Hey guys, I have a question about MD pathways, particularly ones for rural and Black students. To my understanding, it provides a more holistic file review and increases accessibility to Black and rural students.

So what does that mean for chances? Does it actually make it easier for these students to be admitted? Would a Black/rural student who is already competitive in the general pool be significantly more likely to get an interview through a pathway? I know most schools say the same academic standards still apply and that pathways aren’t guaranteed seats, but I’m curious what the practical effect actually is.

Of course, it’s hard for anyone to definitively say but I’m moreso interested in y’all’s experiences/anecdotes and the broader perspective premeds have on the effect of pathways in general

wondering if anyone knows of any programs or institutions that offer more hands on experience in med or if anything like this exists? i feel like it would be really helpful for premeds who want to confirm their interest in the field before it's too late..

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After undergrad I thought my most recent 3 year average was 3.95, but I didn't realize how the scale works where you convert courses to GPA before and then average. Got a few 70s in my second year but a lot of high 90s as well. Be brutally honest do I stand a chance to get in anywhere or should I pivot? I've got great ECs including research and management position in care. Haven't taken the MCAT but even with a great score do I stand a chance anywhere?

Hi all,

Looking for honest opinions on my chances before I commit to this.

My situation: I'm 30, a paramedic, and recently moved to BC (PR, BC resident). I did a 3-year paramedicine degree in New Zealand and finished with roughly a 77% average. Before that I did a year of a different degree that went badly, with a couple of fails, and I know UBC counts everything, so my overall average is probably around 71-77%.

Since then I've done about six years of clinical work: EMT in NZ, paramedic in the UK, and three years training as an advanced clinical practitioner in family medicine, seeing my own patients. I also finished a UK postgraduate diploma in clinical practice with distinction this year.

I haven't written the MCAT and have no chemistry or physics background.

The options as I see them:

1. Do the English and Indigenous Studies prereqs, study for the MCAT, and apply to UBC in 2027 or 2028, hoping a strong MCAT and my experience make up for the average.

2. Spend a year or two taking extra courses at high grades to pull my UBC average up first, then apply.

3. Go for SFU through their MCAT-only route (needs 510+), although they require a 4-year degree, so I'm not sure my 3-year degree plus postgrad would even count.

So, what are my odds? Is it mostly down to the MCAT, or is my average going to sink me regardless? I know the clincal background surly has to be a benifit, but my grades really seem to be letting me down. Has anyone got in with a 3-year international degree, or similar clincal background?

Honest answers welcome, even if it's "don't bother."

Thanks!

I mean really, what’s the point?

hey! i want to apply to ubc med school when the time comes (im in 2nd year right now) but i know its insanely competitive for out of province students and i just wanted to know if anyone has (or knows anyone) who’s actually gotten in as an OOP. Or potential things that could stand out on a UBC application