Methods of Selection | School of Medicine

The following components are used in the listed order to select those applicants offered a position in our program.

When you apply to the Queen’s University MD programs, you accept the admission policies and procedures and the methods applicants are selected by. You also accept the University’s ability to alter them at any point during the admissions process.

Step 1: Initial Assessment

Applicants who meet the following criteria will be considered for random selection to the MMI:
• Minimum GPA threshold: 3.0
• Minimum MCAT Threshold:

Total Score: 500
o Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 125
o Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 125
o Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour: 125
o Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 125

• Casper threshold is determined annually and is not disclosed.
• Applications must be complete and submitted by specified OMSAS deadlines.

If the applicant meets the minimum GPA, MCAT and Casper thresholds and all application documents are submitted by the required deadlines, they will be entered into the Qualified Applicant Randomization Selection (QARS) process for the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) stage.

Step 2: Qualified Applicant Randomization Selection (QARS) Process

Qualified Applicant Randomization Selection (QARS) Process

A limited number of applicants will be selected for an MMI through this randomized selection process. The University will determine the number of MMI spaces available. There is no weighting applied to the threshold criteria for the QARS selection. You will be considered for admission only if you are selected for an MMI.

Implication of the QARS to the MMI for the MD/PhD, MMTP and ISAP Streams
• These streams have separate MMI spots from the Kingston General Mainstream stream and Lakeridge stream.
• Combined MD/PhD or MD/MSc Program: Applicants must meet the criteria of the Graduate Study program as well as the minimum threshold for the MD program for GPA, MCAT and Casper. These applicants will not be subject to a random selection process. The results of the Graduate Study assessment will be used to determine the candidates selected for MMI.
• Canadian Armed Forces Applicants – Medical Military Training Program Pathway (MMTP): Applicants must meet minimum GPA, MCAT and Casper thresholds. If there are more applicants than available MMI spots for the MMTP program, all MMTP applicants will be entered into a random selection process to determine eligibility to proceed to MMI. You will be considered for admission only if you are selected for an interview.
• Indigenous Student Admissions Pathway (ISAP): Applicants must meet minimum thresholds for GPA. If there are more applicants than available MMI spots for the ISAP, all eligible ISAP applicants will be entered into a random selection process to determine eligibility to proceed to MMI. You will be considered for admission only if you are selected for an interview.

Step 3: Multiple mini-interview

Multiple mini-interview

The goal of using the MMI is to assess the non-cognitive qualities of an applicant more effectively, which could include empathy, critical thinking, ethical decision making and communication skills. The MMI will be conducted virtually.

Note: There are a limited number of MMI spots available. Not everyone who is entered in the QARS will be invited to MMI.

If you have been invited for an interview and require accommodation, you must email Queen’s Accessibility Services.

All applicants invited to interview will be required to sign a Confidentiality Non-Disclosure Statement to ensure the integrity and security of the interview process. Any violation of the signed statement or failure to sign will result in removal from the admission process.

Please see the Interview section under the How to Apply page for tentative interview dates.

Step 4: Panel Interview and File Review

Panel Interview and File Review

A select number of applicants who complete the MMI will then be invited for a virtual panel interview and a detailed file review of ABS entries and Confidential Assessment Form submissions will of occur at this stage.

The Admissions Committee will only review documents written in English. All application materials must be submitted in English, otherwise your application will not proceed further in the admission process.

Step 5: Final Decision

Final Decision

Successful applicants are reviewed and ranked by the Admissions Committee and offers are made based on a ranked list. Offers will be made after the first round on a rolling basis until the class has been filled. Once the class is complete all waitlisted applicants will be notified via email that offers are no longer being made.

Factors Not Considered in Selection

We encourage you to consider all the undergraduate programs available and to embark on the course of studies that you are most interested in and that would prepare you for an alternative career should you not gain a place in medicine.

We do not:

show preference to applicants who have studied in any particular university program. No prerequisites are required.
assess applicants based on what course levels they have taken in each year. There is no requirement based on course levels for admission.
have any requirements related to carrying a full course load. So you are free to select courses and course loads that are best for you.
show preference to applicants at any level of training.
consider place of residence and location of the university where studies have been undertaken.
consider age, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation in the selection process.