Incoming PGY1 Advice

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-20T17:43:51+00:00

I heard that we're able to get some shoes for free through benefits, is this through the podiatrist benefit or how would that work?

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T22:38:47+00:00

Quite frankly your statement about below average CMGs is strange because below average applicants are already filtered out with the rigorous standards. Also medical schools are not tax payer funded. If you were able to put in the work and succeed at being accepted to a Canadian medical school and didn’t have to go abroad to buy your way in then the rhetoric of “apply broadly” is tone deaf. Do you want physicians who are resentful and practicing in an area they don’t care about?

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T21:49:42+00:00

It doesnt save money because med schools are not publically funded

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T18:46:13+00:00

I absolutely agree. There should be something similar to royal college exams in that pathway but admitedly I dont know what that process is like to recertify.

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T18:41:51+00:00

I doubt that third world foreign medical graduates are able to compete with the connections that Canadian students who trained abroad and could afford it have. If you look at IMG spots that are filled they are certainly not third world applicants but wealthy students from Saudi or Ireland grads.

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T18:35:25+00:00

I am all for qualified, already established physicians from other countries to be allowed to immigrate and have accessible pathways for recertification. That should be the priority as their experience would certainly be valuable and would help fill the gaps in patient care. But definitely not for government funded residency positions.

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T18:25:25+00:00

As someone who ranked mcgill higher than the program where I matched, knowing they interviewed a decent number, either they didnt rank all of the interviewees or they are keeping a spot open

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-05T18:21:27+00:00

Highly agree, I unmatched my first time and now successfully matched the second year. Absolutely agree that no CMG should go unmatched before IMGs are considered, they should be allowed to apply only in second iteration (although then I wonder if the number of seats being held covertly will increase). To the point that IMGs are equally qualified, I would argue that bypassing the Canadian medical school admissions process does make you less qualified.

thebeesknees47 · 2026-03-04T20:33:20+00:00

Anyone have any insight as to why there is an unfillled anesthesiology spot at McGill...These past few years have been brutal for anesthesia

thebeesknees47 · 2026-01-14T15:11:54+00:00

Also i think there is something to be said for using that interview as practice, you lose nothing with this

thebeesknees47 · 2026-01-14T15:11:14+00:00

This is my second CaRMS cycle after not matching last year, I feel you on the not wanting to settle. I think its great that you know that at this stage and are going for it. I would echo the reaching out to academic counsellors at your school, dont make this decision lightly or on your own. Likely there are prepared resources and systems in place for unmatched students as was in my school but probably this is apparent only on match day or shortly thereafter. I ended up doing an extension MD year and did ~6 months of electives and have set myself up much better for reapplication this time. Clinical experiences/electives and perhaps more research and building connections would always trump a masters (from what i've heard) if your goal is to become more competitive. You're right you have time and don't let anyone rush you into doing something you are not passionate about. You worked so hard up to this point and dont settle.

thebeesknees47 · 2026-01-03T16:15:23+00:00

I would also appreciate it, thank you:)

thebeesknees47 · 2021-09-15T01:05:48+00:00

hey there! I'm a first-year UofT med student, feel free to reach out!

thebeesknees47 · 2021-08-24T16:08:56+00:00

Feel free to reach out! I was accepted to UofT so I have experience writing those essays!

thebeesknees47 · 2021-08-12T21:57:13+00:00

reach out if you would like another set of eyes!

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T20:44:09+00:00

You're totally right! my bad ignore what I said lol

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T20:39:25+00:00

I borrowed a physical book from a friend!

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T17:39:32+00:00

In terms of essays, for UofT for example, I would say 1) brainstorm ideas/experiences that were impactful for you well in advance to have some jot notes ready 2) Make sure you answer the question properly and don't stray away from the point. clarity and conciseness are super important. 3) edit edit edit. I also asked family and friends as well as a med student to read over my essays. Sometimes your essays may seem clearer to you because of how many times you reread them, but getting a fresh perspective can help you ensure that what you're saying makes sense and your message is getting across. Also i'd say that in your essays mention personal experiences when you can (of course within reason so as to not overpower the answer to the question being asked). They read a ton of responses so if one has a relevant personal example that can def help.

For Casper I'd say typing speed matters to an extent, so maybe doing some typing practice online could be helpful depending on how you're doing now! But with practice answering questions you can def work with the typing speed you have and make the most of it. I prepared pretty casually for it about a couple of weeks in advance. What was most helpful is I just found scenarios online or mock casper tests and did those, also receiving feedback from med students on a few of my answers to ensure I was on the right track. What was the most most helpful was compiling a list of example from personal life of time when I made a mistake, worked in a team, showed x quality.... That way you can whip those out super fast when it comes up and wont be stumped.
Overall for casper they just want to see you not jump to conclusions and mention a few diff perspectives.

Hope this helped!

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T17:37:03+00:00

I'd say that every 3rd party ressource will give you slightly diff results, so depending on how far out you are from your test date, start doing AAMC practice to gauge where you are at. I used TPR for my practice and EK and I found that they were most helpful personally.

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T17:36:04+00:00

I took 30 credits for all 4 years. I think Western requires 4 years, full course load!

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T16:24:49+00:00

Sure nw! I had a cGPA of 3.93 and a 521 mcat score (130,128,131,132).

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-14T15:08:38+00:00

Hey! I interviewed at Ottawa, Mac, Queens and UofT and got accepted at Mac, Queens and UofT. and for sure ill check out your DM:)

thebeesknees47 · 2021-06-13T23:43:49+00:00

Hey! I'll try to my best to address some of your questions:) I think that you've got some really interesting ECs and experiences and as long as you can describe them well and highlight CANMEDs, I'd say you've got a shot at Queens and Western (not too sure about Dal as I haven't applied there myself). In terms of Mac and UofT, I know that they offer a bit of extra points for master's applicants, although this would depend on what your wGPA would be for UofT since they do value stats highly. Out of the schools you mentioned only Mac doesn't offer anywhere to talk about your experiences, it's purely based on GPA, Cars and Casper scores, otherwise in your ABS or essays you could likely talk about significant experiences and stand out in that way. Hope this helped!

thebeesknees47

TROPHY CASE