How to Get Strong Reference Letters for Canadian Medical School (OMSAS & Beyond)
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Securing strong reference letters is one of the most overlooked (but most important) parts of the Canadian medical school application process. According to admission committees, a compelling reference letter can often be the deciding factor between two otherwise equal candidates. In a process that’s highly competitive, a well-written letter that highlights your character, maturity, and suitability for medicine can set you apart.
This guide walks you through how to choose the right referees, how to approach them, and how to help them write strong, specific letters that speak to what Canadian medical schools are looking for. Whether you’re applying through OMSAS or to schools like UBC or Calgary that use their own systems, the strategies below will help you build a solid foundation!
Why Reference Letters Matter for Canadian Medical Schools
Canadian medical schools place a strong emphasis on reference letters as part of a holistic admissions process. Schools like the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Queen’s, and Western all require letters submitted through the OMSAS system. These letters give admissions committees insight into your professionalism, communication skills, leadership, and suitability for a career in medicine; traits that are harder to quantify through transcripts or test scores alone.
Through OMSAS, applicants must submit three reference letters: one academic, one non-academic, and one of your choice. Each referee is also required to answer specific questions that speak to your competencies, not just write a free-form letter. Other schools, like UBC or University of Calgary, use their own systems, but the goal is the same: authentic testimonials from people who know you well.
Who to Ask for Your Med School Reference Letters (OMSAS & Beyond)
The key to a strong letter isn’t just the referee’s title. It’s the strength of the relationship. A professor who knows you well is far more valuable than a department chair who barely remembers your name. For Canadian med schools, the ideal mix of referees includes:
- Academic- or Employment-Related Referee: Try to pick a professor or instructor who really knows you. They should be someone who can speak to your curiosity, work ethic, and integrity. It’s best if they taught a smaller class, supervised your project, or worked with you over a longer period. If you’ve been out of school for a while, it’s okay to use a work-related reference like a manager or supervisor here – but if you’re still in school or recently graduated, go with an academic referee for this one and save the work reference for your “your choice” spot later on.
- Non-Academic Referee: Someone from a volunteer, work, or extracurricular setting, ideally in a healthcare, community, or leadership context. This could be a clinical supervisor, volunteer coordinator, or mentor.
- Third Referee (Your Choice): Think strategically here. If you’ve done research, a PI could be ideal. Or choose someone from another domain (coaching, student leadership, or advocacy) who can offer a fresh perspective on your strengths.
Avoid asking family friends, physicians you shadowed briefly, or anyone unable to provide specific examples of your character and contributions.
How to Ask for a Reference Letter (Without Being Awkward)
Asking for a reference letter can feel intimidating, but if you approach it professionally and early, most people are happy to support you. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start Early: Ask at least 2-3 months before the deadline. This gives your referee time to write thoughtfully and avoid last-minute stress.
- Request a Meeting: Whether it’s a coffee chat, Zoom call, or office hours visit, try to ask in person or over video. This makes it more personal – and harder to decline.
- Be Clear and Respectful: Explain that you’re applying to Canadian medical schools and why you believe they’d be a good person to speak to your strengths. Ask if they’d be comfortable writing you a strong and supportive reference.
- Provide a Referee Package:
- Your CV/resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Draft personal statement or a summary of your motivation for medicine
- A bullet list of your experiences with them (and the qualities you hope they’ll highlight)
- OMSAS referee instructions or school-specific guidelines
- Your CV/resume
- Confirm Deadlines: Let them know the due date, how to submit, and that OMSAS will email them directly (if applicable a.k.a you’re applying to Ontario medical schools).
How to Help Your Referees Write a Great Letter
Even the best-intentioned referees need help understanding what med schools want. You can set them up for success by offering structure and context:
- Clarify the Competencies: OMSAS asks referees to rate applicants in areas like communication, problem-solving, professionalism, and teamwork. Make sure your referee understands these categories.
- Share Key Experiences: Suggest 2-3 concrete examples they could include to support their evaluation. Don’t script the letter, but giving them talking points makes their job easier and your letter stronger.
- Offer Support Materials: Provide links, deadlines, and a short FAQ if needed. Let them know you’re available if they have questions.
- Check In Respectfully: A polite reminder a few weeks before the deadline helps keep everything on track. Once submitted, follow up with a genuine thank you.
Special Considerations
Not all Canadian med schools follow OMSAS. Schools like UBC, University of Calgary, and Memorial University of Newfoundland have their own reference processes. Always check each school’s specific requirements and deadlines.
Check out this article for more information on the number of types of reference letters that each Canadian medical school requires.
If you’re a non-traditional applicant (e.g., applying after undergrad or with work experience), you can choose referees from the workplace or community – just make sure they can speak to your competencies in a detailed and positive way.
Wondering about physicians? If you’ve volunteered consistently or worked in a clinical setting, some doctors may be willing to serve as referees. However, avoid asking someone you shadowed for just a few hours, they likely won’t know you well enough.
FAQ: Canadian Medical School Reference Letters
Apply with Confidence
Can I use a TA as a referee?
Technically, yes… but it’s not ideal. Most Canadian medical schools expect your academic reference to come from a professor or course instructor, not a teaching assistant. If a TA knows you better, consider asking the professor to co-sign the letter or write it collaboratively.
Can I submit more than 3 letters of reference?
OMSAS only allows 3 letters to be submitted, and each school will review those three. There’s no option to upload extra references or “bonus” letters. That’s why it’s crucial to choose referees strategically, ideally covering academic, professional, and character perspectives.
Do all Canadian medical schools require reference letters?
Most do, especially those applying through OMSAS (like U of T, Western, Queen’s, McMaster, and Ottawa). However, some schools outside Ontario (e.g., UBC, University of Calgary, Dalhousie) may have different formats or timelines for letters, so always check each school’s requirements carefully.
What if I’ve been out of school for a few years?
If you’re a non-traditional applicant, Canadian med schools understand that you may not have recent academic referees. In that case, a workplace supervisor, healthcare professional, or research mentor who can speak to your competencies is often acceptable, but try to include at least one academic if possible. OMSAS accepts either an academic or employment-related reference here, but it’s still best to include at least one academic if possible. Always check individual med school requirements, as they can vary.
What should my referees write about?
Strong Canadian med school reference letters should:
- Speak to your character, motivation, and readiness for medicine
- Include specific examples (not just praise)
- Address competencies like communication, professionalism, leadership, and empathy
- Align with the three OMSAS structured questions (if applicable)
Can referees send the letter to me directly?
No. In most cases, reference letters must be submitted directly by the referee (often through an online system). Applicants do not see the letters. This maintains confidentiality and integrity in the admissions process.
Can I ask a family friend who’s a doctor?
Only if you’ve worked or volunteered with them in a professional or academic setting. Canadian medical schools strongly discourage personal or biased references. So, unless they’ve supervised you in a formal role, it’s best to avoid this route. In fact, if you really want to be on the safe side, I’d say it’s safest to avoid this altogether.
What if a referee agrees but never submits the letter?
Follow up politely and early. If there’s no response or action, have a backup referee in mind just in case. You don’t want your entire application to be compromised by one missing letter.
Strong reference letters don’t just check a box, they help tell the story of who you are as a future physician. By starting early, choosing referees thoughtfully, and guiding them with the right context and support, you’re not just securing a recommendation, you’re strengthening your entire application.
Remember: relationships matter. Take time to build authentic connections with mentors, professors, and supervisors throughout your premed journey. They’re not just helping you get into medical school, they’re helping shape your path in medicine.
Still have questions about the Canadian medical school admissions process? Check out these articles!
- Is Your MCAT Score Competitive for Canadian Med Schools?
- The CASPer Test in Canada: Everything You Need to Know
- Applying to Canadian Medical Schools: Timelines, Deadlines & How to Get Started
- How to Navigate the Canadian Medical School Application Process
- Canadian Medical School Interviews: Selection Criteria & Tips
- How to Find Clinical Experience as a Premed Student in Canada
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