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TMU Medical School: Everything We Know (Requirements, GPA, MCAT)

Posted: 2024-07-23 | Last Edited: 2024-10-07 – Toronto, ON

Key Facts

It has been well over three decades since a new medical school opened in Ontario. Over the past few years, however, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) has undergone significant progress in the development of a new medical school – a process that typically takes over ten years for other institutions. Through significant work with the Ford Government, Indigenous communities, and the City of Brampton, the university is finally looking to have its first cohort of 94 medical students start next year, for September 2025.


Background

TMU’s initiative to establish a medical school is a response to the province’s healthcare demands and the need for more medical professionals, while focusing on new approaches to medical education and the need for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The school is designed with community-centered primary care in mind, emphasizing the health needs of diverse populations. For this reason, the establishment of the medical school was heavily accelerated with support and enthusiasm from the Ford Government, as it is expected to have a substantial impact on both the local community and the broader healthcare system in Ontario. Moreover, the Brampton City Council has voted to gift Bramalea Civic Centre as the future home of the School of Medicine, along with $20 million to support its transformation. Here are some further details on expected impacts:


Timeline/Opening

The timeline for TMU’s medical school is ambitious, with the first cohort of students expected in 2025. Here’s a detailed look at the development stages:

Admissions Timeline

Due to the accreditation process, TMU's application period for 2025 admission is outside the typical Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) cycle. Applications will be accepted through OMSAS from October 9 to December 2, 2024, at 4:30 pm (ET) for a September 2025 start.

Key Dates:

Requirements

Academic Requirements

  • Degree Requirement: Applicants must have completed a minimum 4-year undergraduate degree in any program or discipline by the start of the MD program in September 2025.
  • GPA Requirement: A minimum OMSAS GPA of 3.3 is required. This aims to minimize barriers to entry and create an inclusive and diverse learning environment. In exceptional circumstances, applicants in the three admission pathways (Indigenous, Black, and Equity-Deserving) with a GPA below 3.3 may still be considered.
  • No Prerequisite Courses: TMU does not mandate specific prerequisite coursework, allowing for a diverse range of applicants with varied educational experiences.

Graduate and Professional Studies

While transcripts from graduate or professional studies are required to validate educational activities, these will not be factored into the GPA calculation.

Non-Academic Requirements

  • Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents by the application deadline.
  • Autobiographical Sketch (ABS): Applicants must submit an ABS that provides a detailed and comprehensive list of employment history, volunteer activities, extracurricular activities, research, awards, and accomplishments since the age of 16.
  • Supplementary Questions (Essays): Applicants must respond to four supplementary questions (maximum 250 words each) that align with TMU's mission and values:
    1. Personal Growth: How have your lived experiences contributed to your personal growth and desire to pursue a career in medicine?
    2. Community Engagement: What leadership roles and/or community engagement experiences have you undertaken within your community, particularly in efforts aimed at supporting and advocating for marginalized groups? How have these experiences prepared you to address the needs of underserved communities as a future health care professional?
    3. Diversity and Inclusion: How have your personal, professional, or extracurricular experiences with diversity, inequity, and/or marginalization influenced your efforts to create a more inclusive environment in your school, community, or workplace?
    4. Connection to Brampton/Peel Region: Describe your connection(s) to the Brampton/Peel Region and surrounding communities and/or your interest in practicing in culturally diverse communities such as these, that represent the future of Canada.
  • Confidential Assessment Forms (CAFs): Three CAFs are required from referees:
    • One academic or employment-related referee
    • One non-academic referee
    • One referee of choice
  • Brampton/Peel Region Connectedness: Applicants are encouraged to describe their connection to the Brampton/Peel Region and surrounding communities. Supporting documentation may include records of residence, education, employment, or community involvement in the area.

Admission Pathways

TMU recognizes that many groups face barriers in applying to medical school. To address under-representation, TMU has established three admission pathways:

  • Indigenous Admissions Pathway
  • Black Admissions Pathway
  • Equity-Deserving Admissions Pathway

Applicants may choose to apply through one of these pathways to promote diversity and inclusion within the medical profession. The majority of students will be selected from these pathways.

Selection Process

The selection process includes several stages:

  1. Initial Screening: Verification of academic requirements and eligibility, including GPA and citizenship status.
  2. Asynchronous Assessment: Eligible applicants will complete an online assessment through Kira Talent, involving six timed questions (both video and written) to evaluate alignment with TMU's mission and values.
  3. File Review: Shortlisted applicants' ABS, CAFs, supplementary essays, and any pathway-specific documentation will be reviewed.
  4. Interviews:
    • MMI (Multiple Mini-Interview): Applicants in the General Admissions Stream, Black Admissions Pathway, and Equity-Deserving Admissions Pathway will participate in an MMI. This involves a series of short, timed interviews assessing non-academic attributes such as empathy, communication, ethical reasoning, and cultural competency.
    • Talking Circle: Applicants in the Indigenous Admissions Pathway will participate in a talking circle instead of an MMI.
  5. Selection and Ranking: Applicants will be ranked based on their performance in the assessments and interviews. Offers of admission will be made according to this ranking.

Note: GPA considerations are used only for initial eligibility screening and do not factor into selection or ranking decisions beyond that point.


Curriculum

TMU has a three-phase curriculum for their 4 year MD program

How to Stay Updated

To stay updated on the latest developments regarding TMU’s medical school, interested individuals can follow these resources: By staying connected through these channels, prospective students and community members can keep abreast of the latest developments and opportunities at TMU’s new medical school.

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