application would have to be made in the usual way, meeting published deadlines, and would be assessed in the same pool with all other applicants for entry in that year.
5) Is preference given to University of Toronto students?
No. All universities across Canada are treated equally in the application process.
6) Is preference given to Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents who are Ontario residents over Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents who are not Ontario residents?
No.
7) How many students are accepted who are neither Canadian citizens nor Permanent Residents?
A maximum of seven international students may be accepted each year. International students must be competitive with all other applicants.
8) Is there any age limit for applicants?
No.
9) Are there quotas for how many graduate applicants are accepted?
No. There are no quotas of any kind. The most competitive of all applicants are offered admission to the program, regardless of academic level.
10) How many seats are available in the first year medical class?
The class size for 2012 entry is 259 seats.
ABOUT PREREQUISITES:
1) What are the prerequisite courses?
Applicants are required to complete at least two full-year courses or four half-courses in Life Sciences, and at least one full-year course or two half-courses in Humanities or Social Sciences or Languages. It is recommended, although not required, that applicants complete a university-level course in Statistics, and two courses that require expository writing.
2) What is meant by expository writing?
Expository writing involves a discourse or critical evaluation, conveying information or ideas and explaining or expanding on their meaning.
3) What are Life Sciences?
Life Sciences are defined as any courses that deal with any kind of life system as their main content. That there be a lab component is not necessary. Some examples would include Biology, Botany, Zoology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry.
4) What are Humanities?
Some examples of Humanities courses would be Literature, History, Classics, and Religion.
5) What are Social Sciences?
Some examples of Social Science courses would be Geography (social), Political Science, Economics and Sociology.
6) Will two half-courses in different disciplines be acceptable?
Yes. For example, a half-course in History (Humanities) and a half-course in Economics (Social Science) would satisfy the prerequisite.
7) Are CEGEP courses or transcripted IB courses acceptable for prerequisites?
Yes.
8) Where does Psychology fit?
All Psychology courses taken at the University of Toronto are taught as Life Sciences; however, some universities classify Psychology as a Social Science. You must check with the university you attended. The Office of Admissions will accept their evaluation of their own course.
9) Are Chemistry and Physics considered Life Sciences?
No. They are Physical Sciences.
10) Are Organic Chemistry and Physics required?
For application to the University of Toronto MD Program, applicants are not required to complete university level courses in Chemistry or Physics. However, applicants are reminded that the MCAT is an application requirement, and that this test requires knowledge of Biology, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, and Conceptual Physics at a first-year university level.
11) Why should I take Statistics or writing courses if they are only recommendations, and not requirements?
It is the experience of the Faculty of Medicine that students who have some knowledge of Statistics find it helpful in the MD Program. Candidates should also be aware that application to the MD Program involves strong writing and comprehension skills. The MCAT contains a verbal reasoning section and a writing sample.
ABOUT THE MEDICAL COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST:
1) What are the minimum scores required on each component of the MCAT to be considered?
Minimum scores of 9 on the Verbal Reasoning, Biological and Physical Sciences sections and N on the Writing Sample are required. We do not use a total MCAT score in our assessment.
2) How is the MCAT used in the application process?
The MCAT is not included in the overall academic calculation, but is used as a "flag." Less than minimum marks will jeopardize the success of the application. The MCAT must be written prior to the application deadline. Applications without MCAT scores will not be considered.
Only MCAT written within five years of the application deadline in October will be considered. All scores must be released to OMSAS each application cycle. Only the most recent MCAT score will be considered in the application process.
3) If the MCAT is written in September, the scores will not be available by the OMSAS deadline. Can I still apply?
Yes.
4) Should I not apply if I don’t meet the minimum MCAT marks?
Applicants who fall slightly below the minimum MCAT requirements, but believe their file to be extremely competitive in all other aspects may apply and will have their files assessed. Candidates should be aware that the lower MCAT scores will be a factor in the admissions process. If a score in any section is less than 8, application is not recommended.
ABOUT ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:
1) What is the minimum GPA necessary to be considered?
A GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale is the minimum acceptable score for undergraduate applicants. Because enrollment is limited and admission to the Faculty of Medicine is competitive, the possession of the minimum requirements does not assure acceptance.
2) How will part-time courses affect my GPA?
Marks from any courses completed on a part-time basis are not included in the calculation of the GPA, but are accepted as credit towards the degree requirements and in fulfillment of prerequisites.
3) What if I am in a co-op program with some academic terms in the summer?
Full-time academic terms that occur in the summer will be counted towards the GPA.
4) Do I have to carry a full-course load every year to be eligible to apply?
No. Carrying a full course load is only relevant to the weighting formula. Applicants are eligible to apply if they are completing 15 credits by the end of the third year, or 20 credits by the end of the fourth year. Applicants who fulfill these requirements despite not taking a full course load in the regular academic session are not penalized in the evaluation process.
5) What is the weighting formula?
The weighting formula is a method of GPA calculation eliminating some lower course marks. It is in place to encourage applicants to pursue rigourous and advanced coursework without penalty. It is applied only for applicants who have taken a full course load of five full-year courses (or the equivalent) each year in the regular academic session, and who have at least three completed years at the time of application.
The Admissions Office will recalculate the GPA, eliminating the applicable number of marks. Briefly, a student with three completed years may drop the three lowest full-year course marks, or six lowest semester course marks, or any combination thereof. A student applying with four completed years may drop the four lowest full-year course marks, or eight lowest semester course marks, or any combination thereof.
6) What if I take four courses in the regular session and one summer course?
The weighting formula would not be applied. It is only applied if a full course load was taken in the regular academic session in every year of study.
7) What if I carried a full course load in some years and not in others?
The weighting formula would not be applied. All years must have a full course load.
8) What if I had a good reason for not taking five courses one year?
There is a section on the OMSAS application for candidates to explain why their transcript does not reflect their true abilities. Applicants may also explain any extenuating circumstances in a letter sent directly to the Office of Admissions at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine. The letter will be reviewed in conjunction with the application and weighting may be granted. Please note that applicants will not be contacted with the outcome of the decision.
9) I attend a university that operates on a 30-credit system. What counts as a full course load?
A full course load would be 28 credits or higher in the regular academic session.
10) I took 28 credits, but when I enter my courses on OMSAS, they are counted as 4.5 credits. Will I lose the weighting formula?
No. The Admissions Office reviews the university transcript and checks the actual number of credits.
11) How are pass/fail courses or advanced standing credits on my transcript treated?
Credits for which there is no transcripted mark cannot be used in the GPA calculation. They will count towards the number of credits needed to apply.
12) I took a first year course as an “extra” course. My university will not count the mark in my GPA or the credit towards my degree requirements. How will it count in my application?
The CGPA as calculated by your university is not used. All marks from courses taken in the regular academic session will count in the GPA for application to the MD Program. If you have only four credits counting towards your degree because the fifth is an “extra,” it will still be assessed as a full course load in that session.
Please note that applicants are not expected to have a large number of first year courses when they reach the senior years.
13) Will my application be affected if less than 60% of my course load corresponds with my year of study? Will it even be considered?
Having less than 60% of the courses correspond to the year of study will not invalidate the application. The main requirement of the Admissions Office is that a candidate is fulfilling their degree requirements. Although no preference is given to program of study, a student’s choices within their given program may be used as an evaluation factor. Examples of aspects examined may be one or all of the following (as applicable):
· Progression from lower level of courses to more advanced ones
· Progression from a general course of study to a more specialized one
· Pursuing an interest in a field of study outside the chosen major .
GRADUATE APPLICANTS:
1) When will you notify me to send in my graduate material?
Do NOT wait for notification. You were notified of this requirement in the application itself.
2) How strict is the deadline for submission of the graduate package?
Receipt of late material will be evaluated on a case by case basis, but it is strongly urged that material be prepared and sent early. Please note that the Office of Admissions will NOT confirm receipt of material. It is suggested that applicants use a delivery method that provides confirmation should they wish this information.
3) What about work in progress, or that has been submitted for publication?
This information may be categorized on the CV. If a submission has been accepted for publication, please forward a copy of the acceptance letter.
4) I have had a paper accepted for publication after the submission deadline. Can I add this to my application?
The Graduate Review Committee cannot guarantee they will be able to include late submissions in their assessment. However, you may send in this information, with supporting evidence, if you wish.
5) If my supervisor was one of my OMSAS referees do I need to ask for another letter?
No, as long as the OMSAS letter contains the required information, as above.
6) Will I be at a disadvantage if I am in a course-based graduate program where I have no publications?
No. More weight will be placed on the course marks. Generally, an A average in graduate courses is considered competitive. Students are still required to send a CV, an up-to-date transcript (if applicable), and the additional letters of reference.
7) I have already completed my graduate degree. Do I still need to send this material?
Yes. The Graduate Review Committee must still evaluate your performance in your program. It would be appropriate for one of the two optional additional letters to be written by someone connected with related work you have done since completing your degree.
8) My university tells me the transcript will not be updated with my fall graduate marks by your deadline. Is that a problem?
No. Please arrange for the transcript to be sent as soon as it has been updated.
9) Should my additional letters of reference be confidential, and how can I submit them?
Your letters must be confidential. This is achieved either by asking your referees to submit the letter directly to our office, or by having them seal the envelope and sign across the seal before handing it back to you. Please note that we will not confirm receipt of material.
10) A friend who applied a few years ago sent a bound copy of the thesis and full copies of publications. Shouldn’t I be sending more?
Please note that application procedures and evaluation methods may change. Please adhere to the guidelines on this web site. Do not send full papers or a copy of your thesis.
11) Are professional programs such as Dentistry, Law or
No. Marks from completed years of university undergraduate professional programs such as Dentistry or Law are calculated as part of the undergraduate GPA. College marks (including Chiropractic, Naturopathic or Homeopathic programs) are not included in the GPA calculation.
NON-ACADEMICS:
1) How are non-academic qualifications considered?
60% of the application is based on academics and the remaining 40% is based on non-academic qualifications. As part of the application package, applicants must submit an autobiographical sketch, three standard letters of reference and an autobiographical essay limited to 1000 words. This information will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The non-academic score (40%) will be combined with the academic score (60%) to provide a rank order of candidates eligible for interview.
2) How should I choose my references?
Referees should have extensive personal knowledge of the applicant and be in a position to make reasonable statements concerning the applicant’s character, personal qualities and/or academic capabilities. Referees should not be peers, members of the applicant's family, or family friends. It is in the interest of the applicant that the referees may be seen as able to give an objective assessment. Candidates may wish to vary their choice of referees to include those with knowledge of different aspects of the candidate’s activities, both academic and non-academic. No weight is given to the status or position of the referee selected.
3) What kind of activities is the Admissions Committee looking for on the autobiographical sketch?
The sketch is a list of your interests and accomplishments. The Admissions Committee is not attempting to match a specific medical student "profile." There are no activities that will give any applicant an “edge.” You may wish to list employment, volunteer, research, hobbies, clubs - whatever is important to you. The Doctor of Medicine Program requires students who are well-rounded and have gained skills and maturity from their experiences, who can demonstrate an interest and commitment to their community and who have the time management skills to organize and pursue their interests.
4) How much volunteer and research experience do I need?
There is nothing that an applicant “needs” in the autobiographical sketch. A candidate will not be penalized for interest in the clinical side of medicine, rather than research, or vice versa. There is no required number of activities or required number of hours. Some candidates may have a large number of activities among which they share their time; others may have a few activities to which they devote a large amount of time.
5) What if people who can verify an activity on my sketch are no longer available?
An applicant is expected to make a reasonable effort to verify all major activities listed in the autobiographical sketch and essay. It is understandable that a few verifiers may be out of touch, or no longer with the organization. Please use common sense and do the best you can.
6) Will an interesting narrative style make my application stand out?
No. The essay is assessed on content rather than style. A thoughtful, clear and concise essay with proper spelling, grammar and punctuation is the best way to get your ideas across. OMSAS renders essays in a standardized format.
INTERVIEWS & OFFERS:
1) When will I know the status of my application?
We normally begin to send refusal letters and invitations to interviews in late January. Both will continue to be sent until the last interview date, as the files are reviewed. Graduate applicants should not expect to receive an early letter, since there is the review of graduate material, which begins after graduate packages have been received.
2) When should I call the Admissions Office to ask about the status of my application?
Please do not call the Admissions Office in this regard. We will not provide information on individual applications.
3) But what if my interview invitation gets lost?
Invitations are sent by email to the address you provide in your OMSAS application. All applicants who are offered an interview must RSVP by a given date. If the applicant does not contact the Admissions Office, they will be contacted by telephone and/or e-mail. The interview will not be cancelled without contacting you. Please ensure that you keep your contact information up-to-date with OMSAS. We receive these updates on a regular basis - you do not need to update us.
4) I have already heard from other Ontario medical schools. What takes Toronto so long?
Medical schools have different assessment procedures. At the University of Toronto, the interview is the final stage of the admissions process. The applications have been reviewed in detail prior to ranking for interview. Due to the volume of applications, the process of careful review and scheduling means candidates may hear from us later than from other schools.
5) When do interviews take place?
Most interviews will take place on three weekends in the winter and spring. Candidates are selected for interview based on the combined score of the academic assessment (60%) and non-academic assessment (40%). Applicants are notified by email on an ongoing basis, as the files are reviewed. Every effort will be made to contact candidates who do not RSVP, to ensure they are notified about their interview.
6) What if I can’t come on the interview date you offer?
Attendance at an interview is mandatory. The Admissions Office will make a reasonable effort to accommodate students who must travel a long distance, who have conflicting interviews or compelling personal circumstances. Due to the limited availability of interview times, such accommodation is not always possible.
7) When are offers made?
Initial offers of admission to Ontario medical schools will be sent on May 15. Additional offers are made throughout the summer, as and if needed, until the class is full, therefore a waitlist is maintained.
8) How does the waitlist work?
When a space in the class becomes available, the Admissions Office contacts the next person on the waitlist with an offer of admission. We will make repeated attempts to contact applicants from the waitlist who are being offered admission - we do not skip your name simply because we got your voicemail. Since we cannot predict how many additional offers may be necessary, or when they may be needed, we do maintain a portion of the waitlist until the beginning of classes. Final letters to these candidates will be sent in September.
9) When should I call the Admissions Office to find out if any new offers are being made?
Filling the class is an ongoing process, due to unforeseen cancellations from firmly accepted applicants. We do not know from day to day or minute to minute if new offers will be needed, so we are unable to answer this question. Do not call us to inquire.
10) Why can't I find out my position on the waitlist?
It is our policy not to disclose an applicant's position on the waitlist. Knowing your number on the waitlist will not help you and may indeed hurt you as you plan for the coming year. Since we do not know how many additional offers may be made or when, nor do we know how many individuals on our waitlist may accept an offer elsewhere and withdraw from our consideration, knowing your position on the waitlist at any given time is meaningless.
9) When can I call for feedback on my file?
The Admissions Office does not provide personal feedback on applications.