Academic evaluation

The evaluation of a candidate's academic dossier is founded on the following:

Performance in the undergraduate degree

The primary measure of undergraduate degree performance is the degree cumulative grade point average (DegGPA). Successful applicants tend to have a DegGPA above 3.5 (average approximately 3.8). Applicants with a DegGPA below 3.4 are rarely considered competitive. Academic performance of graduate or other undergraduate coursework is considered as part of the overall academic context, including completed graduate degrees.

The MDCM Admissions Committee reserves the right not to consider applicants who do not have, at minimum, two consecutive academic years of graded performance (e.g. 60 consecutive graded semester hours)* as part of their degree used for the basis of admission by the submission deadline.

*a minimum of 45 consecutive graded credits for second/alternate Bachelor's degree applicants.

Consult the Degree requirements for details.

Overall academic context

The Undergraduate Medical Admissions Office considers several criteria in its evaluation of the academic strength of a candidate.  The basis of admission degree is the undergraduate degree and the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is the primary measure of degree performance.  A candidate’s academic background is weighted at 70% during the prescreening process. Within this 70% academic score, 90% is based on the undergraduate CGPA and 10% is based on academic context. The assessment of an applicant's academic context consists of (a) the progression of difficulty of coursework, (b) post-bachelor's academics and (c) the recognition of professional degree programs (i.e.: programs that lead to the practice of a profession for which one must be a member of a professional order).

Applicants are encouraged to pursue challenging and diverse topics, to have a natural progression in their course selection, and to maximize their undergraduate curriculum to provide a richer candidacy.  

Performance in the basic sciences

The assessment of basic science performance is based upon a candidate's academic results in the relevant science prerequisite courses as undertaken either in college, university, or acceptable pre-university alternatives as described in the requirements. Advanced studies in the basic sciences may also be considered in this assessment. Since Fall 2021, all basic science prerequisite courses must meet a minimum grade requirement; the GPA is not weighted in the selection process, and up to 3 courses can be in progress during the year and be submitted by May 31 prior to starting the program.

All science prerequisites must be passed, and the grade must be equal to or better than the grade accepted by McGill for the purposes of transfer credit/advanced standing/course exemptions, as follows: CEGEP level 60% or better. University level: Grade obtained must be equal to or better than the grade/CGPA required to graduate from that university. Generally this is equivalent to a C or better and is usually found on the transcript. AP courses: 4 or better IB: 5 or better A-Level: C or better, French Bacc: Série S 10 or better see French Baccalaureat transfer credit.  Consult the Basic science requirements for details.