DarkGhost

+1 I would definitely love to see an app.

I decided to make this thread for applicants that are thinking of, or have already started, working towards a second degree in the hopes of applying to McGill. I found McGill's website to be quite jumbled regarding this topic, so hopefully that information can be summarized here in a clear and concise way. If you notice any errors, please comment below and I will edit this post accordingly. I would also encourage second degree applicants to ask their questions here, if only for the sake of keeping information in one easily accessible place. Basic Science Prerequisites & the MCAT: The MCAT is not required to apply to McGill, but if you have already completed the basic science prerequisites, it may be in your best interest to write the exam. Every applicant MUST complete the prerequisites by January 15th of the year they plan to start medical school, and a maximum of two prerequisites can still be outstanding by the application deadline (November 1st). However, if your pre-requisite science GPA (sGPA) is significantly below the average of 3.80, then a strong MCAT score can be used in its place. Currently, a competitive MCAT is a 33, and this score should be as close to 'balanced' as possible (11/11/11). *Pre-requisite courses 'expire' after eight years, so make sure to repeat those courses if they will exceed the eight year mark by November 1st. List of Prerequisites: 6 Credits Biology (Introductory) w/ Labs 6 Credits Chemistry (General or Physical) w/ Labs 3 Credits Organic Chemistry w/ Lab 6 Credits Physics (Introductory) w/ Labs GPA: Before we get into GPA, it's important to emphasize that you are NOT a second degree applicant unless you COMPLETED your first degree. For example, if you left your first degree early and pursued another degree, then the following information will not apply to you. Your GPA will instead be calculated based on every course you have completed, in both degrees. Those who have completed a degree, and are now working towards another, will have their GPA calculated differently then applicants in their 'primary' degree. For starters, even if you received transfer credit from your first degree, those courses will NOT be included in the GPA calculation. Only the courses you have completed while enrolled in the second degree will be considered. The year you apply, you must have completed at least 45 credits (15 courses) before the application deadline (November 1st), and at least 60 credits AND your degree by July 1st. This means that your second degree needs to take at least two years to complete, but if you were paying attention to the deadlines, you'll realize that if it only takes you two years, you likely won't be able to apply until after you've graduated. There are ways to get around this (i.e. overloading semesters, spring/summer courses, etc), but keep in mind that you need to maintain a competitive GPA, so don't get overzealous. On that note, a competitive GPA is a 3.80, but if you're an OOP applicant there's a limited number of seats. **Those 60 credits need to be completed in consecutive years or you risk your application being rejected Conclusion: This concludes the second degree specific information. I hope it will provide some insight for future applicants and help you move one step closer to achieving your medical school goals. Good luck! Class Profiles - Admissions - Accepted/Rejected/Waitlisted Thread - Admission FAQs - Dark

Definitely apply to Ottawa, UofT, Queen's, and McMaster. There's no harm in applying to McGill as well, if you have a strong pGPA. It's not worth it to apply to Western, your MCAT isn't near the cut-offs.

I know no one wants to hear this, and it's unfortunate to say, but anyone who's committed to pursuing medicine could get a competitive GPA, MCAT, and decent ECs. Those things, on their own, won't make you stand out. Alternatively, not having those things guarantees that you're never going to 'get through the front door,' as it were. However, with those things in mind, you need to tailor your entire application to convince adcoms that you belong in medicine. That you have all the qualities they're looking for, and that your medical education will benefit the community. It's pedantic, but you need to sell yourself like you have something no one else has.

As Dr. Octavius pointed out, you got rejected pre-interview last year at Western due to your BS score. There's no harm in applying again this year, but it may very well stay the same. The fact you got rejected pre-interview at all your other choices says either you need to sell yourself better, or there was a red flag somewhere. You likely won't benefit from applying to every school in Canada, instead I'd say to keep that list a reasonable size (i.e. five schools) and really work on those applications. Get peers to read and edit them, and make sure your references are solid.

You would need a wGPA of ~3.90 to be competitive, in that regard, at UofT and Ottawa. Unless you did a graduate degree, then you would be more competitive for UofT. However, I wouldn't recommend that.

I don't really like to speculate, but let's assume for now that you get a competitive MCAT score. You can apply to Western with only one year above the cut-off, they will just require your fourth year to meet the GPA cut-off if you're conditionally accepted. Queen's will use your cGPA first and then if you don't meet the cut-off, they'll consider your L2GPA. Your cGPA is competitive though, so I would definitely apply. If you get that 'ideal' MCAT score, you're guaranteed an interview at Western. Queen's and McMaster will depend on your ECs/references and CASPer. You won't be competitive for UofT or Ottawa.

Thanks, I edited my post.

Unfortunately, based on the information you have provided, you have essentially no chance at UofT or Ottawa. Your GPA is way below average. Definitely apply to Queen's, Western, and McMaster.

I've only ever seen spread sheets that compile statistics based on ethnicity, MCAT score, and GPA for American schools. This could, in theory, be just as easily done for Canadian schools. Unfortunately, not every school releases this information to the general public.

All three schools are incredibly competitive for OOP. The general consensus is you need a near 4.0 GPA to have a decent chance, especially at UofA where the IP average is >3.90. However, there's no harm in applying if you don't mind the added expense. I just couldn't, in good conscience, say it's worth it.

Lack of ECs/Research.

Going to be echoing a lot of what Ralk has already said. Apply to McMaster, Queen's, and Western.* It's not worth applying to UofT, Ottawa, or NOSM. Apply to Dal as well, but it's not worth it for your roommate to apply to UofC, UofA, UBC, UofS, UofM, Mun, or McGill. *Assuming 3/5 rule is met in best two years

Apply to Calgary and Mac. Unfortunately, you won't be competitive anywhere else without your 5th year GPA. If you end up getting a +3.8 add Queen's and Dal to your list.

I would definitely apply to all the schools you listed, plus UofC and Dal. You're not competitive for UofA, UBC, or McGill.