CoffeeandMedicine

This happened to 2 of my references last year. 1 wasn't getting the emails even though all the contact information was correct, and one changed emails. USask emailed me both times for an alternate contact since they couldn't contact my referees. I was accepted. Can confirm it won't have an impact on your decision!

Hey OP! I lived in Sask for 18 years and moved away for undergrad and stayed away for grad school immediately after. I applied and was accepted as an IP.As far as I can remember, I didn't submit any proof with my application other than that my permanent address is in Saskatchewan.

Hey! I got in this past cycle with basically those exact stats. You definitely have a chance.

I know this is purely anecdotal, but I had a slightly higher GPA than you and MUCH lower MCAT and got accepted this past cycle! You'll definitely get an interview with those stats so just focus on doing well on that! You're in a pretty good position.

I got accepted this year with a lower MCAT and similar/maybe a bit higher GPA btw

I think that this year, because they know in advance that it's online, you guys will have a more structured MMI and possibly more stations. Obviously just my personal opinion! But there was such little notice for everything going online last year I'm sure it was a bit of a scramble for them to set it up, and they won't have that problem this year.

USask but only if you're IP

Hey sorry I missed this! Did my MPH at UBC. Ended up with a higher GPA than undergrad with significantly less stress and more free time

I looks like it's mandatory for all CASPer takers. I don't know if USask will use it, but I think you have to do it either way. The website has a little more information https://takecasper.com/2020/08/what-is-casper-snapshot-and-how-can-it-help-my-application/

I think it's different because the snapshot is an actual video of yourself rather than the typed responses. It's like an EXTREMELY mini MMI.

This is purely anecdotal - but I'm in the MPH at UBC right now and one of my good friends is in PGY-1 in their PHPM program so he's currently in my degree program with me. He graduated from med at U of T. From what he said, the specialty doesn't seem to be super competitive because the interest is low compared to other specialties. This may change in the following years though, especially with public health professionals being thrown into the spotlight lately!

To add to rmorelan above, the Public Health and Preventative Medicine residency at UBC automatically includes taking a Master of Public Health degree which you can tailor to health policy by choosing your electives and practicum that way. I'm not sure if all PH&PM residencies include MPH's as part of their training, but you'd be well positioned to work in health policy either way!

Just to add to this - I also had a rough start to my undergrad (W in a couple classes, D+ in OChem, etc.) but showed a VERY strong upward trend in managed to have a 4.0 in my last 2 years of undergrad and in my Masters. I was accepted this cycle which was my second try and first interview. If you can make it past the cutoffs for USask, which is reasonable if you're IP, then you'll have a decent chance if you rock your interview! If you're OOP then you will need to take some extra time to bring up that GPA and make sure you ace the MCAT... but like skmed257 said above, if this is your dream the

Hi! I'm currently in my MPH and just got accepted to med this cycle! Would love to chat

Thank you! They accepted it this afternoon! They told me they'll be offering my seat to the next person on the waitlist tomorrow!