Session 334

Let’s discuss the process of taking the MCAT for Canadian medical school applicants. Learn its differences from the US system such as no rolling admissions and some schools using the MCAT only as a cutoff score rather than competitively. We also talk about planning MCAT preparation and timing of applications.

We’re joined by George from Blueprint MCAT. If you would like to follow along on YouTube, go to premed.tv.

Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.

The Changing Landscape of MCAT in Canadian Medical Schools

According to George, the usage of the MCAT in Canadian medical schools has seen a paradigm shift in recent years. While it was traditionally considered a competitive ranking pre-interview score, some schools now use it as a cutoff criteria. For example, the University of Toronto, one of the top schools in Canada, now uses the MCAT as a non-competitive cutoff. 

This shift in approach is important for applicants to consider when planning their applications, especially when applying outside of Ontario where there are limited medical school options. However, the exact usage of the MCAT varies among different schools and provinces in Canada where some emphasize minimum GPA and MCAT scores for consideration.

“Knowing how Canadian schools use the MCAT is important.”

What a Non-Competitive Cutoff Means

A non-competitive cutoff means that a medical school will use the MCAT score only as a minimum threshold that applicants must meet, and will not consider scores above that threshold when making admission decisions.

As long as an applicant meets or exceeds the cutoff, their exact MCAT score does not factor into how competitively they are evaluated against other applicants.

Understanding the Importance of MCAT Scores in Canadian Medical School Admissions

In the realm of medical school admissions, the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section holds immense importance. As highlighted by McMaster University in Hamilton, some schools place sole emphasis on an applicant’s CARS score, disregarding other sections like biology, psychosocial, and chemistry.

Maximizing Scores for Admission Success

This singular focus allows highly skilled readers to strategically prioritize their attention to the CARS section on test day. And this potentially leads to exceptional scores in this particular area. 

For instance, achieving a remarkable score of 132 in CARS has proven successful for admission into McMaster and other institutions.

When considering medical school admissions, particularly for Canadian applicants, it is essential to understand how schools utilize MCAT scores. While the general perception is that higher scores are always better, this may not be the case for every institution.

When applying to specific schools like the University of Toronto, having a solid foundation and achieving a score of around 500 can be sufficient. This allows applicants to focus more on other crucial aspects such as extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and essays.

School-Specific Considerations in MCAT Score Evaluation

The key lies in comprehending how each individual school evaluates MCAT scores in their admission process. Different Canadian schools may utilize scores in varying ways, making it imperative to research and understand the specific criteria employed by each institution.

By doing so, applicants can allocate their efforts appropriately. They could then emphasize areas beyond MCAT scores, such as extracurricular involvements, impactful letters of recommendation, and compelling essays.

Ultimately, it is these aspects that hold the potential to secure admission into medical schools in Canada.

The MCAT’s Role in Admissions: Beyond Numbers and Cut-Offs

George says he witnessed a range of MCAT scores among his peers where some scored low but met the cut-offs, while others achieved high scores. Interestingly, even those with impressive scores didn’t always secure acceptance from certain schools. It all comes down to what each institution prioritizes. This realization brings us full circle: the MCAT is just one aspect of your application.

“The MCAT is really only one aspect of your application.”

While important, it’s crucial to meet the cut-offs in your desired direction. However, remember that a holistic evaluation considers various factors beyond the MCAT, such as extracurriculars and personal fit with the school.

Balancing MCAT Preparation and Extracurriculars

Amidst the pressure to achieve high MCAT scores, it’s important to consider the relevance of other application criteria. While meeting the necessary criteria for extracurricular activities is crucial, it may be strategic to evaluate how you allocate your time.

Spending countless hours on additional scientific subjects that are not required might not be worth it. Instead, consider focusing on activities that truly align with what the school is looking for. This approach allows you to strike a balance between MCAT preparation and enjoying a well-rounded life beyond academics.

Strategic Approach to Achieving Your Goals

Sometimes, it’s not just about achieving the highest score possible in one aspect, like the MCAT. It’s about being strategic with your efforts. By optimizing your time and resources, you can make the most efficient progress towards your goals. 

“It’s really about knowing what you need to do to get to where you want to go… It’s about being strategic with it.”

Rather than adopting a “guns blazing” mentality, take a thoughtful and calculated approach that maximizes your chances of success. Remember, it’s not always about the highest score, but rather about utilizing your resources wisely.

Rethinking MCAT Thresholds: Balancing Opportunities and Revenue

In my ideal scenario, all schools would adopt a minimum threshold for the MCAT, such as 500, as a pass screen. Beyond that, they would disregard the score in their decision-making process, as long as the threshold is met.

However, as a skeptic, I anticipate resistance from the AAMC, as those scoring between 501 to 505 may not retake the MCAT if they need a higher score of 515 for admission. This change would likely result in a drop in revenue for the AAMC due to fewer test-takers. 

On the contrary, it could potentially increase revenue for schools as more applicants would submit secondaries in hopes of meeting their cutoffs. This shift would prioritize fairness while presenting both challenges and opportunities for different stakeholders.

Standardization Challenges: Evaluating GPA and MCAT Scores

The Controlled Inflation of MCAT Scores

When discussing standardized criteria for medical school admissions, the MCAT stands out as a consistent benchmark. Unlike GPAs, which can vary in inflation across different institutions, the MCAT is written and marked by the same group of people, ensuring a more controlled assessment.

This standardization poses a challenge in cases where a student may have scored well on the MCAT but has a comparatively lower GPA. This could be due to factors like initial academic struggles or differences in institutional grading practices.

For some applicants, this situation could be advantageous as it offers an opportunity to showcase their abilities beyond a high GPA. However, it’s important to note that having a low MCAT score alongside a low GPA is not a favorable position. 

Despite its standardization, the MCAT still acts as a barrier in the overall admissions process, highlighting the presence of various boundaries and challenges that certain populations may face.

Addressing Inequality and Working Towards Solutions

The evaluation of GPA and MCAT scores brings attention to the broader issues surrounding accessibility and fairness in medical school admissions. The cost associated with prep courses and the disparity in resources creates additional barriers for disadvantaged populations. It is crucial to find ways to address and overcome these obstacles, acknowledging that even GPA can present differences in inflation levels.

While the topic of standardized criteria is complex, it opens up discussions on how to create a more equitable and inclusive admissions process in the field of medicine.

Strategic Timing in the Application Cycle

In the realm of medical school applications, timing plays a crucial role. While the application cycles may differ, with no rolling admissions, it’s important to plan strategically.

Despite George writing his MCAT in mid to late August, a time that may be considered disadvantageous in the US for rolling admissions, the deadlines for many Ontario schools, such as October 1, allow for a different approach.

The key is to work backward from the application deadline. Submitting it moments before closing time or a month prior makes no difference in the evaluation process. 

You have to plan the MCAT accordingly to ensure sufficient time when it comes to receiving scores and evaluating competitiveness. Then you can make informed decisions about meeting minimum requirements and overall application strength.

It’s important to recognize that factors beyond a single score – like essays and extracurricular activities –  contribute to the holistic evaluation process. That said, being slightly below average does not necessarily eliminate chances of acceptance.

“You have a lot more flexibility as a Canadian, because you don’t need to worry about getting it all done ahead of time.”

George’s Insights on Rolling Admissions and the Benefits of the Canadian System

George acknowledges that the concept of rolling admissions makes sense in terms of efficiency. However, as someone who tends to procrastinate, he empathizes with the stress that comes with completing tasks well in advance.

The Canadian system allows him to write the MCAT in late August, receive the score a month later, and submit his completed essays alongside his application. This approach puts him on an equal footing with other applicants. While recognizing the benefits of rolling admissions, George shares his sympathy for those who have to navigate that process.

Links:

Meded Media

Blueprint MCAT