How is upward trend interpreted at the ontario schools

[shepp11]

I realize that its impossible to say for sure, but I'd still like your input. in first year I was involved in an accident that left me in the hospital for a few days and out of school for 20 days. I never failed any courses but my marks dropping big time. I spent the rest of the semester trying to make up labs/tests/assignments I'd missed. Concussion symptoms continued through the next semester . I finished with a C+ average first year because of it. last semester I got a B+ average and this semester, although Ive only written 5 or my 10 midterms, my lowest mark has been an 88%. If I keep this trend up, will I be able to recover from my very poor first year and apply to schools that don't have a generous weighting system or take 2 years in one combination or another? should I mention my accident in essays or self sketch? the accident is document by both the police in the city I study in, I'm sure ill be on record on the hospital and the doctors at my school. I would love to hear your input

[Savac]

It can't hurt to mention the accident, there's a space for special circumstances on the application.

 

An upward trend is not technically something that is considered at Canada (at least not in the same way that it is the the US). All that matters is whatever GPA formula is used by a specific school. You might be in trouble for schools that use the cGPA from all of your courses (ie. McMaster), although schools such as Queen's and UWO are still a definite possibility.

[shepp11]

It can't hurt to mention the accident, there's a space for special circumstances on the application.

 

An upward trend is not technically something that is considered at Canada (at least not in the same way that it is the the US). All that matters is whatever GPA formula is used by a specific school. You might be in trouble for schools that use the cGPA from all of your courses (ie. McMaster), although schools such as Queen's and UWO are still a definite possibility.

 

So if I apply state side with say, a 3.2-3.4 which is low, they might look at my upward tread with more consideration than Canadian schools? and I'd actually have a chance at getting in there? I have average EC's right now but plenty of time to turn that around. debating on when I'm writing the MCAT, but assume an average score. I just want to make sure that im covering all my bases for a recovery from first year, although I know its going to be a hard fought uphill battle. Ya gotta play the hand your dealt though, everyone is working on a dream.

[Savac]

So if I apply state side with say, a 3.2-3.4 which is low, they might look at my upward tread with more consideration than Canadian schools? and I'd actually have a chance at getting in there? I have average EC's right now but plenty of time to turn that around. debating on when I'm writing the MCAT, but assume an average score. I just want to make sure that im covering all my bases for a recovery from first year, although I know its going to be a hard fought uphill battle. Ya gotta play the hand your dealt though, everyone is working on a dream.

 

I don't know enough to specifically comment on your chances at US schools. You can try Student Doctor Network (http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=5) for more info regarding admission to US schools.

 

As for Canada, I would focus on maintaining your upward trend. Queen's looks at your 2 most recent years if your cGPA is below their cutoff. Western only requires two years that are >=3.70 (assuming you have satisfied the requirements for those years). Ottawa only looks at your three most recent years, with a large emphasis on your two most recent years. Ottawa might be a possibility after you have finished your fourth year, since your first year will no longer be considered. Lastly, Toronto will drop several of your lowest courses if you have taken a full course load every year.

 

As you can see, your hopes are not gone for Ontario just yet!

[Exocytosis]

The States is always a gamble as a Canadian (a 3.2-3.4 could be okay for an American citizen, but as a Canadian I'm not sure).

 

However, only 2/6 Ontario schools look exclusively at cGPA only (Mac and NOSM), the rest have some sort of weighted GPA (best years/last years/drop some credits). The States will always be, as you said, an uphill battle, but if you rock your next two years some of those schools (especially Queens/Western) will forget your bad years ever happened.

[shepp11]

The States is always a gamble as a Canadian (a 3.2-3.4 could be okay for an American citizen, but as a Canadian I'm not sure).

 

However, only 2/6 Ontario schools look exclusively at cGPA only (Mac and NOSM), the rest have some sort of weighted GPA (best years/last years/drop some credits). The States will always be, as you said, an uphill battle, but if you rock your next two years some of those schools (especially Queens/Western) will forget your bad years ever happened.

 

Thanks. I figured that states was a gamble, even more so with a low GPA. what OOP schools would you suggest applying to, if any in my situation assuming upward trend continues.

[Exocytosis]

I believe Dal looks at your last two years, so you'd have a shot there? The rest I'm not really sure. If you're from Ontario, the odds are really stacked against you as far as OOP goes.