Common Questions
Q: Do I need to major in Science in order to get into medical
school?
No. Most medical schools value diversity and have no preference in
terms of what your major is. Keep in mind, however, that most schools do
have several Science prerequisites. Check with each medical school to make
sure you have all the prerequisites.
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Q: Does it matter which university I attend for undergrad?
No. Medical schools do not give preference to students from any
particular university. However, they may have several spots reserved for
students who grew up in specific communities. Check the websites of the
medical schools to find more information.
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Q: What should I choose as my undergraduate major in order to get the
best grades?
There is no such thing as the "best" undergraduate degree program. You
should take courses that interest you most: you will be more likely to do
well in these subjects, and will likely enjoy your undergraduate degree
more.
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Q: Do I need to volunteer in a hospital to get into medical
school?
Not necessarily. However, it might be a good idea to volunteer to make
sure that you would enjoy working in a hospital setting, and that medicine
is the right career choice for you.
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Q: Do I have to do laboratory research in order to get into medical
school?
Not necessarily. While some medical schools place a high value on
research, most admissions committees will be impressed with a variety of
extracurricular experiences that may or may not include research. You
should get involved in things that really interest you.
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Q: Do I need to take an English course?
Some, but not all medical schools list English as a prerequisite. Check
with each medical school to make sure.
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Q: Will I be able to afford tuition?
Yes! While medical school can be extremely expensive, loans from banks
are readily available. There are also government loans and many
scholarships and bursaries available for students in financial need,
including a bursary provided by the OMA.
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Q: Do I need to take a course to prepare for the MCAT?
Not necessarily. You can buy practice books or take them out from a
library in order to prepare on your own. Some students prefer the
structure of a course to keep their studying on track, and this may be an
option for you. However, keep in mind that MCAT courses may be expensive.
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Q: How should I prepare for interviews?
Many universities offer mock interview services to their students. In
addition, it may be helpful to have your friends or family ask you
practice questions (many practice interview questions may be found on the
internet). It is important to know yourself well and your reasons for
wanting to go into medicine. Most of all, it is important to stay calm and
just be yourself! The majority of interviewers are very friendly and just
want to learn more about you.
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