I’ve got two more years to go for my under-grad degree and I’ve already started gathering information for various medical schools in Canada (Ontario to be more specific) and U.S.A.
I was told that McMaster University, which is in Hamilton, Ontario, doesn’t require MCAT scores which was quite strange for me…So, I browsed around and found that it’s true that MCAT scores are not needed in order to apply for their medical program…On top of that, they offer three years MD program where all other schools have 4 years program…
As a student, it IS very appealing and fascinating for me to have less years in school and more hands-on experience and I DO plan to apply for it next year INSHALLAH…However, I’ve a concern about this and am truly hoping someone knows the answer or at least knows someone who has had experience with McMaster University…
Concern is whether this MD degree will be just as good as any other medical school’s degree or not considering the fact that they only have 3 years of schooling whereas others offer 4 years? Would other universities and workplaces in North America accept that degree? Also, why exactly do they have 3 year program instead of 4 years? Should I go for it?**
Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated…Much thanks!
Re: McMaster School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario
^ Hi wishkamar,
McMaster student/grad alumnus here - currently studying to be a different type of doctor (Ph.D.)
McMaster is regarded as one of the top med schools, not only in Canada, but around the world.
In terms of the program's duration, don't be fooled... if you look closely, the difference here is that you're going to be officially required to work summers too, either in research or clinical practice, so it's almost your 4th year's equivalent if you include that. From what I know, during the three years program, you only get 2 breaks of 2 weeks each... so it's really intensive!
Let me also say that unlike other Universities, McMaster's Med School incoming batches tend to have more older and mature applicants, sometimes people who already have another graduate degree. McMaster also prides itself for training "unusual" applicants, and since MCAT is not a requirement, they really take GPA and other relevant qualifications/accomplishments very seriously. Even though their website states a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admissions, I've rarely seen anyone with less than a 3.4 or 3.5 being considered.
Re: McMaster School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario
^^ 100% agreed.
ps. mcmasters health department is not only known as one of the best just cuz of its high educational level but also cuz of the researchs and new discoveries about health sciences. You would be surprised to know that the modern heart transplant, angioplasty and angiography all are gifts of mcmaster health sciences.
Hey, thanks a lot for providing me with great pieces of information…
Yeah, I am aware that it’s one of the prestigious schools one can get in…
So, let’s say, I complete my 3rd year at university and have a good GPA INSHALLAH (it’s 3.4 right now), should I seriously consider applying there? As it was mentioned that their program is very intensive and there is very little free time given to students, can it get very nerve-wrecking by the end of the program?
What would you guys suggest? Would you apply to their program if you were me?
I don’t know…what is appealing to me is the fact that I could finish up with MD within 6 years if it’s in McMaster instead of usual 8 years…I’m confused
Re: McMaster School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario
^ there's no harm in applying... although like I said before, you'll have a better chance after you graduate with an Honors undergraduate degree. As it is, many McMaster med school students already have a graduate degree of some kind.
Also, I hope that you're volunteering / working in a health care related area already... a good GPA by itself isn't going to be enough to get into any med school.
Re: McMaster School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario
^ it makes sense though... I'm not a believer in standardized testing myself, and I've worked for a company that produces materials and training for these tests. It's pretty easy to master the content and techniques to do well on these standardized tests. Rather than depending on something that may or may not be a true reflection of your aptitude and potential, why not nterview the candidate, interact with them, consider their long term portfolio of qualifications and accomplishments and make a decision on a case by case basis? That's what McMaster believes in.
