Canada to US

[Buloh]

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After viewing pages and pages of SDN, I finally decided to create an account to maximize its use. I am currently doing my undergrad at a Canadian institution and have a few questions. If anyone could take the time and help me it would be greatly appreciated.
Does my GPA change if I decide to go to school in the US? (Lets say I have a 3.5 in Canada)
Am I at a disadvantage If my undergrad is not science related?

 

[bcemslayer]

It depends. If you go to school in Ontario, an A is a 3.9, and an A+ a 4.0. But when AMCAS generates your GPA, both A/A+ are 4.0. Or one of the random schools that make A+=4.3 or 4.5 in Manitoba. I don't know why Canadian schools have different scales.
Your GPA, if on a 4.0 scale shouldn't change otherwise. Mine didn't anyway, and I'm from Alberta.

 

[Buloh]

It depends. If you go to school in Ontario, an A is a 3.9, and an A+ a 4.0. But when AMCAS generates your GPA, both A/A+ are 4.0.
Your GPA shouldn't change otherwise. Mine didn't anyway, and I'm from Alberta.

Ok, Thanks that was really helpful, I was unsure on how it works, which is why i wanted to ask personal 0pinions, thanks again.

 

[Catalystik]

Am I at a disadvantage If my undergrad is not science related?

No. Just be sure to fit the prerequisites into your schedule before taking the MCAT.

 

[Buloh]

No. Just be sure to fit the prerequisites into your schedule before taking the MCAT.

Ok just making sure, thanks for the clarification. Would you recommend taking the pre reqs in upper year undergrad, or post grad?
Thanks again!

 

[Catalystik]

Ok just making sure, thanks for the clarification. Would you recommend taking the pre reqs in upper year undergrad, or post grad?
Thanks again!

There are strategic considerations in making that decision. If you want to demonstrate a steep upward grade trend, then taking at least some of the classes after graduation will allow them to appear on their own line, separate from senior year grades, even though they will still be calculated into the overall undergraduate GPAs. (This assumes you won't be a candidate for a masters degree.)

If you would be required to pay back undergrad loans after you graduate, it might be best to take a fifth college year (or more), adding a second major or minor, so you can stay in school. Note that the fourth, fifth, sixth, or more years of undergraduate classes all are listed under senior year.

 

[Buloh]

There are strategic considerations in making that decision. If you want to demonstrate a steep upward grade trend, then taking at least some of the classes after graduation will allow them to appear on their own line, separate from senior year grades, even though they will still be calculated into the overall undergraduate GPAs. (This assumes you won't be a candidate for a masters degree.)

If you would be required to pay back undergrad loans after you graduate, it might be best to take a fifth college year (or more), adding a second major or minor, so you can stay in school. Note that the fourth, fifth, sixth, or more years of undergraduate classes all are listed under senior year.

I see what you are saying. If I were to finish my undergrad debt free (Currently in Canada). Would I benefit more from going to the states to take pre req, and then apply to med school? or do the pre req's here? Much appreciated

 

[Oncie]

Use this to calculate your amcas GPA

 

[Catalystik]

Would I benefit more from going to the states to take pre req, and then apply to med school? or do the pre req's here?

US med schools consider Canadian university prerequisites to be equivalent to those of US schools, so it doesn't matter one way or the other.

 

[Buloh]

US med schools consider Canadian university prerequisites to be equivalent to those of US schools, so it doesn't matter one way or the other.

Thank you, would you say the difficulty is the same? Last question I swear!

 

[Catalystik]

Thank you, would you say the difficulty is the same?

It depends on the university. Some have less course rigor. From what I know of Canada, by reputation this is less likely to be true there, but you should get other input than mine. Perhaps a helpful person in the know will chime in here.

 

[Buloh]

It depends on the university. Some have less course rigor. From what I know of Canada, by reputation this is less likely to be true there, but you should get other input than mine. Perhaps a helpful person in the know will chime in here.

Thats what I figured, Ill wait to get more input on the matter. Thank you for all your time I have borrowed. Happy Holidays

 

[Catalystik]

Happy Holidays

And Cheers to you!