Canadian applicant to US medical schools

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Hello.

I’m a third year student at a university in Canada studying mathematics and physics. When I started my undergraduate program, I was interested in going to graduate school in mathematics. Throughout the years I developed an interest in medicine and have decided to pursue medical school, preferably an MD/PhD program. The issue is that I will be completing my undergraduate education in Canada, but wish to go to medical school in the US. Would this be a major barrier in being able to go to a medical school I like in the US? I’ve searched some posts on here about the same topic but they are usually from applicants in different circumstances.

For reference, this is how my application looks (with some parts adjusted to preserve anonymity):

GPA: 4.0 (no upward trend)
MCAT score: ~42 or 525

I have taken graduate level courses in mathematics and physics (some in computer science as well) such as measure and integration, algebraic topology etc. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten a chance to do the same for biology or chemistry, and have only taken several second year and third year courses (more than what is required though).

I have very significant research experience, but once again that is more in mathematics. I have done biology-related research for several terms, and am planning to participate in some more research programs at my university this year.

I have a fair amount of clinical experience as well.

With that being said, would this be enough to have a good chance of getting admitted to a “good” medical school in the US? I am not completely determined to get in to a specific medicine program, but I would like to have some choice between some programs rather than be pigeonholed into one.

 

[JessebenBenjamin]

Hello.
GPA: 4.0 (no upward trend)
MCAT score: ~42 or 525

Not having an upward trend will seriously hurt you.
(Obviously kidding)
I do know that Canadian applicants have to be much stronger than the average US applicant to get into US medical schools.
That being said... you are in an excellent position. If anyone is getting in, it will be you.

 

[Link2]

Not having an upward trend will seriously hurt you.
(Obviously kidding)
I do know that Canadian applicants have to be much stronger than the average US applicant to get into US medical schools.
That being said... you are in an excellent position. If anyone is getting in, it will be you.

Thanks for the reassurance. I know that I have a realistic chance of getting into a good US medical school, but I do not want to have only a few choices of where I can go to. My interest in MD/PhD programs probably makes it even more difficult for me.

 

[ConfusedChemist]

You'll be fine for acceptance, just be aware of the financial policies for Canadians in the US. With the CAD, and a max loan of 250K from Canada, you may be required to show proof of having any additional money needed

 

[Link2]

You'll be fine for acceptance, just be aware of the financial policies for Canadians in the US. With the CAD, and a max loan of 250K from Canada, you may be required to show proof of having any additional money needed

Thanks for the reassurance. I don't think finances will be an issue as I will not have to take out a large loan.

 

[bearintraining]

You have amazing stats. You have nothing to worry about. However, make sure you use USNews and MSAR to only apply to schools that have interviewed and accepted international students. Best of luck to you!

 

[bearintraining]

also, just to say : if you are applying to MD/PhD programs, you need to make sure that the program will pay for international students. The official MSTP program is supported by federal funds, and thus does not allow internationals. However, several schools still support international students for MD/PhDs out of their own resources.

 

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More specifically, what I'm asking is that are my chances almost completely diminished for some of the "elite" schools? I do not want to sound elitist, and I understand that going to a slightly less renowned medical school won't do much harm. However, it is what I am aiming for.

You have amazing stats. You have nothing to worry about. However, make sure you use USNews and MSAR to only apply to schools that have interviewed and accepted international students. Best of luck to you!

Thanks. I have gone through some of those lists and have picked out universities that accept at least a handful of international students.

also, just to say : if you are applying to MD/PhD programs, you need to make sure that the program will pay for international students. The official MSTP program is supported by federal funds, and thus does not allow internationals. However, several schools still support international students for MD/PhDs out of their own resources.

I wasn’t aware of that, so thanks for letting me know. I have found several universities with MD/PhD programs which offer funding to Canadian students, but it does limit my choices significantly.

 

[bearintraining]

More specifically, what I'm asking is that are my chances almost completely diminished for some of the "elite" schools? I do not want to sound elitist, and I understand that going to a slightly less renowned medical school won't do much harm. However, it is what I am aiming for.



Thanks. I have gone through some of those lists and have picked out universities that accept at least a handful of international students.



I wasn’t aware of that, so thanks for letting me know. I have found several universities with MD/PhD programs which offer funding to Canadian students, but it does limit my choices significantly.

with your stats - no.

 

[Link2]

Also, would research experience outside of a biological field be disregarded by the people looking over my application? I would assume this is not true, especially for MD/PhD programs.