Ontario Medical School Applications due by October 2nd … just 5 weeks away!

The OMSAS deadline for application submissions to the six Ontario Medical Schools is the 2nd of October (Monday) at 4:30 PM (ET).

It is curious that one Canadian province, with its 6 medical schools, can have 6 very different applications (that is, procedures and styles) to be completed by those seeking admission to the entry class starting in September 2024. But then again, these are 6 very different medical schools, each with its own mission and vision. Each school also has its own set of criteria (unique characteristics/attributes) of those individuals who will be granted acceptance into this highly competitive annual process.

How do these schools determine the eligibility and ultimate suitability for its first-year medical school class? Part of the process is often quite numerical … set cutoffs for undergraduate and/or graduate degree GPAs, as well as minimum scores on the MCAT and/or CASPER. Letters of recommendation usually factor into the assessment as well.

So what else is used by the schools when determining its list of applicants who will be invited to interview for the limited number of medical school seats across the province?

All the schools rely on their in-house assessment of the Autobiographical Sketch (ABS). In the ABS, the candidates must convey to the university reviewers what she/he/they has accomplished under the definitions of curricular, extra-curricular, research, and employment activities (as well as awards etc). The University of Toronto and Northern Ontario School of Medicine each have addition written components, a Personal Essay and Supplementary Questions, respectively.  

Careful thought and attention must be given to the ABS (and to the additional written statements, where applicable) because for many Ontario schools this is the only written document submitted by most applicants. Often, once the GPA, MCAT and/or CASPER scores have been assessed (and those hurdles cleared), all that remains for consideration are these written components and the letters of recommendation.

At www.mdcoachservice.ca, I can offer you a critical collaborative review of your written documents for your OMSAS application. Achieving the highest possible scores on your ABS (and possibly other materials) from the in-house reviewers will determine your suitability for an interview. I have many years of experience as a reviewer. I have a very good idea of what will “catch the attention” of the reviewers about you and your suitability for medical school.

There are only 5 weeks left before the application deadline on the 2nd of October. Let’s have a chat and see how I can help you make your application as strong and as competitive as it can be, to secure you a coveted interview spot at your Ontario Medical School (or Schools) of choice!         

Stay tuned … very soon I will be posting two additional blogs: 1) helping with applications from Indigenous individuals, as well others in different priority streams, and, 2) helping with applications to the five medical schools in Western Canada. 

For more information regarding OMSAS Applicant Responsibilities and Requirements, please see https://www.ouac.on.ca/guide/omsas-responsibilities