Bambi

I'm a surgeon. In my view, summers are for relaxation and renewal.

Caring for your brothers was a major long term activity demonstrating empathy, focus, leadership, and problem solving skills communication skills. You also have a meaningful explanation for your less than stellar GPA so far. I think you have ECs covered and your focus should be on academics, although I agree that you should do whatever makes you happy that demonstrates CanMEDS competencies. Your story does distinguish you from other applicants and when the occasion occurs, I would be happy to review the best draft of your future work product in your application.

1. Read through future_doc's pinned thread carefully, including the comments of ontariostudent. http://forums.premed101.com/index.php?/topic/47600-mmi-casper-prep-by-popular-demand-part-i-of-ii/ 2. In my experience, being relaxed, flexible and just yourself goes far in improving your performance! And it removes any perception of seeming to be rehearsed. 3. Treat the actual MMI as "a practice run", do not go into it with an overload of performance anxiety. Those applicants who followed this simple advice ALL got into medical school in the last cycle.

No. You want your Letter to be 1 page or 1 page plus a paragraph, to catch the attention of the reader in the first paragraph, to integrate your life experiences that developed your situational awareness, multi-tasking skills, manual dexterity skills (if applicable), collaboration, discipline, attention to detail, precision and the ability to maintain your focus under pressure, you want to let the reader know that you thrive having many balls in the air, juggling your responsibilities efficiently, that you have a strong work ethic with a high standard of achievement. And importantly, why this

The above poster is absolutely correct! Treat the MMI like a practice session that does not count. Consider the interviewers as if they are intelligent, inquisitive 12 year olds whom you are trying to explain your thinking leading up to your answers. You will do well if not stressed, without practicing, if you wealk in relaxed and ready for fun!

Life is too short, we should not live with any regrets wherever possible and if I were you, I would follow my passion and dreams. At age 37, you will have not less than 40 remaining productive professional years (I know one physician who continued his practice into his early 90s). Interestingly, many decades ago, there was a dentist, upon opening his practice, who had considerable free time on his hands, and so, he went to medical school, obtained his medical degree, and he became a dentist's dentist. When a dentist ran into a problem with a patient on the chair, the patient was immediat

In life, things happen, e.g., changing the rules of the game which affects you adversely. You can try but your chances are slim. Should you try, you will point out what your GPA would have been had this course not been included. However, as a practical matter, you need to be flexible when changing circumstances occur and to adjust accordingly. Regardless of your reasons that U/T is your first choice - I assume not your only choice - you need to apply broadly as you do not know where and when lightning will strike. I assume that your first and greater dream is entry to a medical school in

I agree with the approach and reasoning of LostLamb entirely.

You received excellent advice! Just be your authentic self, letting your personality shine. Should you be asked "Tell me about yourself", be prepared to describe your interests, why you are passionate about this profession, what led you to dentistry, the challenges you have overcome, your development that prepares you for the study of dentistry, and any hobbies and experiences that highlight whom you are. Just relax and be yourself!

LONG Let's open new greenhouses.

I don't know but would think poor grades or a GPA lower than that attained in undergraduate studies would be a red flag, i.e., although these grades don't help you, they can create overall harm to your application.

Yes

I know of members in the past who applied to both at McGill and were accepted to both, selected med. I do not consider there will any negative impact whatsoever! If I were you, I would apply to both. Good luck!

Yes, directly from undergrad and I am a surgeon today.

The only issue for you is what Program will maximize your opportunity to attain the highest GPA. Biology per se is not, in my opinion, a great prep, however, pre-meds study almost anything. I took the Specialization Program at Exercise Science in Concordia which I thought prepared me well for med, especially with the internships involving the elderly chronically ill and I attained straight A's. Taking a Program that interests you usually motivates one to work hard and attain high grades.