joshto Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 here is a running list: try to be complete by august write a solid PS have at least a 30 (10 10 10) solid clinical experience (for applicants of non-research schools) apply only to schools that have interviewed Canadians this past cycle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flamesfan Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 TIMING TIMING TIMING while your list is accurate, timing is what reduced my interview opportunities. PS is worth reviewing extensively also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n00b Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 i dont think timing is THAT big of a factor unless you're late (sept and beyond) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tree999 Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 I would add a couple things - I think reference letters are really important (quality and quantity!), since they can present a closer look at the type of relationships you have -- I sent 5 or 6 letters to each school, and had interviewers make comments that my letters were strong - Clinical exposure is crucial even at a research-focused institution I also experienced something interesting in this application cycle -- not sure if it was just me, and would be curious as to what others think. I've actually found that your undergrad institution (even in Canada) can have an impact on your chances. I think this is probably just at the top med schools with a fancy brand. One of my interviewers told me that the biggest weakness in my application was my undergrad institution. They respect McGill and Toronto (I didn't attend either), and these tend to be the institutions represented from Canada on their entering class lists. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4lyfe Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 I'm from Carleton and I heard that they respect Carleton students much more compared to McMaster and Queens. Carleton is well known in America from my understanding. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tree999 Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 As I wrote above: in my experience, at top-tier schools, McGill and Toronto matter, and that's it. The subtle differences between other Canadian schools are likely irrelevant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n00b Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 to be honest, carleton is not well known there's a carleton college (liberal arts school) in the US which is what they might be confusing your school with Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4lyfe Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 oh snaP!!!! Just when I thought Carleton may be a school that is internationally recognized, it isnt.... not only do my friends laugh at me that I attend Carleton, but worst of all no one knows what it is Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicoMaki Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 I've heard that McMaster is well known among the PBL schools in the US (i.e. Harvard. Personal story, friend of mine interviewed there and his interviewer spoke about how they 'stole'/copied the Mac PBL system.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 As I wrote above: in my experience, at top-tier schools, McGill and Toronto matter, and that's it. The subtle differences between other Canadian schools are likely irrelevant. qft McMaster really doesn't count anywhere except Cornell maybe since they copied their curriculum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tree999 Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 Hmmm, was that this year? There was someone from Mac at my interview day. Maybe Mac does have some cachet there because of the MD curriculum. All I have to say is that during the orientation session of my interview, an elderly gentleman asked everyone at the table where they went to school, and then proceeded to ignore anyone who didn't attend an Ivy. It was a little off-putting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
token Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 All I'll say is...at both top tier second looks I've been to the ONLY Canadians there were from McGill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tree999 Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 Hahaha -- excellent. Now I can continue using my undergrad institution as a scapegoat for my med school rejections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4lyfe Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 So Carleton is well known? Its in wikipedia as being one of the best schools in Canada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a41 Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 So Carleton is well known? Its in wikipedia as being one of the best schools in Canada. Lol. I once listed myself on Wikipedia as being a famous/well-known graduate of my highschool. It must be true. Also, I know someone who made an entire Wikipedia article on himself...hahaha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jochi1543 Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 to be honest, carleton is not well known there's a carleton college (liberal arts school) in the US which is what they might be confusing your school with Ditto. The American Carleton is a pretty good school. Not to the "OMG, CARLETON!? Here's a job for you!" extent but it's pretty well-respected. They were my undergrad's major rivals in sports and other related issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123coco Posted April 23, 2009 Report Share Posted April 23, 2009 So Carleton is well known? Its in wikipedia as being one of the best schools in Canada. uuuuh, I think carleton is only distinguished for the norman patterson school of international affairs....they get bragging rights for ranking no. 2 in north america... ________ Wholesale vaporizer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n00b Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 where's this ranking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alastriss Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 The weight we are giving McGill is too much of importance. Quite frankly, If your application is coming down to your school's reputation, your application has failed. GPA, MCAT, ECs, and your PS matter so much more, especially for canadian schools. What I learned: apply as early as possible, having interviews before midterms/exams and having closure is nice. your PS CAN make or break your application. This is not some BS essay. I banked on my mcat to carry me through and well, it didn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
123coco Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 where's this ranking? here you go n00b.....this was the first list hit that came off google....I suppose if you could find the actual source and research methodology if you'd like... http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=9c678c0a-c3c4-4367-986d-a400f84d667e ________ Honda Vtx1300Cx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n00b Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 what a joke carleton better than harvard in intl affairs? c'mon let's be realistic here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typical Premed Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 I don't think that school reputation would come into question unless you had a high GPA but mediocre MCAT score. If you have a good MCAT, GPA and solid EC's and PS it shouldn't really make a diff. what Canadian school you went to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvermen85 Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 So Carleton is well known? Its in wikipedia as being one of the best schools in Canada. I'm from Carleton! Carleton undergraduate education might not help you getting an Ivy invite, but it certainly won't hinder it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvermen85 Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 what a joke carleton better than harvard in intl affairs? c'mon let's be realistic here. Well it is ranked only by Canadian scholars...so make you wonder if there is any bias involved lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tree999 Posted April 24, 2009 Report Share Posted April 24, 2009 I still think it makes a difference. I'm not saying the other factors (GPA, MCAT, ECs, PS) aren't important. Those other factors are what will get you an interview. But it's difficult to decide which candidates are best qualified, when everyone after the interview is friendly, has volunteered, had great work experience, has shadowed, has good marks, a great MCAT score, etc. So when they're making a final admissions decision, the school you went to is one more factor they can use. Again, this probably only matters at schools with a fancy brand name, but it definitely matters. I've seen the entering class profiles with undergrad institutions listed -- these lists speak the truth. Specific Canadian program reputations like "international affairs at Carleton" have no meaning in the US. McGill and Toronto (and maybe UBC) are the only schools with any international weight. Also, Silvermen -- didn't you do a graduate degree somewhere else? Or have affiliations with a school with a strong reputation? If so, my point stands Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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