Medical School Application Timeline

*This is a general timeline based on OMSAS application process. Each medical school has different admission requirements and deadlines. Be sure to refer to your specific program of interest on the program's official website for the specific requirements you need. This timeline is here to only describe the general process of applying to Ontario medical schools.
  • BY SEPTEMBER 2024*
    MCAT
    The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a multiple-choice standardized exam required for admission to most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada. The MCAT is broken down to 4 sections: 1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Each section is scored from 118 to 132 (Mean & Median section score = 125). The total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528 (Mean & Median Score = 500). The MCAT Test Day is a total of approximately 7.5 hours (including lunch and optional breaks). NOTE: The MCAT requirement does not apply to all medical schools in Ontario. The following schools do NOT require the MCAT: • NOSM University • University of Ottawa • Toronto Metropolitan University

  • CASPER/CasPR
    The Casper test is a virtual, open-response situational judgement test (SJT) to determine behavioural tendencies of applicants. Casper has 2 main sections: video responses and typed responses. Each of these sections will present you with scenarios with open-ended questions that you will be required to respond to. Casper typically takes 90-110 minutes to complete. NOTE: The Casper requirement does not apply to all medical schools in Ontario. The following schools do NOT require the Casper Test: NOSM University • Toronto Metropolitan University • University of Toronto • Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry • (Western University) If you apply through the Indigenous Application streams, the Casper Test is NOT required for: University of Ottawa • Queen's University •

  • Autobiographical Sketch (ABS)
    As part of your Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) application, you will be required to submit your ABS which is a detailed and comprehensive list of your activities since age of 16. Activities can be listed as any of the following categories: • Employment • Volunteer Activities • Extracurricular Activities • Awards and Accomplishments • Research • Other For each activity you list, you must provide the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of contacts who can verify your involvement for the medical schools you choose to apply to.

  • Confidential Assessment Forms (CAFs)
    As part of your medical school OMSAS application, you will be asked to provide 3 references. The 3 referees must be 1 of each: academic- or employment-related referee • non-academic referee and • referee of your choosing • Referees will then be contacted to complete the Confidential Assessment Form (CAF). Additional letters of reference are not accepted.
  • deadline: oct 1 2024*
    OMSAS Application
    Once you've written your MCAT and/or Casper, selected referees, and completed your ABS, you can now upload and/or submit these requirements to your OMSAS Application. Here you will be asked to provide your background information, including academic transcripts. Depending on the medical school you are applying to, you may be required to submit a personal statement, respond to essay questions, or submit supplementary letters. Many Ontario medical schools now offer equity admission streams that may have additional application requirements such as a personal essay. For Indigenous application streams, you will be required to self-delcare Indigenous status via OMSAS and provide proof of Indigenous ancestry. Check out our Documentation page to learn more about this requirement. Make sure to thoroughly read through the admission requirements of the school you are interested in applying to.

After submitting your application

  • January - april 2025
    Medical School Interview
    The interview stage is the final stage of the medical school admissions process. Each medical school has a unique process of selecting applicants for an interview. Interview invitations and refusal letters are sent out via email typically as applicant files are reviewed until the last interview date. Additionally, each school has a unique interview process. Some schools use traditional panel interview formats while others host multiple mini-interviews (MMI). Indigenous pathway applicants may be invited to take part in an alternative interview format, such as a talking-circle (TMU). You should carefully review the information sent in your invitation letter to allow you to prepare accordingly. Each school may also host interview prep workshops, webinars, or sessions that can help you prepare for your interview. See our "Interviews" page under the Resources tab for more information on these prep sessions.
  • may 2025
    Decision Letter
    Decisions will be updated on OMSAS and you will recieve a letter from the school you applied to indicating your acceptance or refusal to the MD program. If you were not offered admission to a MD program, check out our 'Future Re-applicants' page for ideas on reviewing and improving your medical school application.