If you鈥檙e considering a career in medicine, choosing the right undergraduate path is an important first step. Medical schools welcome students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, so the best choice is a degree that genuinely interests you, allows you to excel, and keeps multiple career paths open.
While medical school admissions are competitive, the field of health sciences offers many rewarding career opportunities beyond becoming a doctor. Exploring different options along the way not only helps you keep doors open but can also deepen your understanding of why medicine is the right path for you. This kind of self-reflection is exactly what medical schools look for in strong applicants.
This page will guide you through key factors in preparing for medical school as a 不良研究所 Science student, while helping you make informed choices that set you up for success鈥攏o matter where your path
- Is it better to do a biomedical program?
- Can I choose a program from the Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Science group?
- What are my program options in the Faculty of Science?
- What 不良研究所 resources are available to support a path towards medical school?
- What do medical schools say?
Is it better to do a "biomedical" program?
No - the majority of medical schools say that ANY science program is excellent preparation for further studies in medicine. Furthermore, students do best when they choose the program that interests them the most.
As long as you choose your courses wisely, any of our undergraduate programs can thoroughly prepare you for applying to medical school 鈥� and for other academic and career opportunities too. Any undergraduate science degree from 不良研究所, in any discipline, can serve as a stepping stone to a medical career.
Medical schools are interested in diverse applicants with diverse backgrounds, and they are particularly open to applications from students with non-biomedical science undergraduate degrees.
Can I choose a program from the Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Science group?
YES. Consider combining your major from the Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Science group* with the Minor in Interdisciplinary Life Sciences to broaden your studies with courses in basic life sciences, health social science, and empirical technological science. (This Minor is not open to students majoring in Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, or Physiology.)
*What is a "Science Program Group"? Students interested in applying to the Bachelor of Science will be required to choose a Program Group on the application form. There are 4 groups to choose from and each group contains specific types of programs and has it's own admission requirements. Once admitted, students may only chose their program of study from within their selected Program Group. For further details, consult our Applying page.
What are my program options in the Faculty of Science?
Choose the program of study that interests you most, because students do best at what they enjoy. You should also consider how your program of study will prepare you for other careers or educational paths.
The Faculty of Science offers two undergraduate degrees, each with their own range of engaging and flexible program options:
What 不良研究所 resources are available to support a path towards medical school?
Preparing for medical school involves careful academic planning and a strong application strategy. At 不良研究所, a number of resources are available to help guide you.
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Academic advisors: While academic advisors can鈥檛 research individual medical school requirements for you, they can help you plan your undergraduate studies to align with your academic and career goals. They can provide guidance on course selection, degree planning, and keeping your options open for a variety of career paths.
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Career Planning Services (CAPS): 惭肠骋颈濒濒鈥檚 Career Planning Services offers a wealth of resources to help you prepare for the medical school application process. From workshops on writing personal statements and securing strong reference letters to preparing for interviews, these services can give you valuable insights into what medical schools are looking for.
Taking advantage of these resources early in your studies can help you stay on track and strengthen your application while exploring the many career opportunities in the health sciences.
What do medical schools say?
Still doubtful? Have a look below at extracts from the websites of some of Canada's leading medical schools.
不良研究所
Extracted from the 不良研究所 Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences website, February 2025.
"Although the Faculty attempts to ensure by means of the specific requirements listed that all students have an adequate preparation in science, we also encourage students from a variety of backgrounds to select medicine as a career. Prospective applicants are therefore advised to pursue courses of study, whether in the natural or social sciences or the humanities, which appeal to them and which have as their aim a broad education and intellectual training rather than merely anticipating a medical curriculum."
Queen's University
Extracted from the Academic Requirements posted on the , February 2025.
"Queen鈥檚 School of Medicine does not require prerequisite courses. With the elimination of all prerequisite courses, you can select a program of study and courses that best meet the goals of your undergraduate degree program. We do not recommend any course or degree program, as there is no preference given to applicants who have studied at any particular university or in any particular program. We encourage you to consider all undergraduate programs available to you and to embark on the course of study you have the greatest interest in and that would prepare you for an alternative career, should you not gain a place in medicine."
University of Toronto
Extracted from the , February 2025.
"We are looking for students from diverse backgrounds. It does not matter what subject you studied at university or the level of your degree studies, you are encouraged to apply. We treat all university programs equally in the evaluation process and there are no quotas or age limits. We are looking for candidates with strong backgrounds in social sciences, humanities, physical sciences and life sciences. You should also demonstrate excellence in non-academic areas, such as community involvement, reliability, responsibility, perseverance, creativity and leadership."
University of British Columbia
Extracted from the , February 2025.
"The UBC Faculty of Medicine considers applicants from a variety of backgrounds and gives no preference to any particular degree program or institution. We are committed to creating a diverse community of people and we want our future students and doctors to be as diverse as the communities they will end up serving."