U of A Medical School Info Session MD Ambassadors Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Tonight’s Session 1) Large Group Presentation Overview of U of A admissions process Interviewing skills – what you need to know 2) Small Group Sessions 3) Debrief Associate Dean UGME – Dr. Rayner

What are we looking for in candidates? Total Positions Available Typically, 85% In Province, 15% are Out of Province 25 students (20%) are usually 2 nd /3 rd yr Out of the remaining 100 students in 2005 (2004), 13 (8) had post-grad degrees and the rest were 4 th yr applicants International applicants are not accepted

Academic Criteria 1) Completion of Requirements 2) Cumulative GPA 3) Pre-Requisite GPA 4) MCAT

Academic Criteria Completion of Requirements Have to complete at least 2 FULL years (i.e. 60 credits, with 30 credits in at least 1 year) –Academic year does NOT include intersession Pre-requisites: –3 credits in each: Stats and Biochem –6 credits in each: General Chem, Organic Chem, Biology, Physics, English

Academic Criteria Cumulative GPA Cumulative GPA required for application If 4+ yr applicant: 3.3 (Albertan) to apply 3.5 (Non-Albertan) to apply If 2 nd /3 rd year applicant, you need 3.7 to apply If 4+ years, you can delete lowest year from the cumulative GPA calculation as long as it’s not the only 30-credit year or the most recent year

Academic Criteria MCAT Must be written no later than August prior to deadline MCAT scores: from 1-15, and J-T Minimum scores are 7’s in each section U of A - All 4 sections of MCAT are scored out of 5 Below an M on writing sample is 0/5

Academic Criteria Statistics for 2005 Admissions (2004) 4 th year + Stats: Mean cGPA= 3.70 (3.82) Mean pre-req GPA = 3.83 (3.84) Mean MCAT average = (10.70) ~32 2 nd /3 rd year Stats: Mean cGPA = 3.80 (3.90) Mean pre-req GPA = 3.90 (3.90) Mean MCAT average = (11.15) ~34-35

Non- Academic Criteria 1)Personal Attributes 2)Reference Letters 3)Interview

Personal Attributes This is your chance to show the committee that you’re more than just an MCAT and a GPA. Not unlike a resume - the more you say the better. Try to make this section like a written picture of who you are. Scored on 5 sections: Employment History, Top 3 Achievements, Leadership, Volunteering, and Diversity of Life. (Times and dates are IMPORTANT) Don’t take this section lightly. It can make or break your chances for getting an interview. It’s worth as much as your MCAT and more than your cGPA.

Reference Letters 2 letters of reference required wellGet letters from people who know you well! If 2 people know you equally well, then consider the seniority/position of the potential referees and their writing abilities

Reference Letters Who should I ask to be a referee? Best if they know you personally over a long period of time –can attest to your work ethic or humanitarianism –someone who is familiar with the medical system and can comment on your suitability as a physician. Examples of referees you can consider: 1) A professor 2) Someone you did research with 3) The director of an institution you volunteered at 4) A physician you shadowed or worked for 5) DO NOT USE FRIENDS or FAMILY!

Reference Letters cont’d strong letter of referenceConfirm with your referee that they are willing to write you a “strong letter of reference”. This allows your referee to decline your request graciously. Prepare a package for your referee with your CV, contact info for yourself and the medical schools, and a postage-paid envelope for the reference letter

Interview A panel of 2-3 people (clinicians, basic scientists, lay people, and medical students) Be yourselfBe yourself!!! Honesty and acting naturally are what the interviewers are looking for! Don’t be afraid to sell yourself –45 min to convince the interviewers that you are the best applicant for the position.

How do you apply? –Pay application fee, then you have access to – Personal attributes section

Deadlines November 1 st Deadline to submit application to Registrar’s office November 15 th -Deadline for MCAT, Personal Attributes and Reference letters -Transcripts to be submitted with application Ultimately due by Jan 31 st and June 15 th

Current Breakdown (Future) Pre-Req GPA: 25% (15%) Cumulative GPA: 10% (15%) MCAT: 15% MCAT Writing Sample 5% Personal attributes: 15% (20%) Ref letters: 5% Interview: 25% Extra points for Master’s (1) or PhD’s (3). No points awarded for Honours.

What can I tell you about U of A? H/P/F system First Two Years: Systems-based teaching –Didactic lectures –PBL (problem-based learning) –Labs (cadaveric, computer) Patient-centred clinical method

What can I tell you about U of A? Support Group lunches with other students and Faculty Lunch with the Dean Off site visits and clinical skills in 1 st year

What can I tell you about U of A? Gilbert Scholars Program Clinical Skills program for 2 nd year students 30 hours of clinical training Small groups of 4 students and 1 preceptor Real and standardized patients

What can I tell you about U of A? Summers off for first 2 years (TRULY NEEDED!) 2 years as pre-clinical medical student, 2 years as student clerk Graduating medical students are highly regarded throughout the country… very competitive for tough residency programs

What can I tell you about U of A? One of the lowest costs of medical education in the country 5 teaching hospitals New facilities/buildings – look outside! State of the art ER, OR suites, patient tracking programs A great place to meet new friends, and have fun while learning!

RESEARCH? We currently have two programs: –MD with Special Training in Research (STIR) Formerly known as Honours in Research –MD/PhD program Research can be done during summers off, and can include time spent during the summer before med school

About our Faculty Meds and dents together for first 2 years Unique student affairs office that cater to student concerns, problems etc. Dedicated and excellent teachers in both pre-clinical and clinical years

Questions? Refer to the website – Feel free to contact us GOOD LUCK!!!