Is Your MCAT Score Competitive for Canadian Med Schools?

I often get asked whether a student’s MCAT score is “good enough”. Trust me, I wish it was a simple yes or no answer, but unfortunately, the truth is – it depends! Each medical school considers the MCAT differently: some use it as a cutoff, some use it competitively, some only look at a singular section, and some don’t consider it at all! Plus, depending on where you’re from, some schools even evaluate your score differently based on your province or region.

I know it can be a lot to keep track of, so I’ve put together a handy list of MCAT requirements for every Canadian medical school. Hopefully, this makes it easier for you to narrow down schools where you’d be a strong, competitive applicant!

If you’re wondering about prerequisites and GPA requirements for Canadian Medical schools, check out this article.

*Note: The majority of Canadian medical schools only accept applications from Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents with the exception of: McGill, Université Laval, Université de Montréal, and Université de Sherbrooke.

**Disclaimer: Medical schools are constantly changing their admissions requirements. For the most up to date information, make sure to double check using the linked admissions requirements pages for each medical school.

The University of Western Ontario (Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry)

Western University requires all applicants to complete the MCAT before matriculation. Key details regarding their MCAT requirements include:

• Regional Component: Yes, residents of Southwestern Ontario have different MCAT requirements (see below)

• • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff – cutoffs change every year based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool
  • Non-Southwestern Ontario (2023-2024): 
    • 127 CPBS (Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems)
    • 127 CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills)
    • 127 BBFLS (Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems)
    • 126 PSBB (Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviour)

• Southwestern Ontario (2023-2024): 

• • • 125 CPBS
    • 125 CARS
    • 125 BBFLS
    • 125 PSBB

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Scores from the most recent MCAT attempt are used

• Timeline for MCAT Completion: MCAT must be written prior to the application deadline, but no more than five years prior to the current OMSAS application deadline

Key Takeaways: At Western, your total score is less important than your score in each section. Doing well in each section and having a balanced score are key. Cutoffs change every year, and are lower if you are a resident of Southwestern Ontario.

The University of Toronto (Temerty Faculty of Medicine)

The University of Toronto does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for U of T:

• Regional Component: No

• • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff 
    • A score of 125 in each section, with an allowance of 124 in one section

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Most recent MCAT score used

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : MCAT must be written within 5 years of the application deadline

Key Takeaways: U of T simply uses the MCAT as a cutoff. It is not used competitively in their admissions process and there are no regional differences in MCAT requirements. Cutoffs are also listed per section, so your total score is less important than your score in each section.

Queen’s University

Queen’s University does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for Queen’s:

• Regional Component: No

• • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff – subject to change annually, for 2024-2025:
    • Total Score: 500
    • 125 BBFLS
    • 125 CPBS
    • 125 PSBB
    • 125 CARS

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: If an applicant has written the MCAT multiple times, they must ensure that all test results are released to OMSAS. Applicants will be assessed based on their MCAT score that meets the minimum threshold cutoffs – all thresholds must be achieved in one test

• Timeline for MCAT Completion: MCAT must be written within 5 years of the OMSAS application deadline

Key Takeaways: Queen’s’ MCAT cutoffs change every year and whether MCAT scores are used post-interview is not disclosed. Queen’s also has a total MCAT score cutoff and section cutoffs, so both your total score and your individual section scores matter. There are no regional differences in MCAT requirements.

McMaster University (Michael C. Degroote School of Medicine)

McMaster University does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for McMaster:

• Regional Component: Yes

• 90% of interview seats reserved for Ontario residents (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who has lived in Ontario for at least 3 years since the age of 14)

• • • 10 % of interview seats for out of province and international applicants combined (disclaimer: this will likely change due to Ontario’s new legislation that mandates 95% of its medical school seats will be reserved for in-province applicants, with the remaining 5% reserved for applicants from other Canadian provinces)
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Only considers the CARS section
    • A minimum score of 123 in the CARS section is required to apply
    • CARS score responsible for 32% of pre-interview score (decides who gets invited to interview), and 15% of post-interview score (decides who is admitted)

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Most recent MCAT score used

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : MCAT must be written within 5 years of the OMSAS application deadline

Key Takeaways: McMaster only considers the CARS section of the MCAT, and your CARS score is used competitively pre and post interview. There are no regional differences in MCAT requirements.

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process

Northern Ontario School of Medicine

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process

Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine

Toronto Metropolitan University does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process

University of Manitoba (Max Rady College of Medicine)

The University of Manitoba does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for The University of Manitoba:

• Regional Component: Yes

• • • Only 5% of class selected from out of province applicant pool
    • To be considered for the Manitoba applicant pool, one of the following must apply:
      • Graduated from a Manitoba high school, or hold a recognized degree from a Manitoba university, or have completed 2 years of full-time studies at a Manitoba university while residing there
      • Lived in Manitoba for 2 years post-high school, or graduated from high school in one of Canada’s 3 Territories and resided there for 2 years post-graduation
      • Be a member of the Canadian Forces with at least 2 years of full-time service
      • Be a first-language French speaker, or have completed education in French (secondary or postsecondary)
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff & Competitive
    • Cutoff –  based on annual competitiveness. For 2024-2025:
      • Manitoba Residents: 495 
      • Out of Province: 519 
      • Indigenous Applicants: 480
    • Competitive – the MCAT accounts for 50% of the pre-interview score. Median MCAT scores for 2024-2025 were:
      • Manitoba Residents: 511
      • Out of Province: 522
      • Indigenous Applicants: 498

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: The highest MCAT score is used.

• Timeline for MCAT Completion: The MCAT must be taken within 3 years prior to the application deadline (e.g., for the 2025-2026 cycle, the MCAT must be taken between April 2021 and September 14, 2024)

Key Takeaways: The University of Manitoba’s MCAT cutoffs are subject to change each year. Total MCAT scores are used as a cutoff and competitively, not section scores. There is a strong preference for Manitoba residents (lower MCAT cutoffs and majority of seats reserved for Manitoba residents).

University of Calgary (Cumming School of Medicine)

The University of Calgary does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for The University of Calgary:

• Regional Component: Yes

• • • Preference for Alberta residents
    • To be considered an Alberta resident one of the following must apply:
      • Been physically present in Alberta on a day-to-day basis for 24 consecutive months at some point between their 15th birthday and the first day of classes for the year which you are applying
      • Been on active duty for 24 months prior to classes starting with the Canadian Armed Forces or the RCMP
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff & Competitive 
    • Cutoff:
      • Out of Province Applicants: 128 in CARS
      • Albertan Applicants: No CARS minimum
    • Competitive
      • CARS score worth 10% of application score, and other section scores factored into the global assessment of academic merit (also with 10% of application score)

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Academic file reviewers will see all MCAT scores, but your best CARS score will automatically be used in the file review scoring

• Timeline for MCAT Completion: No limit on how old scores can be, but only accepts the 2015 version of the MCAT (prior to 2015, a different version of the MCAT was used)

Key Takeaways: The University of Calgary only considers the CARS section of the MCAT. There is a cutoff for non-Alberta residents, but no cutoff for Alberta residents. However, CARS scores are used competitively for all applicants. 

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

The University of Alberta does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for The University of Alberta:

• Regional Component: Yes

• 85% of seats reserved for Alberta residents (a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident who has been continuously resident in the Province of Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories or Nunavut for at least one year immediately before the first day of classes of the term for which admission is sought)

• • • 15% of seats reserved for non-Alberta residents
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff
    • Alberta residents: A minimum of 124 in each section
    • Non-Albertans: A minimum of 128 in CARS, and 124 in all other sections

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: The single MCAT score that you submit with your application is the only attempt that will be assessed

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : MCAT must be written within 5 years of the OMSAS application deadline

Key Takeaways: The University of Alberta has cutoffs for all sections of the MCAT, however, the CARS cutoff is significantly higher for non-Alberta residents. So, section scores matter more than overall score. Strong preference for Alberta residents.

University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine

The University of Saskatchewan does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for The University of Saskatchewan:

• Regional Component: Yes

• Vast majority of seats allocated to applicants with a connection to Saskatchewan, 1 of the 3 Territories, and/or rural areas (in and outside of Saskatchewan)

• • • An applicant’s connection to Saskatchewan and rural communities will be assessed through a Saskatchewan connectedness index based on demographic factors linked to future Saskatchewan-based practice
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Competitive
    • MCAT Score used competitively to decide which applications receive an MMI (multiple mini interview) offer. MCAT worth 50% of pre-interview score.
    • However, minimum required score to apply will be a total score of 492 with minimum section scores of 123 in all sections, except one section may be 122

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Best score in one sitting considered

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : MCAT must be written within 4 years of the application deadline (eg. for the 2024-2025 cycle, the MCAT must be written between January 1st, 2020 and August 30, 2024)

Key Takeaways: The University of Saskatchewan uses MCAT scores competitively to decide which applicants to interview, and as a cutoff. Scores in each section and total score are considered. Strong preference for applicants with a connection to Saskatewan.

University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine

The University of British Columbia does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for The University of British Columbia:

• Regional Component: Yes

• • • Preference given to residents of British Columbia
    • Up to 10% of seats are available to out of province applicants
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff pre-interview
    • Pre-interview: cutoff of 124 in each section, MCAT scores are not a factor in deciding who is invited to interview so long as minimum score requirements have been met
    • Post-interview: MCAT scores are evaluated post-interview, but further information on how they are evaluated is confidential

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Best score in one sitting considered

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : all MCAT results from April 2015 to present are eligible to be used

• • Results must be received by the admissions deadline 
  • Applicants must release all MCAT scores to UBC, and those with at least one exam that meets the cutoff criteria are eligible

Key Takeaways: The University of British Columbia uses MCAT section scores as a cutoff pre-interview. MCAT scores are also evaluated post-interview, but how exactly they are evaluated is confidential. Strong preference given to residents of British Columbia.

McGill University Faculty of Medicine

McGill University does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process. Only applicants applying for a U.S Government Direct Loan are required to submit an MCAT score.

Université Laval

Université Laval does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process. 

Université de Montréal

Université de Montréal does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process. 

Université de Sherbrooke

Université de Sherbrooke does not consider the MCAT in their admissions process. 

Memorial University of Newfoundland

Memorial University of Newfoundland does require that all applicants write the MCAT prior to matriculation. Here are some other important MCAT-related factors to consider for Memorial University:

• Regional Component: Yes

• • • Vast majority of seats reserved for residents of Newfoundland & Labrador – only 6 seats for Out of Province Applicants (not including PEI)
    • To be considered a Newfoundland and Labrador resident, you must meet one of the following conditions:
      • Completed four years of junior high/high school (grades 7 to Level III) in Newfoundland and Labrador within 12 years of the application date
      • Have a permanent address at the time of application and for at least the previous three years in Newfoundland and Labrador
  • MCAT Evaluation Style: Considered holistically with other components of application – in the past averages were as follows:
    • NL residents: A score of 125-127 on each section of the MCAT
    • Other Canadian residents: A minimum overall score of 510 with a 127 or higher in CARS

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: Reviews all writings of the MCAT and considers score improvements; applicants must release all test scores to Memorial University

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : MCAT must be written within 5 years of the application deadline 

Key Takeaways: Memorial University considers the MCAT holistically in their admissions process. Section scores and total scores are considered, however, the average scores of those admitted are higher for applicants that are not a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University requires that applicants write the MCAT exam, however, if applying through the Indigenous Admissions pathway, submission of an MCAT score is optional. If no MCAT score is submitted, there are required prerequisite courses. Here are some other key MCAT facts to consider for Dalhousie:

• Regional Component: Yes – vast majority of seats are reserved for Maritime residents (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI), and Maritime residents have different MCAT minimums

• MCAT Evaluation Style: Cutoff & Competitive
  • Cutoff: MCAT minimums to be eligible for admission vary depending on your gpa. The minimums are as follows:

Maritime Residents:

Other Canadian Residents:

• Competitive: 
  • MCAT score worth 25% of pre-interview score (used to decide who is invited to interview)
  • MCAT score accounts for up to 10 points of overall application score (use to decide who is admitted)

• Consideration of Multiple MCAT Attempts: No information listed. 

• Timeline for MCAT Completion : MCAT scores are eligible for 5 years from the date written

Key Takeaways: Dalhousie University considers your total MCAT score, not your section scores. Your MCAT score is used as a cutoff (with cutoffs changing based on your GPA) and competitively to decide who to invite to interview and who to admit. Strong preference for Maritime applicants. Non-Maritime residents have higher MCAT cutoffs.

• GPA: Cutoff, 3.7 in each of best 2 years

Other Information: Academically competitive applications will also be assessed on non-academic requirements through brief personal essays, the OMSAS autobiographical sketch, and references.

Recommended reading: What is a good MCAT score?