Each of the seventeen medical schools across Canada has different admission criteria.  Some of them require students to take science prerequisites at a university level while others are not so specific in this regard but simply ask for students to have completed a pre-medical degree or at least three years at a Bachelor's level.   Most schools, regardless of whether they require university level sciences (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology), will require students to write the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) which has a component that requires candidates to have significant comfort with the principles of university-level sciences.  Therefore, because marks in university and marks on the MCAT are usually weighed into the admission criteria for medical schools, it pays to have a solid science background regardless of whether you are actually in a science program at university.

All this is by way of explanation that high school students would be well advised to take math and science options whenever offered to prepare themselves for the necessary university courses that will rely heavily on these skills. 

Nevertheless, it is also important to have a good knowledge of the arts and languages since medical schools these days are increasingly looking for candidates who can express themselves well and have an appreciation of issues that move people emotionally.  I am adding this caveat because sometimes students focus so much on their science preparation that they forget that medicine is defined both as an art and a science and that they will need to demonstrate their humanity when it comes time to apply to Medicine.

Jim Silcox, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Ontario, and 3M National Teaching Fellow.

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nicklemire wrote:	I've been working in the dispensary at my local pharmacy for 3 years now! I feel I am very familiar with the vast medications available and more confident in the entire medical operation as a whole. This experience has really given me a one up!! Posted on May 17, 2013 at 09:03
selinadong wrote:	@shivanipatel me too! I volunteer at a retirement home (social skills) and am planning to volunteer at my local hospital for my next school year, try that! Also, try to find some jobs that are medical related :) Posted on Apr 01, 2013 at 05:15
shivanipatel wrote:	I am currently in high school completing grade 10. I wanted to ask you that how can I gain more information on the university and the medical school requirements. In addition, how can I reach their requirements and where should I volunteer? Posted on Feb 02, 2013 at 06:57
Chinks wrote:	@MeganMcCullough McMaster is a great university :) Posted on Aug 30, 2012 at 12:34
MeganMcCullough wrote:	I am looking to study developmental pediatics and was wondering which universities in Canada are the best for this particular program? Posted on Apr 11, 2012 at 04:32

 

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