How to Plan for Medical School During Undergrad
Table of Contents
FAQ
When should I start preparing for med school in undergrad?
Ideally, you should start in first year by focusing on GPA, adjusting to university life, and exploring extracurriculars. Early planning helps you meet course requirements, build strong relationships with professors, and avoid last-minute stress when it’s time to apply.
Do I need to major in science to get into med school in Canada?
Nope! You can major in any discipline (science, arts, engineering, etc.) as long as you meet each school’s prerequisite courses and maintain a competitive GPA. Choose a program you enjoy and can succeed in academically.
What GPA do I need for Canadian medical schools?
Competitive GPA varies by school (make sure to check the official admissions pages for the schools you’re interested in). Some schools, like Western, weigh your best two years, while others look at cumulative GPA. Aim to maintain strong grades across your undergrad and check individual med school requirements.
When should I write the MCAT?
Most students write the MCAT between their second and third year, or in the summer after third year. You’ll want to give yourself 3–6 months to prepare, depending on your science background and other commitments.
Do all Canadian medical schools require the MCAT?
No. While most do, a few schools do not require the MCAT or only consider certain sections of the test, including:
- McMaster (only looks at CARS)
- University of Ottawa (MCAT not required)
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine (MCAT not required)
- Many Quebec schools (especially for in-province students)
Always check the official admission pages for each school.
What is CASPer and do I need it?
CASPer is a situational judgment test used to assess non-cognitive skills like empathy and ethics. It’s required by schools like:
- McMaster
- Dalhousie
- UOttawa
- Queens
- University of Alberta
- University of Manitoba
- McGill
You can’t memorize answers, but you can practice responding to sample scenarios under time pressure.
How important is research for med school admissions?
Research is not required, but it can strengthen your application, especially for schools like U of T or UBC. Look for summer research programs, honours projects, or volunteer lab opportunities. Bonus if your research involves patient data or clinical relevance.
Do I need clinical experience to apply to med school in Canada?
Some form of healthcare-related exposure is typically viewed favorably. This includes:
- Hospital volunteering
- Working or volunteering in long-term care, hospice, or community clinics
It helps you confirm your interest in medicine and builds key skills for the Autobiographical Sketch (ABS) and interviews.
How do I keep track of my extracurriculars for the ABS?
Create a spreadsheet or logbook that tracks:
- Role and organization
- Time commitment (weekly hours, total duration)
- Supervisor contact
- Key responsibilities and takeaways
Keeping organized now will make writing your ABS much easier when the time comes.
When should I start asking for reference letters?
Start building relationships in first and second year, and ask for references at least 2–3 months before the deadline. OMSAS requires:
- One employment/academic-related referee
- One non-academic referee
- One referee of your choice
Always check the specific requirements for each school you’re applying to.
Is it okay if I don’t apply right after undergrad?
Absolutely. Many successful applicants take gap years, do post-grad degrees, or apply multiple times. Canadian med schools do not penalize non-traditional timelines, focus on presenting your best self when you’re ready.
Getting into medical school in Canada is highly competitive, and success doesn’t happen by accident, it’s all about planning early and making intentional choices throughout your undergraduate years. Whether you’re in first year or already halfway through your degree, knowing how to prepare for med school in Canada can save you stress, time, and missed opportunities.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to plan for medical school in undergrad, from course selection and MCAT prep to getting reference letters and clinical experience. Whether you’re targeting U of T, McMaster, UBC, or another Canadian school, this roadmap is your key to staying organized and competitive!
Understand the Medical School Admissions Process
Every Canadian medical school has slightly different admissions criteria. Some prioritize GPA, others lean heavily on CASPer and the MMI, while others place strong emphasis on community involvement and diverse experiences. Here are some factors that medical schools typically consider:
- GPA: Almost every school in Canada uses GPA as a selection factor. Some look at your best two years, others weigh cumulative GPA
- MCAT: Required by most schools (McMaster, Northern Ontario, and others have unique requirements)
- Prerequisite Courses: Not every school has strict requirements, but many expect courses in biology, chemistry, and sometimes humanities
- CASPer: Several Canadian schools use this situational judgment test
- Autobiographical Sketch (ABS): Especially important for OMSAS (Ontario applications)
- Reference Letters: Schools typically ask for 2–3 letters from academic or professional sources
- Meaningful Extracurricular Experience: You don’t need to do everything, but you should aim for depth and consistency in your activities. Use the AAMC Core Competencies or CanMEDS roles as a guide for what med schools value
Pro tip: Check out these articles on the application process and how to get started for more info about requirements for each medical school.
Academic Planning Year by Year
Pro tip: Balance is key, don’t overload yourself just for the sake of taking harder courses.
First Year
- Focus on adjusting to university life and building solid study habits
- Especially if you’re living away from home for the first time (which was the case for me!) focus on getting into a routine and adjusting to your new environment
- Mental health is often not prioritized in first-year, and especially the first semester. Make sure to take care of yourself so you don’t burn out!
- Take some “me” time (we love a good self-care night)
- Get into an exercise routine – moving your body is great for your physical and mental health!
- Make new friends and maintain connections with old ones
- Take foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and math
- Join a variety of clubs and extracurriculars
- This is a great way to make new friends while building your medical school application!
- Pick things that interest you and that you genuinely like doing – not things that you think will “look good” on your application
- Try to maintain a strong GPA, even if you’re still figuring out your major
- Get to know at least one professor, future reference letters start here
Second Year
- Confirm which schools you’re most interested in and map out course prerequisites
- Mapping out pre-requisites is really important, make sure you have everything covered for medical school and your degree
- I knew several people who were in their fourth year and realized they didn’t have a required course for their degree or for the medical school they wanted to apply to; be proactive so that doesn’t happen to you!
- Keep an eye on GPA-friendly electives that you enjoy
- Keep exploring extracurriculars
- There may be something you missed in the first year, stay open-minded and keep searching!
- Some schools give students the opportunity to become an orientation leader in second year – this is something I did and I would highly recommend! It’s a great leadership opportunity, and a fantastic way to meet new people
Look into MCAT prep timelines, many students aim to write the MCAT following their second year (often during the summer)
Third Year
- Consider a research or a thesis course if it fits your strengths (note: some underhand programs have a thesis course in fourth year)
- If applying in fourth year, start gathering referees and prepping your application materials
- Explore electives
- Many programs have more elective space in 3rd/4th year – take advantage of the space and choose things that interest you and help out your GPA!
- Many schools have some pretty cool electives so spend some time searching for them – my friends and I took a “zombie apocalypse” history course that covered eras of mass panic in human history
Fourth Year
- Finish any final courses or credits
- Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come and all of your hard work
- You’re almost finished your degree, that’s a huge accomplishment!
- Submit your applications (OMSAS opens in early summer)
- Focus on interview prep in the fall/winter (MMI, panel, or hybrid formats)
- Keep prioritizing your mental health and enjoy this last leg of your undergrad journey
- Soak it all in (your friends, classes, campus, everything) because your next stop is medical school!
Build a Strong Premed Profile Outside the Classroom
Canadian med schools want well-rounded, community-minded applicants who’ve demonstrated their interest in healthcare. Use the AAMC Core Competencies or CanMEDS roles as a guide for what med schools value.
Clinical Experience
- Volunteer in hospitals (patient support, ER, oncology)
- Work or volunteer at community clinics, hospice centers, or long-term care homes
Check out this article on how to find clinical experience
Research Experience
- Ask professors about lab openings
- Apply to summer research programs (check NSERC, or your university’s summer studentships)
- Join projects with clinical components (patient interaction, data collection)
Leadership & Volunteering
- Join campus clubs (health science societies, student government, or community outreach)
- Mentor younger students or tutor
- Start a small initiative, many students create local fundraisers or awareness events
Use Summers Strategically
- Summer is ideal for MCAT prep, research, or getting more involved in clinical work
- Consider part-time healthcare jobs (MOA, first responder, research assistant)
Pro Tip: Keep a log of everything you do, this will make filling out your ABS (Autobiographical Sketch)/Work and Activities Section way easier.
MCAT and CASPer: When and How to Prepare
The MCAT and CASPer tests are required for many Canadian medical schools, they’re definitely something to be aware of if you would like to apply to medical school in Canada!
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
- Most Canadian students write the MCAT between second and third year, or in the summer after third year
- Prep time: 3–6 months, depending on your academic background and outside commitments
- The MCAT doesn’t have to be overwhelming or scary, consider taking a prep course like our’s!
Check out this article on how to create an effective MCAT study plan
CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics)
- Required by schools like McMaster, UOttawa, Dalhousie, and others
- No studying needed, but practice helps
- Focus on communication, empathy, and professionalism
Check out this article on best resources to prepare for the CASPer test
Application Prep & Long-Term Mindset
Below are some tips for prepping your medical school application while you’re in undergrad, and some advice for how to optimize your mindset throughout this process!
Letters of Reference
- Build genuine relationships with professors, research supervisors, and volunteer coordinators
- Ask early, ideally 2–3 months before the deadline
- OMSAS requires 3 referees: one academic/professional, one non-academic, and one of “your choice”
Check out this article on letters of reference
Personal Statements & ABS
- Reflect often, journal experiences and challenges
- Keep track of impact, time commitment, and what you learned
- Practice telling your story with clarity and authenticity
Mindset Tips
- Everyone’s path looks different, some people take gap years, others apply multiple times
- Focus on growth, not perfection
- Don’t be afraid to change your mind, planning doesn’t mean being rigid
Final Thoughts
Planning for medical school during undergrad can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the journey much more doable. Whether you’re just starting first year or getting ready to apply next cycle, the most important thing is to take ownership of your path.
Every research project, volunteer shift, and hard-earned grade contributes to your growth, not just as an applicant, but as a future physician. Start early, reflect often, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all path to med school. Stay open-minded, build a strong support system, and trust the process. You’ve got this!
How We Can Help You
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