How MCAT Expectations Differ for U.S. and Canadian Medical Schools
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardised exam used by both American and Canadian medical schools to assess an applicant’s readiness for medical education. While the exam content and structure are identical in both countries—administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)—how each country’s medical schools evaluate MCAT scores and other application components can differ significantly.
Understanding these differences is essential for students aiming to apply to top medical schools in North America.
1. The Exam Is the Same, But the Weightage Isn’t
The MCAT has four main sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
While U.S. medical schools evaluate all four sections, many Canadian institutions place a heavier emphasis on the CARS section. For example, the University of Ottawa only considers the CARS score when shortlisting applicants.
2. Canada Has Fewer Schools and More Competitive Entry
Canada has fewer than 20 medical schools and a limited number of seats. This makes the application process highly competitive, with many schools setting strict section-wise MCAT cutoffs. U.S. schools, on the other hand, are more numerous and often use a holistic review process.
3. Multiple Attempts Are More Acceptable in the U.S.
U.S. schools are generally open to applicants who retake the MCAT multiple times to improve their scores. In contrast, Canadian schools tend to favour applicants who score high on the first or second attempt.
4. Residency Pathways After Graduation Differ
U.S. medical schools often provide more flexibility in residency opportunities, while Canadian residencies are limited and highly competitive, especially for international students.
Start Preparing the Right Way with AmericaTutors.com
At AmericaTutors.com, we don’t just help you prepare for the MCAT—we help you prepare based on where you plan to apply. Whether you’re targeting Canada, the U.S., or both, our expert tutors provide guidance tailored to your goals.
We offer:
- One-on-one online MCAT tutoring
- Full-length practice tests
- CARS-focused sessions for Canadian applicants
- AAMC-aligned curriculum
- Personalised strategy and feedback
Contact Us
AmericaTutors.com
Phone: +91 99996 40006 (WhatsApp)
Email: america.tutors1@gmail.com
Contact Form: https://americatutors.com/contact/
Book Your Free Trial
