Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine: How to Get in

Mission Statement

“To develop future healthcare leaders who are equipped to provide care for diverse, underserved communities across Ontario. TMU’s emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion is at the forefront of this initiative, making it a unique addition to Ontario’s medical school landscape. The program also aims to address the healthcare disparities in urban and rural areas, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled clinicians but also advocates for social justice in healthcare.”

This aligns with TMU’s long-standing commitment to community-focused education and innovation, building on its success in other fields to deliver a medical program that meets the needs of Ontario’s population.

Admissions Statistics

TMU’s MD program has 94 seats available. Like other Ontario medical schools, TMU will have a competitive admission process—in other words, getting in with a low GPA can will be tricky as limited seats means top applicants will be competing for a spot!

Historically, medical schools in Canada (and specifically, Ontario) see a high volume of applications and low acceptance rates due to the limited number of seats available each year. That means that if you’ve got your sights set on TMU, it’s time to make sure you have an impressive and holistic array of extracurriculars, volunteer work and/or shadowing hours, an excellent GPA, etc... More on that later!

Here's a snapshot of TMU’s admissions criteria directly from their website:

• “The School of Medicine will use a holistic admissions process embedding the principles of anti-racism, accessibility, EDI, decolonization and Reconciliation.
• Admission will be based on academic performance, progress towards an undergraduate degree in any discipline and academic, extracurricular and professional experience.
• The process will be designed to purposefully admit equity-deserving students and to identify and select applicants interested in primary care practice, particularly in medically underserved areas.
• The MCAT will not be required.”

Eligibility

TMU MD program applicants will need hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate academic excellence, typically measured by GPA. However, they don’t require a specific undergraduate major, nor do they have strict prerequisites.

Similar to many medical school GPA requirements, TMU requires at least a 3.3 GPA – some schools range on the lower end – and competitive applicants to med school typically have a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Education Pathways at TMU

The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) School of Medicine offers multiple admissions pathways to ensure diversity and inclusion in its student body. These pathways are designed to support equity-deserving groups, aiming to provide opportunities to those from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities in medicine.

1. Indigenous Admissions Pathway: This pathway prioritizes applicants who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, TMU is committed to addressing barriers to medical education for Indigenous communities and offers a unique interview format, such as a talking circle, instead of the traditional MMI.
2. Black Admissions Pathway: Focused on addressing the significant underrepresentation of Black students in medical education, this pathway encourages applications from those who identify as Black or African descent. TMU aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster a diverse healthcare workforce.
3. Equity-Deserving Admissions Pathway: Applicants from other equity-deserving groups—those who have faced discrimination, marginalization, or barriers to accessing medical education—are encouraged to apply through this pathway. This aligns with TMU’s commitment to anti-racism, accessibility, and equity.

Selection Factors

Prerequisites

TMU has stated it will not require any prerequisites for admission, but it is recommended that applicants complete a variety of undergraduate courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and social sciences (just to name a few). These courses ensure that applicants have the foundational knowledge needed for success in medical school, however, there are no specific prerequisites at this time.

GPA

A competitive GPA will be an important factor in the admissions process. As noted earlier, most medical schools in Ontario expect applicants to have a GPA of at least 3.7, and it’s likely that TMU will follow a similar standard—currently they look for students with a minimum 3.3 GPA. However, TMU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion may mean that applicants from underrepresented backgrounds or those with unique life experiences could be evaluated holistically, taking more than just GPA into account. This is a huge stride toward diversifying representation in healthcare.

MCAT

The MCAT is not required at TMU. At this time, it’s unclear if the CARS section is required (similar to McMaster University’s MD program, which only considers your score in the CARS

Check out TMU’s MD program page for more up-to-date information.

CASPer

Many Canadian medical schools require applicants to complete the CASPer test, an online situational judgment test designed to assess non-academic qualities such as empathy, ethics, and communication skills.

At this time, TMU's School of Medicine does not list CASPer as a requirement. Instead, the selection process involves a holistic assessment that includes an online asynchronous evaluation hosted by Kira Talent. This assessment involves timed written and video responses that focus on evaluating applicants' commitment to the school's mission, as well as their communication and problem-solving skills. From there, shortlisted candidates proceed to a file review and, if selected, will participate in a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) as part of the final interview process​.

OMSAS ABS

The Autobiographical Sketch (ABS) is a key component of the Ontario medical school application process. It allows applicants to showcase their experiences, leadership, and involvement in activities related to healthcare, research, and community service. Applicants to TMU should carefully craft their ABS to reflect the qualities that TMU values, such as a commitment to serving underserved communities and promoting health equity.

Supplementary Questions

TMU MD applications will be required to submit responses to four supplementary questions. Each response should be no more than 250 words, and questions are closely linked to TMU’s mission and vision as a medical school. 

1. How have your lived experiences contributed to your personal growth and desire to pursue a career in medicine?
2. 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 healthcare professional?
3. 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. 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. For the purpose of this question and your response, we define Brampton/Peel Region and surrounding communities as follows:

• Peel: Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon
• Bolton
• Dufferin
• Halton: Milton, Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills
• North Etobicoke
• West Woodbridge

**If you have identified a connection to the Brampton/Peel Region or surrounding communities, you are required to submit supporting documentation to verify your connection to the area.**

Interview Format and Selection

The interview process is one of the most critical components of medical school admissions, and as we explained above, TMU will conduct MMI’s for shortlisted candidates (who pass the Kira Talent evaluation). The MMI assesses applicants’ critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and communication skills through a series of timed scenarios.

TMU’s focus on community health and social justice may also mean that interview questions will delve into applicants’ understanding of healthcare disparities, ethical questions, and their commitment to improving healthcare accessibility.

Acceptance, Deferral and Waitlist Information

TMU’s MD acceptance process involves sending out first-round offers of admission by May 13. Applicants who are offered admission must formally accept their offer by submitting an agreement and a non-refundable deposit. For those needing to defer, TMU offers a deferral option on a case-by-case basis, under exceptional circumstances such as health issues or unexpected financial hardship. Requests for deferrals must be submitted with appropriate documentation by June 30, and deferrals are only granted for one academic year with no extensions

As a new program, TMU has not yet released specific details about its waitlist process. However, like other Ontario medical schools, it is likely that TMU will use a waitlist system to fill seats that become available after initial offers are made. If you are placed on the waitlist, it’s important to stay positive and proactive by preparing for the next application cycle or considering how many medical schools to apply to.

Application Timeline

TMU’s medical school is expected to follow a similar application timeline to other Ontario medical schools. The first cohort of students is expected to begin next fall, with applications opening on October 9. Applicants need to submit their applications through the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS), with key deadlines in the fall and winter months.

For those planning to apply, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the application timeline and ensure that you have all required documents ready. Here are some important dates to keep in mind during the upcoming admissions cycle:

• October 9: Applications open through OMSAS.
• December 2: Deadline to submit applications and all required materials.
• February: Asynchronous assessments will be completed by applicants.
• March: File review for shortlisted applicants begins.
• April: Interview invites are sent out.
• May: Interviews (Multiple Mini-Interview format) take place.
• May 13: First-round offers of admission are sent.
• August: Final acceptance documents and requirements are due.
• September: Classes begin.

Tuition and Funding

It’s no secret that medical school costs are high – but it’s a worthy investment. At TMU, tuition for their MD program is $25,604. For reference and comparison, medical school tuition in Canada can vary, but in Ontario, it typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. More information can be found on the TMU MD program website.

Students can also apply for external scholarships, bursaries, and grants to help offset the cost of their medical education. TMU’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion may also result in additional financial aid programs aimed at supporting students from underserved communities.

Available Programs

TMU’s MD program is expected to follow a traditional four-year medical education model, leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. While details about additional programs, such as dual degree options (MD/PhD or MD/MBA), are not yet available, TMU is expected to offer a comprehensive and flexible curriculum that could evolve in the coming years to include such programs.

For now, the focus is on delivering a high-quality MD program that prepares graduates to address healthcare challenges across the province and beyond.

Unique Features of TMU’s MD Program

This medical school is being built in collaboration with Brampton residents, healthcare providers, and community partners to address the city's healthcare challenges, including underfunding and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19. TMU’s existing partnerships in Brampton, such as the Cybersecure Catalyst and Brampton Ventures Zone, further strengthen the connection between the university and the city.

• Community-centered healthcare education with a focus on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Peel Region (where the campus is located)
• State-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with leading hospitals and clinics
• Strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Comprehensive support services for students, including academic advising and mental health resources

PGME

TMU’s School of Medicine is planning to offer several residency programs as part of its Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) initiative, starting in July. These programs will train residents across various medical fields in collaboration with leading healthcare organizations in the Greater Toronto Area.

Some of the key residency programs include:

• Family Medicine: A 2-year program with options for enhanced skills training in areas like Addiction Medicine, Care of the Elderly, and Emergency Medicine.
• General Surgery: A 5-year program that offers early exposure to surgery across subspecialties like vascular, thoracic, and pediatric surgery.
• Emergency Medicine: A 5-year program focused on high-acuity emergency departments and extensive pediatric emergency care.
• Geriatrics: A 2-year subspecialty program designed to train physicians to manage complex conditions in the elderly.

These programs will provide rich clinical experiences through TMU's affiliations with hospitals like William Osler Health System, Trillium Health Partners, and Headwaters Health Care Centre​.

Curriculum

The curriculum at TMU’s medical school will focus on community-centered healthcare, with an emphasis on the social determinants of health, patient-centered care, and healthcare accessibility. The program will combine traditional medical education with innovative, case-based learning. Students can expect to learn through a combination of classroom-based instruction, simulated patient interactions, and clinical rotations in some of Peel Region and Toronto’s leading healthcare institutions.

The pre-clinical years will cover foundational medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, while the clinical years will focus on hands-on experience in various medical specialties, such as family medicine, surgery, and internal medicine. Clinical rotations will allow students to gain exposure to diverse patient populations and healthcare settings.

Campus and Faculty

The decision to build Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) new School of Medicine in Brampton is rooted in the city’s unique demographic and healthcare needs. Brampton is one of Canada’s most rapidly growing and diverse cities, located about 45 minutes north-west of TMU’s downtown Toronto campus.

But, despite Brampton being a thriving destination in Peel region, it has been historically underserved in terms of healthcare infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the urgent need for healthcare investment in the region. TMU’s new medical school aims to address these healthcare gaps by training future doctors with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, while also providing primary care services to the community.

The TMU medical school will be located at the former Bramalea Civic Centre, which is being transformed into a state-of-the-art facility. The campus will include classrooms, labs, a library, and student amenities, all designed to foster collaborative and active learning. The building will also feature a community health clinic, offering much-needed healthcare services to Brampton residents while creating a community-based learning environment for students. This project not only supports healthcare improvements but is also expected to generate thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to Brampton’s economy!

Contact Information

For more information about TMU’s new MD program, you can contact the School of Medicine directly:

Toronto Metropolitan University

School of Medicine

350 Victoria Street

Toronto, ON M5B 2K3

P: 416-979-5000

Website: https://www.torontomu.ca/school-of-medicine/

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results. 

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