Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some honest advice from people who’ve been through the Canadian/US application process.
I’m going into 4th year and planning to apply to Canadian med schools this cycle. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth also applying to US MD this year or if I should wait and strengthen my application.
Stats:
- Canada cGPA: 3.81 (I know this really low, got a 3.93 third year so upward trend and planning on working my ass off again in fourth year)
- AMCAS cGPA: 3.89 (not sure what my science GPA would be)
- MCAT: strong overall, 131 CARS
ECs:
- A few mentorship-based volunteer roles, exec position on two clubs, worked as a camp counselor for two summers
- No clinical/shadowing
- No research yet (starting honours thesis and another volunteer research position in the fall)
For Canada, I know my GPA is a huge issue, and my ECs don’t feel very strong/deep but if I take a gap year and do a masters I can definitely work on getting more research/volunteer experience and work on my GPA (with fourth year my Western best two would increase, Ottawa last three years wouldn’t be as weak etc.)
For the US, I’m worried because I have basically no clinical exposure or research, and I know those are pretty important, especially as a Canadian applicant who is already at a huge disadvantage. Plus, if I apply to the US this cycle I’d need to take PREview + US CASPer, Get LORs together, write a lot of secondaries, and overall spend thousands of dollars.
My family and friends all think I should just apply to both Canada and the US, and that I'm limiting my options if I don't. Now I'm really conflicted. Would applying to US MD this cycle be worth it in my situation, or does it make more sense to wait and apply next cycle when my ECs are stronger?
Ive been really stressed about all of this so I would really appreciate any insight.