How I Got Into Medical School CANADA

📝 For application support, essay revision, practice interviews and a FREE 20-minute consultation with me: www.canadianpremed.ca/
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How I got into medical school Canada | How to get into medical school Canada
In this video, I am going to breakdown how I got into a Canadian medical school. Many people dream of becoming a doctor. However, every year only ~10% of applicants will receive an admission to medical school in Ontario. This raises the question of how to get into medical school?
In this video, I outline the application process but also take a deep dive into EVERY SINGLE ACTIVITY that went on my personal application. I talk about the habits and mentors that guided me along the way, but also the mistakes and failures I've made.
Ultimately, everyone's journey to medicine is unique. But my hope is that by watching this video, you will idea of the path to getting into medical school in Canada.
💬 Leave a comment down below and let me know what you want to hear about next 💬
🕒 In a rush? 🕒
General Advice:
0:00 Introduction
1:57 My plan A, B, C & D
3:36 Application Basics
4:39 My Application REVEALED
7:59 Choosing A Major
10:02 Partying as a Pre-Med
18:08 How to Find a Mentor
19:42 Exercise to boost GPA
21:46 Preparing for CARS
My Journey:
5:19 Grade 11
6:35 Grade 12
12:13 1st Yr Uni
17:33 2nd Yr Uni
27:52 3rd Yr Uni
34:40 Application Summary
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[@YasminBekri]

I think I have learnt more from this video than any med school video I've ever watched!👌🏽 Thank you for taking the time to make such a well structured and very informative video. Hope you succeed in your future endeavours too! :)

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you so much for the kind words Yasmin! Really hope things work out for you too. If you have any questions about medical school or anything at all feel free to message me on instagram @ChaiTeaDarren :)

[@YasminBekri]

@@DarrenChaiMD Just followed you on IG 😊! I appreciate that so much! We need more Canadian premed/medtubers tbh. I recently realized that a lot of my knowledge about this stuff was coming from Americans and that things in canada are done differently.

[@maanv9831]

Agree 100%! Darren’s videos are clean and straightforward. No jargon, unnecessary fillers. Love the content. Very useful to someone who’s on the same path.

[@dand9775]

This is by far the best medical school journey video to exist for Canadian students and it isn't even close. 🤯

[@DarrenChaiMD]

You're too kind!!

[@saraalnachef7029]

Just wanted to say that you had me laughing multiple times throughout this video. What's horrifically funny is that the first video I watched on KZbin today was of another Canadian medical student, and he spoke like how I imagine the colour grey would speak. His speech sounded like it was pulled completely from his application, just sentence after sentence. Seeing how colourful, creative, and fun medical students can be gave me a huge relief and actually really inspired me as someone who also has a little bit of a louder personality. I can't see myself suppressing that for the rest of my life, so a profound thank you man. You're stupendously awesome. Rock on.

[@AM-wx4in]

Hey! I'm watching this video because I am applying to med school at Mac this year, and just got to the part where you volunteered at CGN! I have worked with CEF for 6 summers!!! It is so exciting to see how open you are about your faith, and to see those connections :)

[@blakecolbran4743]

7:42 wow you really got me good there. Really great video, hope you keep up the work!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marky9902]

Mad respect Darren, the hard work is paying off!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Appreciate it Mark!

[@svarghese4501]

What an inspiring journey Darren! So happy to have seen how all your hard work paid off :)

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you brother! 5W fam for life

[@aminearmanhernandez4917]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with such depth and clarity! This was incredibly helpful.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

You are welcome!

[@senzomlilo3936]

Thank you so much! This is amazing. I have never seen such a comprehensive list of everything like this. Thank you, thank you, thank you

[@DarrenChaiMD]

You're very welcome!

[@senzomlilo3936]

@@DarrenChaiMD Also, could you make a video on what medical school is like? Like do you have a major or some equivalent? Faculties? Do you pick specific classes for your desired specialty? Being three years instead of four, how is the time split between textbook and hospital rotation experience? What's the process for residency application? Things like that and also how it compares to the U.S. as that's where a lot of med school information is based.

[@michellemguni8298]

This is so incredible, thank you so much ! I see myself referring back to this video for years to come.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Wow thank you for the comment Michelle! That was exactly my intention with this video believe it or not. Best of luck with your journey!!

[@lukejeong899]

This was such a helpful video. I'm a grade 11 student in Mississauga and watching your story made me emotional and motivated. Thank you.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank your Luke! Best of luck on your journey :)

[@Dave_WildeR]

Awesome video man! You are such a smart guy, very inspiring, I hope the best for you my friend. 😊

[@DarrenChaiMD]

I appreciate that!

[@rln08_]

as a prospective pre-med student and fellow malaysian-canadian, this was a really helpful video! thanks for making it :))

[@DarrenChaiMD]

You're so welcome!

[@shanw1163]

Woah! No way! I was also born on May 28 and also 21! Thank you for this video, really inspiring for my application next year 💕

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Shan W that’s such a coincidence! Applying can get really stressful especially when you have to summarize basically even thing you ever did but hopefully I can put out some more content that makes it easier for you!

[@sanjanavuyyuru7142]

This was such an inspiring video Darren!! I’m going into my first year of med sci at western this fall :)

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you Sanjana! Best of luck, it's a great program. P.S. Felix Lee is the best for chemistry if he's still around ;)

[@sanjanavuyyuru7142]

Darren Brandon Chai that’s great! I think I have him for chem 1301

[@tyrabanks8432]

Subscribed!!!! I thank God I found your page !!🙏

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Appreciate it Tyra!

[@nabihamidhat7887]

Wow! Thank you so much for making such a detailed video. I learnt so many things from this!! Wishing you all the best!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Nabiha! It was my pleasure. Tbh the application process is really vague since each school has their own criteria so I'm glad this video was helpful :) I have an MCAT video in the works right now so hopefully that'll be out soon!

[@nabihamidhat7887]

ChaiTeaDarren Yes it really is vague, and being a first year student, it becomes difficult to navigate the way. Just a quick question, how did you track your extracurricular/volunteer hours and made sure that the supervisors were also keeping track? Looking forward to your MCAT video :)

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Nabiha Midhat depending on the volunteer place they may track if for you. It helps to have regular hours cause I could just estimate if they didn’t have that info (I.e coaching 5 hours a week for 52 weeks is ~260 hours) The exact number isn’t such a big deal as long as your reference agrees it’s within the ballpark but you could always keep a notepad on your phone if you’re worried!

[@lisawei9870]

Hey! I'm a high school student, and this video was so inspiring! I've recently been so stressed about college and worrying a lot, but now I can see the big picture view. Now I can't wait to see what God's plan for me is in the future :)

[@saraalnachef7029]

OH MY GOD I played elementary/high school volleyball with four of the girls you coached!! Amazing people. Crazy small world.

[@flochfitness4271]

*Dang! Wish this channel was around when I was applying to medical school!!!*

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thanks man!

[@FarhadPhotos]

What an inspiring and high quality video! I really hope your channel takes off

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Appreciate it!

[@SinghDabb]

Hi Darren! Thank you for such a detailed video. If you haven’t already please post a video about how you prepared for your interviews, really appreciate it!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Will do!! Had this idea on the back burner but I'll see if I can bump it up given your interest :)

[@SinghDabb]

@@DarrenChaiMD thank you!

[@angelcamille2071]

This is amazing, thank you 😭

[@DarrenChaiMD]

My pleasure!

[@TheMrSSS]

The most helpful video on how to become a doctor.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

I do what I can ;)

[@Realtorjameshan]

amazing entertaining video!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you kind sir 🙏

[@divyavatsa5656]

amazing!!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@angwaranilanont6501]

I want to sincerely thank you for creating such a comprehensive and insightful video of your journey to medical school; I have learned so much from watching your channel! What module did you take during your third year at Western and how was it like? Did you graduate with a three-year bachelor's degree?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you! I did biochemistry but I did not actually graduate with a degree because I didn't fulfill the course requirements for the 3-year degree.

[@samk9276]

Thank you so much for making this video, it really motivated me! I was wondering if you applied to Western for medical school? and if yes, how was your experience?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

I replied to your other comment!

[@malifce5482]

Did you finish your third year with a bachelors and then go to Mac or do a 4th year at western before?

[@eak4940]

Hello, thank you so much for making this video, it was very helpful. Do you know if all the Ontario medical schools accept applicants who are in a collaborative program? I am doing a collaborative BScN program which means I will be studying at a college for two years and at a university for the last two years, so I was wondering if I would be eligible to apply and if the courses that I am taking at the college will be used towards my application. It would mean alot if you can help me with these questions. Thank you.

[@jinghan1219]

I was gonna start crying after I saw the top 20 under 20 part, was like well I thought this video was gonna be somewhat relatable but once again guess not lol.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Jing! Honestly I will admit I was on the keener side of my pre-med peers for the reasons I mentioned in the video... I know a lot of people who are actually my current classmates that didn't do like 1/10th the stuff I did. Mac actually doesn't even consider ECs as their pre-interview scoring system is 33% MCAT CARS section 33% GPA and 33% CASPER.

[@jinghan1219]

@@DarrenChaiMD Didn't know that about Mac at all! Thanks for the info!

[@gdulay95]

Mans are born in canada but I still cant read no cars passage smh. Please do a tip on the distractors or a walk thru.

[@janicecheng9396]

Hi! Thank you for sharing ur journey! I am currently a grade 11 student in Ontario and I am looking into western med sci in hopes to going to med school and becoming a doctor. Do u have any advice especially with volunteering and all during covid?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Janice no problem!! If you have the time to do some volunteering now and it's something you would enjoy doing I think that would look great to show that you've had the initiative for a long time! My understanding is that admissions comittees focus more on things you've done in undergrad but let's say you started volunteering somewhere now and continued throughout your undergrad degree that would definitely make you stand out! This wasn't my intention but it's basically what I did with the camp for underprivileged youth!

[@ananyamusic5352]

Hi! I absolutely LOVE this channel. Please please please tell me that you can mentor other pre-meds on an individual basis. I would love to email and set something up! It would mean the world. Also which camera, lens, and editing software do you use?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hi Ananya! I'm thinking about starting something like this in the near future. I will make an announcement on this channel when it's launched. I use the Canon Rebel T4/5i with a 35-200mm zoom lens or the standard 35-55mm kit lens depending on the setting. Everything is edited in FCPX! Let me know if you have any other questions :)

[@jocelynardiel1930]

When talking about the courses included, then in red it says “Elective space required x2 English” what does that mean did you not have to take English?

[@erikashea4131]

Hi! I was wondering if you could share how many hours you dedicated to each activity on your ABS? Or the total amount of hours you suggest applicants should have for each activity? Thank you!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Erika, I might break that down in the future! Honestly I wasn't keeping track until it was time to submit. I wouldn't say its about the hours your put in but what you learn from each experience and how you're able to capture those lessons on your application and in the interview!

[@nadithranasinghe916]

Hey Darren, I'm an aspiring med school student, and I was wondering whether doing a job in high school was beneficial towards you getting into medical school? Did you write about them in your applications? Thank you!

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Yeah I'd actually say it was helpful (though that wasn't necessarily my intention). Learning to deal with frustrated customers and stay professional is a good step to the multitude of difficult emotions doctors have to deal with when speaking with patients!

[@hassupreme-editz]

Hey Darren just wanted to ask you that can i get PR in Canada After getting MD Degree in (Country) Georgia , like an American MD. Soo, after My MD in Georgia is it possible to come to Canada get into A residency program......

[@danatpearl3387]

Heyy this video was super helpful!I wanted to know if it is possible for me to apply fo MD (psychiatry) as an international student (I have a 3 years Bachelor's degree in Psychology from India).Do you think It will be worth it?🤔

[@isco8075]

Hi, I am a high school student. Do you think that anyone can do the three year pathway rather than four years to save on money. Would you recommend that where you have to get your mcat and Casper done by 2nd year and start your application by second year. Thank you

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Great question Isco!! TBH I will admit that the 3-year pathway is much harder as you're going to have to maintain your GPA while still maturing as a person and getting involved in extracurriculars! That being said, it is doable (though I am biased because I was lucky enough to have it work out for me personally). Regardless of whether you're doing the 3-year pathway or not, as long as you're in a science degree, the MCAT is typically best taken in the summer after 2nd year as that is typically when most of your basic science courses are still fresh in your head. Casper is taken during the year you apply as it only remains valid for one year. I'm happy to help with any other questions!

[@GursimranKaur-nk7rp]

Hello I am in currently in grade 12 and want to become doctor in canada but my parents are telling me to do my undergraduate in Philippines (Hometown). Is it valuable ?? Should i do my undergraduate in Philippines and then go to canada for MD ? And what undergraduate degree should i pursue ???

[@jocelynardiel1930]

What grades were u getting in all of your classes 90+?

[@dorothymaedelacerna0618]

Hi, what program will be the best for my pre-med? Future International Student and planning to be a doctor.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Stay tuned Dorothy! New video coming tomorrow answering this exact question!!

[@gooddev506]

Please add a video about a mature applicant. I've got my bachelor's degree in IT, nine years ago. I'm 34 and want to go to medical school but I don't know how.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Good Dev! Each medical school will have a different process for how they handle first and second degrees. There really is no standard convention so you'll have to check their admissions page to find out! I'm probably not the best person for non-trad advice but I can say I've seen plenty of non-trads come to medicine with families and they do quite well because of the maturity and life experience they bring!! Best of luck :)

[@heydharshivlog8877]

Do u want to study in canada? Or other country?

[@divyavatsa5656]

How did you prep for CARS? E.g resources?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Divya! I have a video on exactly what I did to prep for CARS. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWPGaneFdr2Lhrc Let me know if you have any other questions :)

[@alexwyler4570]

When did you take your MCAT? What score did you get? do you need an MCAT for McMaster or other universities.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

I got a 516 overall if I remember correctly! You only need CARS for McMaster, other schools will require the full MCAT

[@edwardsfactory]

Very inspiring. Hi, I’m Anya. I’m dreaming to become a doctor. I’m into music and do some sports. I’m the vocalist of our siblings band. Pls advice an 8th grader like me on how I can get a better chance to be accepted to a med school after college?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

I would say just keep doing what you love to do, take science courses in high school and see how you like them. Definitely explore other interests though! My biggest regret was not taking a business course in high school cause I think I really would have enjoyed that too :)

[@edwardsfactory]

@@DarrenChaiMD I will take note of that. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. God bless you on your endeavours.

[@lolabunny3167]

I’m an international student and I finished high school last year and I am hoping to get into med school one day. But I’ve been told it’s quite competitive in Canada and being an international student I feel like I don’t have the chance or the advantage😔

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Lontia! Congrats on coming to Canada to study, that's a huge step. I'll be honest you're right that it's harder for international students to get in... At the same time if you can just get to the interviews I'm sure your overseas experiences will help you stand out!!

[@lolabunny3167]

@@DarrenChaiMD thanks for the encouragement. I’ll try my best to work hard and stand out.😇

[@THEVIBEbyChristelleK]

II am an international student, at 4th year undergrad (molecular medicine ) at Uottawa. I'll suggest you to do your undergrad studies here in canada and assure your GPA (work hard for it) and then by the time you finish your undergrad, if you are still an international, apply in quebec, they are more flexible with international students.

[@lolabunny3167]

@@THEVIBEbyChristelleK thank you so much for the advise. I hope things work out for me. Do you learn in French?

[@THEVIBEbyChristelleK]

@@lolabunny3167 all my courses at 1st and 2d years were in french but 3d and 4th years are in english, we don't really have many french profs at the faculty of medicine here in Uottawa.

[@themusicvibes2241]

Hello 👋 Thank you for your video it's best for me now . I had recently graduated from high school . I want to study medicine but i have get ( 2.98 gpa ) in high school . Can i get chance to study in Canada for undergraduate degree ? Also I have DM you please response it Thank you !😊

[@yaseet8344]

3.7 gpa mac 512 undergraduates in McGill is good enough tp accept in medicine in McGill

[@yaseet8344]

Refuse 👎

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Haven't looked into the McGill requirements since I focused mostly on Ontario but the specific requirements definitely vary between school!

[@UnknownPerson-it6xe]

What was your gpa when you got accepted?

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Hey Pavan, I had a 3.98 GPA. That being said, there are students that get into McMaster every year with a GPA between 3.00 - 3.49. Video to come out on that shortly ;)

[@taylersswift]

holyyyyyy if YOUU got waitlisted then theres no hope for me :))))))))))))) do you know why that might've been the case? CONGRATS IM ROOTIN FOR U

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Thank you, I can’t say for sure why 🤷Don’t lose hope though! Stay positive and persistent - you’ve got this :)

[@angelogiannakoulis8901]

bro when i heard that 20 under 20 thing my jaw dropped

[@samosammy5118]

Does this mean I am done for? I'm a second year student and don't have half the things u had at that time.

[@DarrenChaiMD]

Absolutely not! There are plenty of people who get in and didn't do half of these things (McMaster for example doesn't even consider the autobiographical sketch). Plus remember I got in early ;) That means even if you were aiming to do everything I did (which I don't think is necessary) you still have an extra year to do so before finishing undergrad, and even more time if you consider doing a master's or working for a year after graduating!

[@mohabbirakon5026]

Hello sir can You please help me

[@DarrenChaiMD]

How can I help?

[@minananananan1842]

When you started that shit in grade 12 summer I was about to click off

[@DarrenChaiMD]

hahaha, gotta keep it interesting ;)

[@lydyaafram9314]

Hello Darren..Thanks for this channel. I will ask my personal questions after you add me on IG