Admissions Blog

Prerequisite Changes – GPA Concerns

By Admissions on Jan 29, 2016 We have received a lot of feedback around the idea that because the science prerequisites are no longer required, applicants will not take them and will take easy classes to boost their GPA instead. It seems that many individuals are worried about others finding ways to “game” the system. We think this is no real change. In fact, some applicants have been trying to find easy ways to meet admissions requirements for many years (if not forever). But the truth is that applying to medical school is hard. It takes a lot of energy and there aren’t easy ways out. We assume that all applicants have taken a mix of easy and difficult classes as a part of their degree.  It would very uncommon for an entire degree program to offer nothing but easy courses, so it is likely that you’ll have to take at least a few hard courses if you want to work towards an undergraduate degree. We think the concern is mostly centered around organic chemistry and biochemistry, since first-year biology and chemistry don’t seem to be considered difficult courses. Applicants who completely avoid organic chemistry and biochemistry will now have about 12 credits they can fill/have already filled with different courses. 12 credits can certainly make a difference in one’s GPA, but it’s important to consider the fact that many applicants have done well in their organic chemistry and biochemistry courses – often just as well as they would have done taking different courses. In addition, we are still expecting applicants to show competency in organic chemistry and biochemistry, either through the MCAT, coursework, or both. Finally, because the science prerequisites are no longer required, the selection committee will be taking a closer look at your transcript. They will be looking at your science courses but will also notice if 50% of your coursework is comprised of juggling and basket-weaving courses (or the university-transferable equivalents thereof). If you’re still not convinced and are particularly concerned about a specific course or courses, we would like to hear from you. Which courses should we look for? Let us know the courses you think are easy/give high grades (at any institution). This is subjective and we are not saying that these courses will be of particular note to the selection committee, so don’t worry if a course you have taken ends up in the comments. You are of course free to disagree in the comments as well. This issue definitely concerns a number of applicants, so please consider this an opportunity to tell us what types of courses you are concerned might replace organic chemistry and biochemistry on the transcripts of new applicants. If there are any classes that you feel are particularly difficult, feel free to leave a comment about that as well. Permalink | 35 Comments

Prerequisite Proposal Passed

By Admissions on Jan 21, 2016

The prerequisite proposal has passed! Final approval has been reached and we can confirm that starting with the 2016/2017 application cycle, the science prerequisites will be strongly recommended rather than required. A full year of English will still be required. This change will not affect applicants currently invited to interview. All applicants currently eligible for entry into the program this year need to complete their prerequisite courses by the end of April 2016.

What does this mean? It means that we are still encouraging applicants to take the prerequisite courses. However, since we are not requiring specific courses anymore, applicants can apply even if they have not taken all of the prerequisite courses. Hopefully this will give applicants more flexibility in the courses they take and will remove a barrier for prospective applicants who find it difficult to complete the entire prerequisite sequence.

What does this mean in terms of my application? As before, applicants will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and ability in science, particularly in biology and chemistry (including organic chemistry and biochemistry). Performing well in the prerequisite courses is an excellent way to demonstrate this. MCAT scores are also an indication of knowledge and ability in these areas. However, relying on the MCAT alone puts a lot of emphasis on MCAT scores; it’s kind of like putting all of your eggs in one basket. Some applicants might feel ok letting their MCAT scores represent their scientific capabilities, but others will want or need some prerequisite grades to support or balance their MCAT scores.

Unfortunately, we cannot give an MCAT score threshold or a specific number/combination of prerequisite courses that will definitively prove one has the knowledge and ability in science required by the admissions committee, other than the full sequence of courses posted on our website. Taking no science courses and doing poorly (or mediocrely) on the MCAT will cause the committee concern. Doing well in all of the prerequisite courses and on the MCAT will not. However, lots of applicants will be in between these two scenarios. It’s up to you to decide which courses to take.

What does this mean in terms of your evaluation criteria? We will no longer calculate a prerequisite GPA. Since the prerequisite GPA is not a factor in who is invited to interview, the pre-interview scoring is not affected by this change and will remain the same. As before, there is a holistic review post-interview, the specifics of which are confidential. MCAT minimums are the same. AP/IB scores that meet our minimum requirements will still “count” as the applicable prerequisite (and the additional chemistry course for AP Chemistry is no longer required).  In the future you will be able to decide whether or not to submit your AP or IB transcripts. If you do, this will add value to your file, but it will not be mandatory.

If I take different courses than the prerequisites listed, will they still “count”? In general, there will be more flexibility around which courses can demonstrate the foundational knowledge we are looking for; however, if you are uncertain or want clear direction, take a number of courses in general biology, chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry. Also, taking at least one lab course before medical school will give you a sense of what that is like, which will also benefit you.

I’m kind of mad that I spent so much money and time on the prerequisites. I wouldn’t have taken them if I didn’t have to. You are not alone! Others have shared similar feedback. Just to reiterate, the prerequisites will only help you. Courses are expensive but we hope you learned something, too. And remember, since you took all of the prerequisites, the admissions committee can easily assess your foundational knowledge in science.

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Pre-Medical Diversity Symposium 2016

By Admissions on Jan 07, 2016

Some prospective applicants may be a bit hesitant about applying to medical school because they consider themselves “non-traditional” applicants – maybe they are a little older, have experienced some challenges in the past, or come from a different academic or personal background than the type of person they think typically applies to medical school. If this describes you, please consider attending the Pre-Medical Diversity Symposium on Saturday, January 16th. Hosted by UBC medical students, this event is an opportunity to learn more about the admissions process and to hear stories from current doctors and students whose paths to medicine may have diverged from the “traditional.” Please click the link to see a poster with more information, including start time and locations for Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George and Kelowna: https://mdprogram.med.ubc.ca/files/2016/01/Pre-Medical-Diversity-Symposium-2016.pdf. The RSVP date is January 12th. Hope to see you there!

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Prerequisite Proposal Timeline Update

By Admissions on Jan 06, 2016

Happy New Year! We are still hoping to post an update on the prerequisite proposal by the end of January. Sorry again for the delay – there is one final step that has taken longer than anticipated due to holiday-related cancellations and closures. A lot of you are trying to plan your courses, we know, and we apologize for the inconvenience. We are eager to update you on the final decision once one has been reached. In the meantime, we are still recommending that applicants take the prerequisite courses.

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Holiday Closure

By wong79 on Dec 16, 2015

As the holidays are approaching, we wanted to let you know the Admissions Office will be closed from December 24 at noon until January 3 (we will reopen January 4). During the closure, we will not be here to answer emails or phone calls. Please contact us before the holidays if you have any questions or concerns.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season and a happy new year!

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