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toulalan

By toulalan
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PhD_Candidate_2011 Newbie

PhD_Candidate_2011

Posted
Posted
Hi all,

 

This is my first post on these boards so please bear with me :).

 

I aim to eventually study medicine after three years of undergraduate study.

 

So my first question is what course would best prepare me for the MCAT and give me the highest GPA at university?

 

I was considering Biochemistry, but I realize that it's a challenging course, so are there any other good alternatives?

 

Which brings me to my second question:

 

Do the admission officers for medicine care about which undergraduate program is taken?

 

Lastly, which university out of McGill, University of Toronto, UBC and Queen's offers the best Life Sciences undergraduate program that would best prepare me for the MCAT.

 

Thanks,

 

Commano3200

 

I think most would agree that 2 years of undergrad in any life science program at any university will more than prepare you for the MCAT (provided this includes an introductory course in molecular biology and organic chemistry). The knowledge foundation for the MCAT is very basic and one does not need advanced courses to do well on the MCAT. Indeed, much of the material (especially the physics/math) tested on the MCAT is in fact high school level! So I would not decide your university based on which would give me the best MCAT score!

 

As for a biochem undergrad, I personally think it is one of the more "objective" undergrad programs and thus the one with the best potential for getting a high mark if you're prepared to work hard. In contrast, some programs like the immunology specialist at UofT (which I did), is incredibly subjective and it is impossible to get 90s, because there is always a subjective component to the exams/assignments. Most universities do not give you a preference for one undergrad program over another (provided you meet the few pre-req courses). As far as I know, UofT does look at the rigour of your undergrad program. But how exactly this factors into the admissions equation is a mystery!

 

Lastly, I know there are many threads on this board comparing different programs and different universities, and I agree that at the end of the day it really doesn't matter as you end up learning all the "basics" regardless of where you go. But having said that, at a university like UofT vs. a smaller one, you have the privilege of being taught be the leaders in the field rather than mere lecturers. This really does add to the "quality" of education one receives. It can also be quite inspirational at times. I've been lectured by 3 Nobel laureates during the course of my undergrad studies and it was quite inspirational (and motivated me to enter grad school - I am currently in the lab of one of the top 3 scientists in Canada). It comes back to the guilt by association, a larger preeminent university attracts the best profs and best students which in turn creates a very thriving learning atmosphere. Not necessarily an uber-competitive atmosphere as some people reckon. Just my 2 cents after having been in university for the past 10 years! :)

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LostLamb Apprentice

LostLamb

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Go to another school than any of those on the list and have more fun during your UG.

 

I wish someone had given me that advice....that said, all of those are great schools and do have strong programs. However, you will get the background you need for MCAT from any Canadian university's life science programs.

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PhD_Candidate_2011 Newbie

PhD_Candidate_2011

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UofT's molecular genetics is top notch. I don't think anyone can compete with them in canada. Mcgill i think has one of the better neuro programs.

 

UofT's molecular genetics program is top notch for graduate studies. It is not a great undergrad program at all. Very disorganized and the courses are poorly taught (and not easy to get straight A's). Only recently have the started to try to change some chronic issues with their courses. But for graduate work (in genetics), it's easily one of the most productive in North America. Heck, you got names like Tony Pawson and John **** leading the department!

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Leon Newbie

Leon

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Posted
there's a chance MCAT may be obsolete by the time you even apply for medicine.

 

Yeah, I think so too. I wonder what they'll substitute it with though.

 

OP: Don't worry about your major now. After your first yr, you should be able to pick your major with greater specificity (and by then you should've been able to talk to seniors and figure out which courses are GPA killers at your specific campus)

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