uoft medical school essays

Click here to see consultants who can help you with applications, Casper, and interview prep!

• July 25, 2024

How to Write Competitive UofT MD Essays (BPE/ABS) 2024-2025 

AcceptedTogether Consultants

We are admissions consultants dedicated to helping you get into your dream school

• Medical School

Recent Posts

How to write an outstanding and compelling medical school letter of intent, redefining access: the rise of online medical school prerequisites and their impact on diversity in medicine, leveraging the canmeds framework to strengthen your medical school application, how many medical schools to apply to: a strategic guide for future doctors, age is just a number: why it’s never too late to pursue medical school.

You can access our OMSAS guide that covers other parts of the application by clicking here!

Overview of the University of Toronto MD Program

The University of Toronto (UofT) MD program ,known as the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, is highly competitive and renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and comprehensive training. As one of Canada’s leading medical schools, it attracts top-tier students from across the country and around the world. The program follows the CanMEDs competency framework , focusing on developing well-rounded physicians who excel in their clinical skills, professionalism, and leadership abilities. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement, the UofT MD program offers a unique learning experience that prepares students for a successful career in medicine.

You can see how competitive you need to be for UofT by checking out the acceptance statistics here.

Through the famous UofT MD essays in the OMSAS application, the program is able to identify the most competitive applicants that meet its requirements. For this reason, it is absolutely essential that your essays stand out and leave a lasting impact. Here are our top tips on how to write essays that help you stand out during the application cycle, and can help you score an interview invitation

Click to see hundreds of consultants who can mentor you:

Understanding the Role of Essays in the Application Process

The University of Toronto’s MD program places great importance on the non-academic qualities and experiences of applicants. As part of the OMSAS application process, candidates are required to submit an Autobiographical Sketch (ABS) Statement and Brief Personal Essays (BPE). These essays offer an opportunity for applicants to showcase their non-academic experiences, personal growth, and soft skills.

The ABS Statement prompt is the same every year, and is as follows:

“Write about an impactful experience from your Autobiographical Sketch that demonstrates your personal growth, character, and values. How did this experience prepare you for medical school?”

This statement allows the applicant to highlight the breadth and depth of their involvement in one specific extracurricular activity. This essay is limited to 500 words, which provides an opportunity to expand and elaborate on an important and formative experience that contributed to your journey to medical school.

On the other hand, Brief Personal Essays (BPEs) delve deeper into specific themes and prompts. The word count for each Brief Personal Essay is limited to 250 words. The prompts for this year’s OMSAS application are the following:

1) In what way(s) are you a product of the world around you? How has it, or how will it, impact your journey in medicine?

2) Investor and philanthropist Charlie Munger is known for saying: “We all are learning, modifying, or destroying ideas all the time. Rapid destruction of your ideas when the time is right is one of the most valuable qualities you can acquire. You must force yourself to consider arguments on the other side.” Explore how this may affect a career in medicine.

How The Answers Are Marked

Before beginning to write your essays, it is important to understand how they are marked. The evaluation process for the UofT MD essays takes into consideration four clusters based on the CanMED roles.

Source: Royal College

The first cluster focuses on professionalism, which includes qualities like maturity, reliability, perseverance, and responsibility. The second cluster focuses on communication, collaboration, teamwork, time management, and leadership. The third cluster is about advocacy, community service, and social responsibility. The fourth cluster revolves around being a scholar, which entails demonstrating academic standing, achievements in leadership, research, and social responsibility.

Source: UofT Med

In addition to these clusters, the UofT MD essays are also evaluated for flow, grammar, spelling, and overall interest. It is crucial to make your essay captivating and impactful to stand out among the thousands of essays that are submitted every application cycle. A good introduction and an intriguing story can go a long way in capturing the attention of the reviewers and helping you stand out.

We advise against writing a “basic” essay that fails to differentiate itself. Remember that each reviewer reads numerous essays, so it is essential to make yours memorable. By addressing the assigned prompts creatively and showing a strong connection to the CanMED roles, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

💡Pro Tip: During the brainstorming process, we recommend using a spreadsheet that has a checklist with the four UofT MD clusters as you are reviewing your essays. This way, you can check off each cluster as it is touched on in the UofT MD essays.

Crafting an Impactful Essay

From the introduction to the conclusion, it is important that every single word in your essay is thoughtfully written because every word matters in your OMSAS application.

Creating a Compelling Introduction

A strong introduction can make all the difference in captivating the reviewer’s attention. It sets the tone for your essay and can leave a lasting impression. Here are our top tips and strategies for ensuring that your 2025 UofT MD essays have the “WOW” factor.

One approach is to start with a quote that relates to the prompt. For example, in response to a question about resilience, you could begin with a powerful quote from a renowned author or a public speaker that connects well with the topic and with your experience. Alternatively, you could start with a quote that challenges the reader’s perspective and brings something new to the essay.

Another strategy is to introduce a captivating anecdote or personal experience that highlights your passion for medicine and connects to the essay prompt. This can create an immediate emotional connection with the reader and engage them from the start. For instance, in response to a question asking about mentorship, you could share a personal experience related to a mentoring relationship and speak about the personal impacts that it had on you before pivoting to the main content of the essay.

Remember, a compelling introduction should not only grab the reviewer’s attention but also provide a glimpse of your unique perspective and set the stage for the rest of your essay. Don’t overlook the importance of your introduction. Take the time to brainstorm, experiment with different approaches, and ensure your UofT MD essay introduction truly has that “WOW” factor.

Incorporating A Good Personal Story/Anecdote

The BPE and ABS statement both require the incorporation of a strong personal story/anecdote within the text. It’s definitely easier to include an example within the ABS statement but the stories can still be integrated into the BPEs as well. By incorporating a personal story, you can demonstrate your critical thinking skills and provide a unique perspective to the reader, leaving a lasting impact.

Similarly, when writing the ABS statement, use storytelling to convey your personal growth and how it relates to your journey towards becoming a medical professional. Highlight experiences, challenges, and achievements that have shaped your character and passion for medicine.

In both UofT MD essays categories, constantly think of the CanMEDS and UofT’s MD Program clusters to showcase your understanding of the medical profession within the and demonstrate how your stories/anecdotes align with their values. Remember to keep your essays concise and focused, highlighting the most impactful aspects of your story.

💡Pro Tip: If you are struggling to find a good experience for the UofT MD essays, try to think of impactful experiences in your life. These can include moments of triumph, challenges overcome, or significant personal insights that have shaped your journey towards medicine. In your brainstorming phase, we suggest creating a list of these experiences, and seeing which of them relate best to the essay questions. These personal anecdotes will help your essays leave a more lasting impression on the reviewer. 

BPE Specific Tips

The BPE component of the UofT MD essays consists of two questions that require thoughtful and reflective responses. Here are some tips for answering each of the questions:

Consider your family background, cultural heritage, education, and significant life events. Identify specific instances where these elements have influenced your decision to pursue medicine. For example, discuss how growing up in a diverse community taught you the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, or how personal experiences with healthcare inspired a commitment to improving patient outcomes. Highlight any challenges you’ve faced and how they have built resilience and determination in you. Connect these reflections to your future aspirations in medicine, illustrating how your unique background equips you to contribute meaningfully to the field and address healthcare disparities. Use specific anecdotes to provide depth and authenticity to your narrative.

 When addressing how Charlie Munger’s philosophy on learning and idea destruction can impact a career in medicine, perhaps consider emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. Reflect on how the rapid evolution of medical knowledge and practices requires physicians to regularly reassess and update their understanding. You might discuss the necessity of staying open to new evidence and being willing to abandon outdated or disproven ideas to provide the best patient care. It could be valuable to consider the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, especially when diagnosing and treating patients, as this can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions. Providing examples, such as the shift from traditional to evidence-based practices or the integration of new technologies in medical treatments, might illustrate how embracing change can lead to improved outcomes. Emphasize that fostering a mindset of critical thinking and openness to change not only enhances personal growth but also contributes to advancements in medicine, ultimately benefiting patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

It is important to make sure that both essays combined cover all four UofT MD clusters! This is why it’s important to keep the CanMEDs/clusters in mind when brainstorming ideas for the essays from the very beginning.

ABS Statement Specific Tips

Here are our best tips for writing your ABS statement.

1. Demonstrate personal growth in your essay. This can be achieved by highlighting experiences within the ABS activity that have challenged you or helped you develop new skills and perspectives.

2. Keep the clusters in mind. Ideally, your chosen experience should align with all four of the UofT MD clusters. However, if your experience doesn’t fit all four clusters, that’s okay. The important thing to remember is that the UofT MD clusters represent qualities of a good MD candidate, so try to pick an experience that highlights attributes that make you a well-rounded candidate. You will likely hit the majority of the clusters when you pick the right experience.  

3. Stay humble. While it’s essential to present yourself in a positive light, it’s equally important to remain humble. Be genuine and avoid exaggerating your accomplishments or experiences. The admissions committee is looking for applicants who are self-aware and can reflect on their experiences in a thoughtful manner.

By demonstrating personal growth and aligning with UofT MD clusters in the ABS statement, you’ll increase your chances of standing out as a strong candidate from all OMSAS applicants for the MD program.

How To Conclude The UofT MD Essay

Your conclusion is the final statement and should leave the rater with a lasting impression. This is your last opportunity to showcase yourself in this essay and it is therefore extremely important to craft a strong concluding statement. Remember, your word count is limited, so you will likely be left with a sentence or two to get your message across. The final statement should provide a succinct summary of your main points while also leaving an impact on the rater. While relating the conclusion to medicine and being a doctor can be advantageous, it is not a necessity. What matters most is showcasing your unique perspective and demonstrating your potential as a future doctor.

Finalizing Your MD Application Essay

Ideally, the UofT MD essays writing process should take place over the span of 4-6 weeks as you’ll need ample time for brainstorming and writing, and most importantly – editing!

Giving Yourself Enough Time to Revise and Edit Your Writing

Revision and editing are vital to crafting an impactful personal essay. By setting aside sufficient time for this process, you can carefully review each sentence and paragraph, making necessary changes to improve the flow and coherence of your ideas. This ensures that your essay is easy to understand and conveys your message effectively.

Additionally, allowing ample time for multiple rounds of editing enables you to identify and correct any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors. By thoroughly reviewing your essay, you can ensure that it is free from mistakes, showcasing your attention to detail and professionalism.

Seeking feedback from mentors or admissions consultants is also beneficial. They can provide valuable insights, helping you further refine your essay and make it more compelling. Their perspectives can point out areas that require improvement or highlight any weaknesses in your content.

💡Pro Tip: Overused buzzwords in essays include “collaborate”, “persevere” and “advocate”. Try to brainstorm ways of demonstrating these qualities without explicitly writing them out. Reviewers often roll their eyes when seeing the word “collaborate” overused!

Seeking Professional Feedback from an Admissions Consultant or Mentor

When it comes to crafting your UofT MD essays, seeking professional feedback from an admissions consultant or mentor can be invaluable. These experts have a deep understanding of the admissions process, including the specific OMSAS requirements as well as what a good UofT MD essay look like.

Admissions consultants can provide valuable insights and guidance, helping you highlight your strengths and address any weaknesses in your application. They can offer a fresh perspective on your essays, ensuring they effectively convey your motivations, experiences, and goals.

When choosing the right consultant or mentor, consider their expertise and experience in the medical school admissions process. Look for those who have a track record of success with OMSAS schools, such as current medical students or medical residents. It’s also important to find someone who is responsive and can provide personalized feedback tailored to your unique circumstances.

Remember, seeking professional feedback should complement your own efforts in crafting an authentic and compelling application. Ultimately, the goal is to present a comprehensive and well-rounded picture of yourself in your ABS Statement and BPEs of the UofT MD essays. With the right guidance, you can confidently showcase your qualifications and stand out as a strong candidate in the OMSAS application for University of Toronto MD program.

To find the best admissions consultant for you to help you craft an application with strong UofT MD essays that get you interviews, search our database of experienced consultants! .

Related Popular Posts

[email protected]

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Application Writing Guide
• Interview Preparation Guide
• Interview Questions Database
• Financial Assistance

Copyright AcceptedTogether Inc. © 2023. All rights reserved.

CRAFT A COMPETITIVE OMSAS WITH US

Find a dedicated consultant to help with brainstorming, ABS/essays reviews, and Casper prep

Apply to Ontario Medical Schools

The OMSAS application for fall 2025 admission is now closed.

Exception: Toronto Metropolitan University is accepting applications until December 2, 2024, at 4:30 pm (ET).

If you submitted a 2025 application, you can log in to:

• review your submitted application data,
• check for receipt of references, MCAT scores and transcripts, and
• order transcripts from Ontario institutions.

Home / OMSAS Application Guide / OMSAS – University of Toronto

OMSAS – University of Toronto

Refer to the application and the university's website for up-to-date program details.

Table of Contents

About the temerty faculty of medicine at the university of toronto, the md program structure, academic requirements, non-academic requirements, additional admission requirements, optional application programs, information for international applicants, admission policies and procedures, registration requirements, notice of collection, contact information.

Toronto has a long history of educating physicians, with the first school of medicine founded here in 1843. The medical school at the University of Toronto has a rich history of research and discovery, including the discovery of:

• stem cells,
• the gene that causes cystic fibrosis and
• the genetic causes of some variants of Alzheimer’s disease and several cancers.

Many vaccines were developed and tested at the University of Toronto during the 20th century, and various surgical procedures were pioneered here, including lung transplants and pediatric cardiac operations.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) provides you with many advantages. Toronto is home to the largest health care network in Canada and is a hub for research and discovery.

Opportunities for collaboration across a variety of hospitals and health care centres allow you to experience Toronto’s diversity – in the range of clinical placements you connect to and the community you serve.

Our Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program

As one of the largest MD programs in Canada, the University of Toronto’s MD Program boasts a comprehensive and exciting curriculum that supports our students as they learn to become highly skilled, caring and compassionate physicians.

Our faculty members are leaders in their respective fields and take pride in educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates can be found across Canada and around the world, advancing health care and promoting change in their local communities and beyond.

Student support is a top priority in our MD Program. We will provide you with the tools you need to succeed, whether it is academic, financial or career advice or access to support networks.

Opportunities outside of the classroom are abundant. Our students get involved in everything from community service to athletics to on-campus clubs and organizations. These opportunities enable our graduates to become skilled, caring and compassionate health care professionals.

Our program is offered on 2 campuses at the University of Toronto: 230 incoming students will be at the St. George campus (downtown Toronto) and 59 will be at the Mississauga campus. Up to 34 additional students will be admitted to the designated Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health seats. In addition, a limited number of supernumerary spaces are allocated to specific international and military training programs that have contractual arrangements with the MD Program.

State‑of‑the‑art video conferencing facilities allow students at both teaching sites to interact and share learning experiences, with both campuses linked to world-class teaching hospitals.

The University of Toronto’s MD Program looks forward to welcoming the newest class of future physicians (the class of 2029) and continuing our tradition of excellence in the education of tomorrow’s health care leaders.

Program Information

Foundations (year 1 and 2).

The first 2 years of the MD Program, known as Foundations, feature a highly integrated curriculum with:

• clinical content,
• early exposure to patients and the community setting,
• extensive use of online learning support resources and
• an assessment program designed to support learning.

You will have the opportunity to meet with patients from diverse communities and learn in the many outstanding clinical and research facilities in the GTA.

The basic goals of Foundations are to:

• help you learn the necessary biomedical knowledge and
• develop the appropriate professional attitudes and skills you will need to have a successful experience in Clerkship and beyond.

You will gain early clinical exposure in a variety of settings, including doctors’ offices, hospitals, community health agencies and home care visits. You will learn the basic clinical skills of interviewing and examining patients and be provided with opportunities for reflection. By spending time in clinical placements (shadowing), you will also be able to prepare for Clerkship.

Clerkship (Year 3 and 4)

Clerkship comprises the third and fourth years of the MD Program.

The knowledge, skills and professional attitudes introduced in Foundations are applied practically in the clinical setting where you will be a member of a health care team.

As a clinical clerk, you learn to contribute progressively to patient care in hospitals, community‑based clinics and doctors’ offices. Your clinical skills are honed as you proceed through the core Clerkship rotations and experiences that introduce you to primary care and the essential medical specialties.

The fourth and final year of the program includes activities that permit you to develop your competencies further in areas of your choosing (electives) and from a catalogue of options (electives). These allow you to explore your individual interests and tailor your experience to fit with your future career goals.

Admission Requirements

Medical college admission test (mcat).

You must release your MCAT results directly to OMSAS to be considered for admission.

You must have written the MCAT before the application deadline and within the past 5 years. MCAT results from tests written in excess of 5 years, prior to the current October 1, 2024, admission application deadline will not be considered.

We will consider scores only from your most recent MCAT attempt, even if scores from previous attempts were higher.

You must meet a threshold score of 125 in each section, with an allowance of 124 in 1 section, to continue in the admission process.

Your MCAT score is not used competitively.

Course Prerequisites

You are required to complete:

• 2 full course equivalents (FCEs) in life sciences and
• 1 FCE in humanities, social sciences and/or languages.

1 FCE consists of either 2 half-year university courses or 1 full-year university course.

We strongly recommend that you complete the prerequisite courses prior to applying. If you are in the process of completing any prerequisite courses at the time you apply, enrollment in these courses must appear on your transcript. You must successfully complete these courses as registered on the transcript that was submitted as part of your application.

If the courses are not complete and are not showing as current registrations on your transcript, your application will not be considered.

This information should be included in the University of Toronto prerequisite section of the OMSAS application. List the name of the course and course code, and indicate whether it was a full-year or semester course.

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Molecular Genetics & Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology & Toxicology

Note:  Chemistry and Physics are not Life Sciences. If you are listing Chemistry courses to meet requirements for other medical schools, you must also list 2 FCEs in Life Sciences.

• Political Science
• Criminology
• Courses in a language other than your native language.
• English Literature
• Religious Studies
• Cultural Studies

Note:  This is not a comprehensive list of approved courses.

Check with Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Enrolment Services if you are unsure of the acceptability of a particular course as a prerequisite. Email UME Enrolment Services  with:

• the course name,
• the course code,
• the university name,
• a brief course description from the university course calendar and
• whether it was a full-year or semester course.

Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

The minimum acceptable GPA for undergraduate applicants is 3.6 on the 4.0 scale, according to the Undergraduate Grade Conversion Table . Based on recent admission statistics, a GPA of 3.8 or higher is considered competitive for admission.

For graduate applicants, the minimum acceptable GPA is 3.3 on the 4.0 scale. Based on recent admission statistics, a GPA of 3.6 or higher is considered competitive for admission.

The calculated GPA used to fulfill the academic requirements will not include the current year of study, as these grades are not available at the time you submit your application. Your GPA is based on your undergraduate studies; grades from graduate coursework will not be included in the GPA calculation.

Admission to the MD Program is competitive; therefore, possessing the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.

Minimum Undergraduate Credit Requirement

The following minimum undergraduate credit requirements apply if you are a(n):

Undergraduate Applicant Attending University in Canada

The University of Toronto will consider your application if you will be completing at least 3 years of study toward a Canadian university bachelor’s degree in any discipline (the equivalent of 15 FCEs) prior to enrolling in the MD Program. No preference is given to a specific program or university over another.

If you apply in the final year of a 3- or 4-year degree program, you must complete the degree requirements and provide proof of completion prior to enrolling.

If you apply in the third year of a 4-year degree program, you must provide proof that you completed the requirements for that year of the degree prior to enrolling in the MD Program.

CEGEP Applicant

If you completed the CEGEP program in Quebec, you may apply for admission if you are enrolled in third-year university studies and will have completed a total of at least 15 FCEs prior to enrollment in our program.

You must have completed a minimum of 10 university FCEs, which may include CEGEP transfer credits, at the time you apply.

Applicant Attending University Outside of Canada

If you attend a university outside of Canada, you must complete the equivalent of a Canadian 4-year university bachelor’s degree. Previous medical degrees completed outside of Canada are not deemed equivalent to a Canadian bachelor’s degree and will not be accepted. Professional degrees assessed as equivalent to professional study in Canada will not be accepted as a substitute to a 4-year Canadian Bachelor’s degree.

If you attend a university in the US, a World Education Services (WES) assessment is not required.

If you attend a university outside of Canada or the US, you must have your credentials assessed for Canadian equivalency by WES. Submitted documentation must include a course-by-course evaluation, with an overall GPA calculation from WES.

Note for international applicants (visa students): For fall 2025 entry, a limited number of supernumerary spaces will be allocated to specific international training programs that have contractual arrangements with the MD Program. Email UME Enrolment Services  if you have any questions regarding your eligibility to apply.  

Optional: Academic Explanations Form

We understand that life is not always smooth. You may complete the optional Academic Explanation Form to explain any circumstances that affected your academic performance and/or progress and to request special consideration.

Completing the Academic Explanation Form

If you select “Yes” to the Academic Explanation question, you are required to complete the Academic Explanation Form. You may list up to 3 circumstances on the Academic Explanation Form.

Circumstance(s) may include, but are not limited to:

• academic enrichment, including participation in co-op, a professional experience year and/or exchange programs,
• second or professional undergraduate degrees,
• academic difficulty and
• personal, medical and/or other experiences

For each circumstance, provide:

• the relevant timeframe,
• the type of circumstance,
• the impact(s) on academic performance or progress and
• your special consideration request.

Consideration of the Academic Explanation Form

Your response will provide the Temerty Medicine Admissions Committee with a snapshot of how you have been impacted by and managed the(se) circumstance(s). Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we will make our best effort to provide reasonable consideration.

When reviewing the  brief personal essays ,  ABS  and  references , we assess attributes, activities and achievements in terms of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s mission and values and the MD Program competencies.

Specifically, we evaluate materials according to the following 4 clusters:

• Professional Cluster: Maturity, reliability, perseverance and responsibility.
• Communicator/Collaborator/Leader Cluster: Communication, collaboration, teamwork, time management and leadership.
• Advocate Cluster: Advocacy, community service and social responsibility.
• Scholar Cluster: Academic standing, achievements in leadership, research and social responsibility as demonstrated by (but not limited to) awards, conference presentations, publications and scholarships.

In your brief personal essays and ABS, you may write about activities and achievements undertaken and completed anywhere in the world. The nature and outcome of the activity is more important than where it took place – participation within your local community is as important as international experiences.

The brief personal essays, ABS and statements, and references will be assessed independently of all other materials you submit with your application.

Brief Personal Essays

You are required to submit 2 original brief personal essays, with each essay answering a specific question related to the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s mission and values.

The Mission Statement of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto embodies social responsibility, and the Faculty’s values are reflective of this responsibility.

Each brief personal essay must be 250 words or less. Please adhere to the word limit, rather than the character limit shown in the text box.

You must answer the following 2 questions:

• In what way(s) are you a product of the world around you? How has it, or how will it, impact your journey in medicine?
• Investor and philanthropist Charlie Munger is known for saying: “We all are learning, modifying, or destroying ideas all the time. Rapid destruction of your ideas when the time is right is one of the most valuable qualities you can acquire. You must force yourself to consider arguments on the other side.” Explore how this may affect a career in medicine.

UME Enrolment Services will perform random checks of the Brief Personal Essays through the University of Toronto’s plagiarism detection tool. You will not be informed that your essay has been submitted for comparison.

Essays submitted to this service will be included as source documents in the tool’s reference database, where they will be used solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism.  Read the terms that apply to the University’s use of the service .

If you do not consent to your essays being submitted to the University of Toronto’s plagiarism detection tool, you must email us at  [email protected]  to opt out of this process no later than Friday, January 5, 2025. We will honour all opt-out requests that are submitted by this date.

Autobiographical Sketch (ABS)

The completed OMSAS ABS is required. In addition to completing the OMSAS ABS, you must write and submit 1 ABS statement that discusses the following:

• Write about an impactful experience from your Autobiographical Sketch that demonstrates your personal growth, character and values. How did this experience prepare you for medical school?

The OMSAS ABS and additional ABS statement required for the University of Toronto will be evaluated using the  4 clusters . The ABS statement must be 500 words or less. Please adhere to the word limit, rather than the character limit shown in the text box.

In some cases, UME Enrolment Services may wish to verify additional information about activities that are described in either the brief personal essays or the ABS.

You must provide the name, address, phone number (optional) and email address of at least 1 contact person (verifier) for each activity. When citing activities in your brief personal essays and your ABS statements, include the relevant verifier number in brackets beside each activity; UME Enrolment Services may perform random checks of applicants’ verifiers.

Verifiers for ABS may or may not be the same as the verifiers you listed for your graduate studies or your references.

Let your verifiers know that UME Enrolment Services may contact them.

You are required to arrange for 3 references. These references will be evaluated according to the same 4 clusters .

We encourage you to:

• share these attributes, activities and achievements clusters with referees to ensure that they can speak to some or all of them and
• ensure that the whole range of clusters is represented among the 3 references as a whole (individual references may speak to a specific cluster or clusters of attributes, activities and achievements).

Note: You must not use family members, family friends, colleagues of family members, neighbours or someone who may be perceived as your peer as a referee, as we do not consider them to be objective. Letters written by a spiritual advisor are acceptable, provided the individual is not also a family member or close friend.

Applications from candidates with non-objective references will not be considered.

Referees must submit their Confidential Assessment Form online.

The deadline for receiving references is October 1, 2024. If OMSAS does not receive all 3 of your references (as well as your MD/PhD references, if applicable) by this date, your application to the University of Toronto’s MD Program will be incomplete and will not be considered. It is your responsibility to ensure that OMSAS receives your references by the deadline, so we advise you to confirm submission with all your referees prior to the deadline.

When making our assessments, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine will invite selected applicants to attend an interview, either in person or virtually. You must attend at the date and time arranged and you are responsible for your own travel expenses when attending in-person interviews.

Interviews are usually conducted on weekends in the winter/spring of each year. If you cancel or decline an interview, you will not be considered for admission.

Accessibility concerns or accommodations can be arranged for the interview.  Email UME Enrolment Services  for more information.

Graduate Applicants

The University of Toronto will consider your application if you have completed a graduate program or are enrolled in the final year of a graduate program.

If you will not complete your graduate degree requirements by June 30 in the proposed year of entry, you will not be considered; this policy is strictly enforced. Applicants who do not provide an expected date of degree completion or who re-classify into another graduate program will also not be considered.

Our MD Program values a diverse applicant pool with students from all academic backgrounds. To acknowledge the academic challenge of undertaking graduate work, applicants pursuing graduate degrees will receive credit for their accomplishments during the file review process.

Graduate applicants will receive credit for their graduate work based on the following categories:

• Doctoral degree conferred
• Doctoral degree in progress
• Research-based master’s conferred
• Research-based master’s in progress
• Course-based master’s conferred

We will assess applicants enrolled in a course-based master’s that is in progress as undergraduate applicants.

You cannot update your application after the October 1, 2024, deadline.

Graduate Degree

Graduate applicants who have not yet received their graduate degree and who are offered a position in the MD Program will be required to submit proof of successful completion of all requirements of the graduate program (including successful defence of a thesis, if applicable) prior to June 30, 2025.

Graduate applicants offered a position on the expectation that their degree will be completed, and who are not able to meet this deadline, will not be granted an admission deferral and will lose their seat in our program.

UME Enrolment Services requires a final transcript from all applicants accepted from graduate programs, as proof of conferral of their degree.

Graduate Degree Verifiers

Graduate applicants are required to provide the contact information of a graduate verifier:

• For a research-based degree, your verifier should be your graduate supervisor.
• For a course-based degree, your verifier should be your graduate program administrator.
• Applicants who had their graduate degree conferred should provide a Graduate Studies Office contact for any questions about the program.

This information is entered in the Referees section of your application, but your graduate verifier’s role is not the same as your referee’s role. Your graduate verifier may be contacted to confirm your degree type and anticipated program completion date.

Ensure that your graduate verifier can provide the required information and is available during the application process.

Let your verifiers know in advance that UME Enrolment Services may contact them.

MD/PhD Program Applicants

The MD/PhD Program at the University of Toronto provides highly qualified students the opportunity to integrate medical school with intensive scientific training. Its purpose is to prepare clinician scientists for careers in academic medicine.

Applicants to this program must meet the same requirements for MCAT, GPA and course prerequisites as all other MD Program applicants. The program does not have a designated quota for admission.

Submit admission materials to OMSAS as per the regular MD admission process along with the following additional materials:

• MD/PhD Personal Essay: Reflecting on your personal and research experiences to date, how do your experiences relate to your decision to pursue a physician scientist pathway, and the kind of ideas that you wish to pursue in your PhD? This essay must be 250 words or less and is submitted as part of your OMSAS application.
• An academic curriculum vitae (CV). This CV must adhere to the format outlined on the MD/PhD Program website.  Access the CV template . Upload your academic CV directly to OMSAS via Secure Applicant Messaging (SAM) by October 4, 2024.
• potential for success as a physician scientist,
• performance in research, including initiative, perseverance, technical skills, data interpretation, etc.,
• capacity to succeed in both an undergraduate medical and a PhD curriculum ,
• self-starting behaviour ,
• contribution to the research the candidate was involved in, including publications, if any , and
• capacity to learn from others.

OMSAS must receive all these required references by October 1, 2024.

• The same referees can provide your regular MD application references and MD/PhD references (e.g., graduate supervisor, if applicable). The MD/PhD Admissions Subcommittee does not review your MD application references. To send the MD/PhD reference form to your referees, enter their contact information in the designated fields within your OMSAS application.
• All MD/PhD applicants must submit an academic CV.

Admission Categories

The University of Toronto offers 2 optional application programs that reflect the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s strong commitment to diversity, as demonstrated in its  Diversity Statement [PDF] .

The Black Student Application Program (BSAP)

The Black Student Application Program (BSAP) is an optional application program for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents who self-identify as:

• Black African,
• Black Caribbean,
• Black North American or
• multi-racial applicants who have and identify with their Black ancestry, etc.

This application program aims to increase and support Black medical student representation at the University of Toronto.

Members of the Black community, including faculty, physicians, residents, medical students and members of the public, take part in admission file review and interview processes. To apply to this program, you must meet the same minimum requirements for MCAT, GPA and course prerequisites as all other applicants. The program does not have a designated quota for admission.

You must submit admission materials as per the core MD admission process and the following additional materials by the October 1, 2024, application deadline:

• Self-identification via the OMSAS application: Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American or multi-racial students who have and identify with their Black ancestry.
• The BSAP Personal Essay highlighting why you have chosen to apply through this optional application program. We recommend that this essay be 250-500 words. This is submitted via the OMSAS application.

The Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP)

Recognizing the commitment to social responsibility in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s mission, the MD Program implemented ISAP to increase the number of Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) medical students at the University of Toronto.

Members of the Indigenous community, including faculty, physicians, residents, medical students and members of the public, take part in admission file review and interview processes.

To apply to this program, you must meet the same minimum requirements for MCAT, GPA and course prerequisites as all other applicants. The program does not have a designated quota for admission.

You must submit admission materials, as per the core MD admission process, and the following additional materials by the stated deadlines:

• Self‑declared Indigenous status via the OMSAS application.
• A copy of a Status or Treaty card
• A copy of a Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities
• A copy of a membership card in a Métis registry recognized by the Métis National Council (the Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation – Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta and Métis Nation British Columbia)
• Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, on the band list of an individual band or the Inuit roll
• Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
• Written confirmation of membership in a band council that has its own membership code
• Other acceptable documentation
• The ISAP Personal Statement is an opportunity for you to tell us about your personal connection to your Indigenous community, perhaps in the way you would share with an Elder or Wisdom/Knowledge Keeper. The statement will be read by members of the Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP) Advisory Circle, which includes an Elder, Indigenous faculty members and Indigenous medical learners. We recommend that this statement be 250-750 words. Ensure you submit your statement with the OMSAS application. If you are unsure about how to proceed, we invite you to liaise with the Office of Indigenous Health for support:  [email protected] .

OMSAS must receive proof of Indigenous ancestry documentation via SAM in the OMSAS application. The deadline for receiving your document(s) is October 4, 2024.

If you have questions or would like further information about ISAP,  email our Office of Indigenous Medical Education .

For fall 2025 entry, a limited number of supernumerary spaces will be allocated to specific international training programs that have contractual arrangements with the MD Program.

These supernumerary seats are non-funded seats and, as such, applicants who are considered through the International application stream must be enrolled in specific international training programs and cannot be citizens or permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada.

Email UME Enrolment Services  if you have any questions regarding your eligibility to apply. 

International Stream

If you apply through the International stream and your immigration status in Canada changes during the admission process, you are required to  notify UME Enrolment Services via email .

Applicants applying through the International stream will be subject to the same minimum requirements as domestic candidates and must submit admission materials as per the regular MD admission process.

Information for Military Medical Training Plan (MMTP) Applicants

The University of Toronto’s MD Program participates in an agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) in creating a special application stream for Regular Force Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) subsidized under the MMTP.

If you are a currently serving Regular Force member of the CAF and are interested in this stream, email  [email protected]  for details and eligibility.

If you have any questions,  email UME Enrolment Services .

Our program is offered on 2 campuses at the University of Toronto:

• 230 incoming students will be at the St. George campus (downtown Toronto) and
• 59 will be at the Mississauga campus.

Up to 34 additional students will be admitted to the designated Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health seats. In addition, a limited number of supernumerary spaces are allocated to specific international and military training programs that have contractual arrangements with the MD Program.

There is no single background that is an ideal preparation for the study and practice of medicine. Medicine requires a mix of individuals with strong academic foundations in the social sciences, humanities, physical sciences and life sciences.

Academic excellence is measured by assessing the grade point average (GPA) and confirming that the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) results meet U of T’s stated threshold requirement.

Non-academic and academic attributes, activities and achievements are assessed by reviewing your brief personal essays, Autobiographical Sketch (ABS) materials and references.

You are required to submit the names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons able to substantiate statements made about your non-academic and academic attributes, activities and achievements. Random verification checks will take place between January and April.

The discovery that any submitted application information is false or misleading, concealed or withheld will invalidate your application and result in its immediate refusal. If this is discovered after you are admitted, it will result in the revocation and cancellation of an offer of admission and/or registration.

Instructions for Submitting Required Documents

All application materials must be sent directly to OMSAS. You are responsible for ensuring that documents arrive at OMSAS by the October 1, 2024, deadline. 

Exception: OMSAS will accept your MCAT score as long as they receive it by October 21, 2024.

Do not send any documents to the University of Toronto or the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) Enrolment Services.

Applications with missing or late documents will not be granted extensions nor considered.

When filling in your OMSAS application, do not cut and paste your responses from a word processing or text editing program (e.g., Microsoft Word, Notepad, WordPad). Doing so may result in formatting and/or punctuation errors in your submissions. There will not be an opportunity to correct this after submission. Type your responses directly in the application to avoid this issue.

Note:  If you are not applying to the MD/PhD Program or through the Black Student Application Program (BSAP) or Indigenous Student Application Program (ISAP), do not enter anything in the MD/PhD, BSAP or ISAP essay sections of the application. Leave these sections blank.

Information for Successful Applicants

Offers of admission are sent in the spring or summer prior to the proposed date of enrollment, in accordance with dates published by OMSAS.

Acceptance may be conditional upon fulfillment of specific requirements. These conditions will be outlined in your offer letter.

Some applicants who are offered admission do not accept their offer, so we maintain a short wait list for additional potential offers. This is a ranked wait list, but we will not disclose an applicant’s position on the wait list (absolute or relative).

If additional offers are made, we will work down the wait list until the class is full.

Acceptance of an offer of admission from any Ontario medical school automatically removes you from consideration by all other Ontario medical schools (you will be considered withdrawn and will be removed from our wait list).

Final Transcripts

Final transcripts for admitted applicants must be sent directly to OMSAS (not to the University of Toronto). Further details will be included in the offer of admission letter, as appropriate.

Deferral of admission can be considered, provided you submit a request for deferral at the time you accept your offer of admission.

The Admissions Committee will consider deferral requests on a case‑by-case basis. A very limited number of deferrals may be granted in cases of compelling academic or personal circumstance.

We strongly recommend that you complete academic programs prior to enrollment and that you apply to the University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, in or after the final year of your program.

Deferrals will not be granted to allow you to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree or to begin or complete a graduate degree. Any deferrals granted will generally be for a 1-year period and are rarely (if ever) extended beyond that time. All graduate studies must be completed by June 30 prior to the start of the MD Program.

First Aid and CPR

You must complete a Standard First Aid course and a CPR Level C Basic Rescuer course and be able to produce valid certificates confirming this before enrollment in the MD Program is permitted.

The agency used to provide the training must be recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

Immunization

You are required to be fully immunized before you enter the clinical setting.

Proof of immunization is required for all persons undertaking activities in hospitals in Ontario under Regulation 965 of the Ontario Public Hospitals Act.

If you do not submit a completed immunization record, you will be suspended from clinical training until proper documentation is submitted.

Police Record Check and Disclosure

As a medical student, you will undertake significant portions of your education in settings with exposure to vulnerable populations. You are required to complete a Vulnerable Persons Criminal Record Check, at your own expense, prior to registration in our program.

This mandatory process reports any pending criminal charges, convictions for which there has not been a pardon and any pardoned sexual offences. The Faculty also requests disclosure of any convictions in any jurisdiction and/or any findings of professional misconduct.

The Temerty Faculty of Medicine reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission or cancel registration based on a review of this information.

If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which you have not received a pardon, you are strongly urged to consult with your provincial  College of Physicians and Surgeons  for advice about eventual eligibility for registration to practice medicine.

Essential Skills and Abilities Required for Studying Medicine

The Temerty Faculty of Medicine, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and University Policy, is committed to providing equal access opportunities to all qualified applicants.

To fulfill the requirements of the MD Program and to avoid serious risk to the health and safety of patients, you are required to acquire competency in a wide range of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Individuals with special needs are advised to contact UME Enrolment Services, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and carefully review the  OMSAS Essential Skills and Abilities Required .

Additional Information

The University of Toronto (the University) collects information you provide to OMSAS/OUAC as part of your application to the Temerty Faculty of Medicine (the Faculty).

Personal information collected through OMSAS/OUAC will only be accessed by authorized university and faculty staff on a need-to-know basis. The information will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Collection of Personal Information

The University and the Faculty will collect the following personal information:

• home or mailing addresses
• telephone numbers
• email addresses
• gender identity
• legal status
• academic history (e.g., current and previous university, GPA and MCAT)

Use of Personal Information

The University and the Faculty will use your personal information as necessary for the purpose of administering:

• registration,
• academic programs,
• university-related student activities,
• activities of student societies,
• financial assistance and awards,
• graduation and university advancement, and
• reporting to government.

Examples of these purposes:

• correspondence with applicants (e.g., email notification, interview invitation)
• admission and award decisions
• registration in the program
• aggregate, de-identified public statistical reports, posted on Faculty and University websites
• research on the admission process

Your personal information such as name, gender identity and date of birth will be stored in the AFMC’s database and used to address a variety of key health workforce research and planning questions. All data will be reported at the aggregate level and will be completely anonymous.

Disclosure of Personal Information

The Faculty will disclose your personal information to the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC), which uses it to assess physician inflow and output through Canada’s undergraduate and postgraduate training system, as well as the numbers and types of doctors trained and how they are distributed and move throughout Canada.

For questions about your personal information at the AFMC, contact: Jon Kimball Director, Data & Information Services Telephone: 613-730-0687, ext. 279

For questions about your personal information at the Faculty, contact: Hana Lee Director, Enrolment Services & Faculty Registrar Telephone: 416-978-2715

Enrolment Services –  Undergraduate Medical Education Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building, Room 2124 1 King’s College Circle Toronto ON  M5S 1A8

Telephone: 416-978-7928 Fax: 416-971-2163 Email:  [email protected]

Recent News

Get to know ontario’s universities anywhere, anytime, attestation letter for international applicants, welcome to the new ouac website.

• Medical School Application

U of T Med School Personal Essay Tips for

Featured Expert: Dr. Jaime Cazes, MD, former University of Toronto Medical School admissions officer

Struggling to write the  University of Toronto medical school  brief personal essays? You aren’t alone. If you want to make your University of Toronto medical school application stand out above the competition, then you definitely need to put in some effort to write impressive brief personal essays, following the specific prompts you’ll be provided with. In this blog, I’ll provide the latest* prompts for these essays, and their subsequent sample responses. I'll also share a few tips to help you write memorable essays that make your application stand out.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 4 min read

University of toronto medical school brief personal essay prompts.

To apply to the University of Toronto medical school, you must write two essays, each being 250 words or less, in response to the two prompts given below.

Note that this word count does not include titles, references, or verifiers, if you choose to include these elements.

Because these essays have to be written in response to specific prompts, and must be brief, it can be helpful to take your time, and have an experienced, second (or third) set of eyes assist you in the process of curating your essay.

Whether or not you’re tackling your University of Toronto Medical School brief personal essays solo or with assistance, it’s imperative that you review the latest prompts (and pro tips) prior to writing your final drafts.

Here are two prompts ( as found on the University of Toronto’s website ):

Question 1 - In what way(s) are you a product of the world around you? How has it, or how will it, impact your journey in medicine?

I believe that my background will allow me to connect with patients on a deeper level, understanding their stories and providing holistic care. I am committed to leveraging my diverse experiences to advocate for inclusive and patient-centered care, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. ","label":"Sample Essay Response #1","title":"Sample Essay Response #1"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Question 2 - Investor and philanthropist Charlie Munger is known for saying: "We all are learning, modifying, or destroying ideas all the time. Rapid destruction of your ideas when the time is right is one of the most valuable qualities you can acquire. You must force yourself to consider arguments on the other side." Explore how this may affect a career in medicine.

As I enter medical school, I am committed to integrating these insights into my learning and practice. I will strive to balance scientific rigor with compassionate care, remaining open to new ideas and ready to challenge outdated ones. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a more empathetic, inclusive, and effective healthcare system. ","label":"Sample Essay Response #2","title":"Sample Essay Response #2"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

The admissions committee will be evaluating these essays to see how well they align with the four core University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine "clusters" that identify and describe the abilities a physician must possess to effectively meet the healthcare needs of their patients.

These essays are similar in terms of their requirements, format, and style to the  medical school secondary essays  required at US medical schools.

Start a personal statement with a compelling story, akin to the opening lines of a novel meant to hook the reader. The story should be real and possibly slightly embellished to be more interesting but warns against lying or presenting unrealistic situations. This approach aims to avoid the "cookie-cutter" format and make the personal statement stand out to those on the admissions committee!

Want to know more about other secondary medical school essays?

Tips to Help You Write the University of Toronto Medical School Brief Personal Essays

Tip #1:  .

The first step to writing the perfect medical school application essay is to  start as early as possible . You might think that two brief pieces of writing could be a breeze, but it’s important not to underestimate the fact that these types of essays are truly about quality…not quantity.

An excellent essay may take several drafts – and in some cases, weeks or months – to create. Not only will you need to brainstorm response ideas related to your prompts, but it is also important that you discuss the questions with others who may be able to shed some light on the deeper intentions behind the questions being asked.

Remember, this is a test of your written communications skills. Therefore,  the essay should have excellent structure and flow . This means it will need an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You must also be able to convey your sense of maturity, professionalism, and self-reflexivity (i.e. essential non-cognitive skills), while clearly demonstrating your motivation for the medical profession.

As with most pieces of writing, your introduction and opening sentence(s) will most certainly make or break your overall statement. Thus, ensure that you have a creative and captivating opening sentence that captivates the admissions committee.  Treat it like a story. It needs to be REAL but it has to hook the reader.

Tip #3: 

Your introductory paragraph should also serve as a road map  to the reader and allow them to understand where the remainder of the story is headed. This can be tricky to do with a limited word count. The ‘less is more’ premise of these essays can be intimidating! One of our former students, Ruhee, found working with her advisor, Amanda, to be beneficial for this reason:

“Amanda really walked me through each part of my essay and broke down for me how I was going to go about writing it and what to include in each section and what we would include in them. She really helped me see the big picture and help breakdown the details step by step. I love Amanda and she's been really helpful! I don't think my application process would be the same if she wasn't my advisor.” – Ruhee Momin, Former BeMo Student

Tip #4: .

In  the   body of your essay , you essentially want to elaborate on the ideas that you have introduced in your opening paragraph and draw on your personal experiences to provide evidence.

Lastly,  the conclusion of your personal statement  should be insightful, captivating, and leave the reader with an impression, not just a summary. Remembe r, it’s a real story that must hook and captivate the readers from beginning to end.

You need to submit 2 brief personal essays as part of your University of Toronto medical school application.

You need to write an essay in response to each of the following questions:

• Question 1: The use of artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to replace or assist humans in our daily lives. The basis of artificial intelligence are the complex algorithms that drive the technology. In your opinion, what values, ethical and societal implications should be considered when developing such algorithms for assessing applicants to medical school?
• Question 2: The Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva said: “it isn't that you need time to think, you need time to feel.” How does this statement connect with your future career in the field of medicine?

To make your essays stand out, start by making sure you give yourself enough time to write the essay, at least 3 to 4 weeks. That will give you enough time to first brainstorm the topics and think deeply about what you want to write about. Make sure your essays have an excellent structure and flow, and a captivating introduction that draws in the reader and clearly establishes the thesis of the essay. Draw on your personal experiences to flesh out your ideas and finally, make sure you conclude with a memorable key takeaway or meaningful insight.

Each essay should be no longer than 250 words.

The brief personal essays play a crucial role in your application review, and you must put in both time and effort to make them as memorable as possible. They demonstrate certain key qualities about yourself to the admissions committee and this information helps them rate your application.

The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine designates 4 core clusters that identify and describe the abilities a physician must possess to effectively meet the healthcare needs of their patients - professional, communicator/collaborator/manager, advocate, and scholar. They review the autobiographical sketch, brief personal essays, and reference letters in each application to evaluate how well the applicant aligns with these four clusters and their associated skills and qualities. 

Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo ebook of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, our Ultimate Guide to Medical School Personal Statements & Secondary Essays or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email us at content [at] bemoacademicconsulting.com with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free ebook upon confirming the information.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your med school applications stand out, (and avoid the top 5 reasons that get 90% of applicants rejected).

Time Sensitive. Limited Spots Available:

We guarantee your acceptance to med school or your money back.

Swipe up to see a great offer!

Kogalym, KHM, RU 14 Days Weather

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra , [lower-alpha 1] also known as Khantia-Mansia , is a federal subject of Russia (an autonomous okrug of Tyumen Oblast ). It has a population of 1,532,243 as of the 2010 Census . [4] Its administrative center is located at Khanty-Mansiysk .

Administrative divisions

Demographics, settlements, ethnic groups, vital statistics, external links.

The peoples native to the region are the Khanty and the Mansi , known collectively as Ob-Ugric peoples , but today the two groups only constitute 2.5% of the region's population. The local languages, Khanty and Mansi , are part of the Ugric branch of the Finno-Ugric language family, and enjoy a special status in the autonomous okrug. Russian remains the only official language.

In 2012, the majority (51%) [7] of the oil produced in Russia came from Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, giving the region great economic importance in Russia and the world. It borders Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug to the north, Komi Republic to the northwest, Sverdlovsk Oblast to the west, Tyumen Oblast to the south, Tomsk Oblast to the south and southeast and Krasnoyarsk Krai in the east.

The okrug was established on December   10, 1930, as Ostyak-Vogul National Okrug ( Остя́ко-Вогу́льский национа́льный о́круг ). In October 1940, it was renamed the Khanty-Mansi National Okrug . In 1977, along with other national okrugs of the Russian SFSR , it became an autonomous okrug (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug). In 2003, the word " Yugra " was appended to the official name. [8]

The okrug occupies the central part of the West Siberian Plain .

Principal rivers include the Ob and its tributaries Irtysh and Vatinsky Yogan . There are numerous lakes in the okrug, the largest ones are Numto , Tormemtor , Leushinsky Tuman and Tursuntsky Tuman , among others. [9]

The northeasterly line of equal latitude and longitude traverses the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug.

Population : 1,674,676 (2020); [10] 1,532,243   ( 2010 Census ) ; [4] 1,432,817   ( 2002 Census ) ; [11] 1,268,439   ( 1989 Soviet census ) . [12]

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug has an area of 523,100   km 2 , but the area is sparsely populated. The administrative center is Khanty-Mansiysk , but the largest cities are Surgut , Nizhnevartovsk , and Nefteyugansk .

The Indigenous population ( Khanty , Mansi , Komi , and Nenets ) is only 2.8% of the total population in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug. The exploitation of natural gas in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug has attracted immigrants from all over the former Soviet Union. The 2021 Census counted 17 ethnic groups of more than five thousand persons each. The ethnic composition is as follows:

Population of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug: [13]

Historical population figures are shown below:

Source: [15]

According to a 2012 survey [16] 38.1% of the population of Yugra adheres to the Russian Orthodox Church , 5% are unaffiliated generic Christians , 1% of the population adheres to the Slavic native faith (Rodnovery) or to Khanty-Mansi native faith. Muslims (mostly Tatars ) constitute 11% of the population. In addition, 23% of the population declares to be spiritual but not religious , 11% is atheist , and 10.9% follows other religions or did not give an answer to the question. [16] According to recent reports Jehovah's Witnesses have been subjected to torture and detention in Surgut. [18]

In Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, the primary transport of goods is by water and railway transport; 29% is transported by road, and 2% by aviation. The total length of railway tracks is 1,106   km. The length of roads is more than 18,000   km.

• Hockey Club Ugra
• List of Chairmen of the Duma of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Related Research Articles

Khanty-Mansiysk is a city in west-central Russia. Technically, it is situated on the eastern bank of the Irtysh River, 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) from its confluence with the Ob, in the oil-rich region of Western Siberia. Though it is an independent city, Khanty-Mansiysk also functions as the administrative centre of Khanty-Mansiysky District, and the administrative center of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra.

Nyagan is a town in the northwest of Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located near the Ob River and 230 kilometers (140 mi) northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk. It is named after the Nyagan-Yugan River, a tributary of the Ob River. Population: 63,034 (2021 Census) ; 54,890 (2010 Census) ; 52,610 (2002 Census) ; 54,061 (1989 Soviet census) .

Megion is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug–Yugra, Russia, located at the altitude of 45 meters (148 ft) above sea level, on the right bank of the Ob River, 380 kilometers (240 mi) east of Khanty-Mansiysk and 760 kilometers (470 mi) northeast of Tyumen. The area of the town is 50.51 square kilometers (19.50 sq mi) and the nearest airport is in Nizhnevartovsk. Population: 49,449 (2010 Census) ; 46,566 ; 39,783 (1989 Soviet census) .

Yugorsk is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located in the northwestern part of the East-West lowland, 420 kilometers (260 mi) from Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 34,067 (2010 Census) ; 30,285 (2002 Census) ; 24,928 (1989 Soviet census) .

Sovetsky is a town and the administrative center of Sovetsky District in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located 470 kilometers (290 mi) west of Khanty-Mansiysk, the administrative center of the autonomous okrug. Population: 26,495 (2010 Census) ; 23,230 (2002 Census) ; 21,123 (1989 Soviet census) .

Lyantor is a town in Surgutsky District of Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Pim River, 625 kilometers (388 mi) northeast of Khanty-Mansiysk, the administrative center of the autonomous okrug. Population: 38,992 (2010 Census) ; 33,011 (2002 Census) ; 22,071 (1989 Soviet census) .

Langepas is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. Population: 41,670 (2010 Census) ; 37,182 (2002 Census) ; 25,618 (1989 Soviet census) .

Pokachi is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the right bank of the Vatyegan River, 350 kilometers (220 mi) east of Khanty-Mansiysk and 800 kilometers (500 mi) northeast of Tyumen. Population: 17,171 (2010 Census) ; 17,017 (2002 Census) ; 11,536 (1989 Soviet census) .

Kogalym is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Inguyagun River 325 kilometres (202 mi) northeast of Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 58,181 (2010 Census) ; 55,367 (2002 Census) ; 44,297 (1989 Soviet census) .

Beloyarsky is a town and the administrative center of Beloyarsky District in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Kazim River, northwest of Khanty-Mansiysk, the administrative center of the autonomous okrug. Population: 20,283 (2010 Census) ; 18,721 (2002 Census) ; 20,534 (1989 Soviet census) .

Raduzhny is a town in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the Agan River, 475 kilometers (295 mi) northeast of Khanty-Mansiysk and 975 kilometers (606 mi) northeast of Tyumen. Population: 43,399 (2010 Census) ; 47,060 ; 43,726.

Pyt-Yakh is a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia, located on the east bank of the Bolshoy Balyk River, southeast of Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 41,488 (2010 Census) ; 41,813 (2002 Census) ; 17,101 (1989 Soviet census) .

Beloyarsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the north of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 41,574 square kilometers (16,052 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Beloyarsky. Population: 9,766 ; 9,493 (2002 Census) ; 8,927 (1989 Soviet census) .

Khanty-Mansiysky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. It is located in the center of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 46,400 square kilometers (17,900 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Khanty-Mansiysk. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 19,362.

Kondinsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the south of the autonomous okrug. The district is 55,170 square kilometers (21,300 sq mi). Its administrative center is the urban locality of Mezhdurechensky. Population: 34,494 ; 35,018 (2002 Census) ; 36,640 (1989 Soviet census) . The population of Mezhdurechensky accounts for 32.1% of the district's total population.

Oktyabrsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the western central part of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 24,500 square kilometers (9,500 sq mi). Its administrative center is the urban locality of Oktyabrskoye. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 32,224, with the population of Oktyabrskoye accounting for 11.3% of that number.

Sovetsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen Oblast, Russia. It is located in the southwest of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 29,768.74 square kilometers (11,493.77 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Sovetsky. Population: 48,059 ; 44,720 (2002 Census) ; 73,247 (1989 Soviet census) . The population of the administrative center accounts for 55.1% of the district's total population.

Surgutsky District is an administrative and municipal district (raion), one of the nine in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. It is located in the center of the autonomous okrug. The area of the district is 105,190 square kilometers (40,610 sq mi). Its administrative center is the city of Surgut. Population: 113,515 ; 106,624 (2002 Census) ; 74,685 (1989 Soviet census) .

Uray a town in Khanty–Mansi Autonomous Okrug, located on the Konda River 350 kilometres (220 mi) from Khanty-Mansiysk. Population: 39,457 (2010 Census) ; 38,872 (2002 Census) ; 37,198 (1989 Soviet census) .

Agirish is an urban-type settlement in Sovetsky District of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia. Population: 2,856 (2010 Census) ; 2,831 (2002 Census) ; 3,592 (1989 Soviet census) .

• ↑ Russian and Mansi : Ханты-Мансийский автономный округ — Югра, Khanty-Mansiyskiy avtonomnyy okrug — Yugra; Khanty : Хӑнты-Мансийской Aвтономной Округ
• ↑ Президент Российской Федерации.   Указ   №849   от   13 мая 2000 г. «О полномочном представителе Президента Российской Федерации в федеральном округе». Вступил в силу   13 мая 2000 г. Опубликован: "Собрание законодательства РФ", No.   20, ст. 2112, 15 мая 2000 г. (President of the Russian Federation.   Decree   # 849   of   May 13, 2000 On the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in a Federal District . Effective as of   May 13, 2000.).
• ↑ Госстандарт Российской Федерации.   №ОК 024-95   27 декабря 1995 г. «Общероссийский классификатор экономических регионов. 2.   Экономические районы», в ред. Изменения №5/2001 ОКЭР. ( Gosstandart of the Russian Federation.   # OK 024-95   December 27, 1995 Russian Classification of Economic Regions. 2.   Economic Regions , as amended by the Amendment   # 5/2001 OKER. ).
• 1 2 3 Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2011). Всероссийская перепись населения 2010 года. Том   1 [ 2010 All-Russian Population Census, vol.   1 ] . Всероссийская перепись населения 2010   года [2010 All-Russia Population Census] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ "Об исчислении времени" . Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации (in Russian). June 3, 2011 . Retrieved January 19, 2019 .
• ↑ Official throughout the Russian Federation according to Article   68.1 of the Constitution of Russia .
• ↑ В Ханты-Мансийском автономном округе добыта 10-миллиардная тонна нефти
• ↑ "Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of July 25, 2003 No. 841" (in Russian). Official website of the President of Russia .
• ↑ Google Earth
• ↑ 2020 Russian Subjects Population
• ↑ Federal State Statistics Service (May 21, 2004). Численность населения России, субъектов Российской Федерации в составе федеральных округов, районов, городских поселений, сельских населённых пунктов   – районных центров и сельских населённых пунктов с населением 3   тысячи и более человек [ Population of Russia, Its Federal Districts, Federal Subjects, Districts, Urban Localities, Rural Localities—Administrative Centers, and Rural Localities with Population of Over 3,000 ] (XLS) . Всероссийская перепись населения 2002   года [All-Russia Population Census of 2002] (in Russian).
• ↑ Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   г. Численность наличного населения союзных и автономных республик, автономных областей и округов, краёв, областей, районов, городских поселений и сёл-райцентров [ All Union Population Census of 1989: Present Population of Union and Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Oblasts and Okrugs, Krais, Oblasts, Districts, Urban Settlements, and Villages Serving as District Administrative Centers ] . Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   года [All-Union Population Census of 1989] (in Russian). Институт демографии Национального исследовательского университета: Высшая школа экономики [Institute of Demography at the National Research University: Higher School of Economics]. 1989 – via Demoscope Weekly .
• ↑ "Russian Census of 2021" . (in Russian)
• ↑ Перепись-2010: русских становится больше Archived December 25, 2018, at the Wayback Machine . Perepis-2010.ru (2011-12-19). Retrieved on 2013-08-20.
• ↑ Russian Federal State Statistics Service
• 1 2 3 "Arena: Atlas of Religions and Nationalities in Russia" . Sreda, 2012.
• ↑ 2012 Arena Atlas Religion Maps . "Ogonek", № 34 (5243), 27/08/2012. Retrieved 21/04/2017. Archived .
• ↑ "7 Jehovah's Witnesses Brutally Tortured in Russia, Spokesman Says" . February 20, 2019.
• Official website of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra Archived June 6, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
• Official site of Khanty-Mansi Duma (in Russian)
• Informational website of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra (in Russian)

Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia

• Airports 29

Latest comments about airports in Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia

air port Radushny

🔗 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 — Anonymous Flyer at Raduzhny Airport , Russia

Best landing strip in the world was there 1999

🔗 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 — @jmblanco430 at Kogalym International Airport , Russia

RUNWAY 17---108.50---173º

All comments

Academic Requirements

In order to study medicine at the University of Toronto, and in Canada generally, you must have some previous university experience and cannot enter a program directly from high school. The earliest you can apply is the beginning of your third year of undergraduate studies. There are different academic requirements depending on your educational background:

• undergraduate applicants
• graduate applicants
• internationally educated applicants

In addition, you must also satisfy the non-academic requirements .

Undergraduate Applicants

For students studying an undergraduate program at a Canadian university, the academic requirements are:

Bachelor's Degree

You must have completed at least three years of study (15 full course equivalents) towards a Canadian university bachelor's degree in any discipline by the end of April in the year you plan to start the MD Program.

• If you are applying in the final year of a three year or four-year degree program, you must complete the degree requirements and provide proof of completion prior to the date of enrolment in the MD Program.
• If you are applying in the third year of a four-year degree program, you must provide proof that you have completed the requirements of that year of your degree prior to the date of enrolment in the MD Program.

You are expected to have taken courses at a level corresponding with the year of your program.

• If you are applying for admission while registered in the third year of undergraduate studies, you should have at least three third-year or higher courses in your program. If you are in the fourth year of your program, you should be enrolled in a majority of courses at the third- and fourth-year levels. Please note that this is an expectation rather than a requirement.
• It is recognized that at times, students take courses in lower years for various reasons, such as a change in program or to complete subjects of interest or prerequisites that did not fit the academic schedule previously. If you have information about your academics that you feel is important for the Admissions Committee to know, please use the Academic Explanations Form within the OMSAS application.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

You must obtain a minimum GPA of 3.6 / 4.0 on the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) scale . The possession of the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee acceptance. Based on statistics from recent admissions cycles, a minimum GPA of 3.8 is considered competitive.

The calculated GPA used to fulfill the academic requirement will not include your current year of study, as this information is not available to us during the application period.

For more information, visit the calculation of GPA page .

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

You must write the MCAT before the application deadline and achieve the minimum MCAT score in each section of the test to be considered. Your MCAT score is not assessed competitively. Only MCAT scores obtained within five years of the application deadline will be considered. Only the most recent MCAT score will be considered.

Applicants must meet a threshold score of 125 in each section, with an allowance of 124 in one section. Students must meet this threshold to continue in the admissions process. Your MCAT score is not used competitively.

MCAT Fee Assistance Program for Canadians

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) are piloting a new fee assistance program for Canadian examinees in financial need who register for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). For more on this program and to apply, visit the AAMC website .

Prerequisite Courses

You must complete:

• two full-course equivalents (FCEs) in any life science
• one FCE in any of social sciences, humanities, or a language

For more information, visit the prerequisite courses page .

Academic Explanations Form

We understand that life is not always smooth. The optional Academic Explanation Form is for you, the applicant, to explain any circumstances that affected your academic performance and/or progress and to request special consideration.  

Completing the Academic Explanation Form

• You may list up to 3 circumstances on the Academic Explanation Form.
• Circumstance(s) may include, but not limited to, the following: academic enrichment, including participation in co-op, professional experience year, and/or exchange programs, second or professional undergraduate degrees, academic difficulty, personal, medical and/or other experiences.
• For each circumstance, provide the relevant timeframe, type of circumstance, impact(s) on academic performance or progress, and your special consideration request.

Consideration of the Academic Explanation Form

Your response will provide the Temerty Medicine Admissions Committee a snapshot of how you have been impacted by and managed these circumstance(s). Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and we will make best efforts to provide reasonable consideration.

OMSAS Disability-based Accommodation Requests

If you have an unaccommodated disability, you may request consideration in the undergraduate MD program admission process if you:

• were not aware that you had a disability or
• were not appropriately accommodated for a documented disability during your undergraduate and/or graduate studies.

This request applies only to the initial assessment of your OMSAS application.

For more information, visit OMSAS .

Graduate Applicants

Graduate students may apply if you have completed or are currently enrolled in the final year of your graduate program. If you will not be completing your graduate degree requirements by June 30 in the proposed year of entry, you will not be considered; this policy is strictly enforced. If you re-classify from one graduate degree to another during the application cycle, you will not be considered for admission. You must provide a graduate verifier that can confirm your completion date.

Our MD Program values a diverse applicant pool with students from all academic backgrounds. To acknowledge the academic challenge of undertaking graduate work, applicants pursuing graduate degrees will receive credit for their accomplishments during the file review process. Graduate applicants will receive credit for their graduate work based on the following categories:

• Doctoral degree conferred
• Doctoral degree in progress
• Research-based Master’s conferred
• Research-based Master’s in progress
• Course-based Master’s conferred

Please note that you are not able to update your application after the October 1st deadline.

Graduate Degree

You must have completed all program requirements, including the successful defense of your thesis (if applicable) by June 30 in the proposed year of entry (this deadline will be strictly enforced). If you have not yet received your graduate degree and are offered a position in the MD Program, you will be required to submit proof of successful completion of all requirements of your graduate program (including successful defense of a thesis, if applicable) prior to June 30 in the proposed year of entry. If you are offered a position on the expectation that your degree will be completed, and you are not able to meet this deadline, you will not be granted an admission deferral and will lose your seat in our program. We require a final transcript from you, as proof of conferral of your graduate degree.

You must obtain a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.3 / 4.0 on the OMSAS scale . Although graduate applicants may apply with the minimum required GPA of 3.3, the possession of the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee acceptance. Based on statistics from recent admissions cycles, a minimum GPA of 3.7 is considered competitive for graduate applicants.

For more information visit the GPA page .

Internationally Educated Applicants

If you are currently studying, or have completed your education, outside of Canada, you must have the following in order to be considered for admission:

• a completed non-medical bachelor's degree that is considered equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree in Canada

Transcripts from studies undertaken at universities outside of Canada must be submitted to  World Education Services (WES)  for assessment. For admission consideration we require a course-by-course evaluation that includes an overall GPA calculation. No WES Assessment required for applicants who completed their studies in the US.

If you are applying in the final year of your degree program, you must complete the degree requirements and provide proof of completion prior to the date of enrolment in the medical program. You must also fulfill all other academic requirements as listed here:

* Information for International Applicants

For fall 2025 entry, a limited number of supernumerary spaces will be allocated to specific international training programs that have contractual arrangements with the MD Program.

These supernumerary seats are non-funded seats and, as such, applicants who are considered through the International application stream must be enrolled in specific international training programs and cannot be citizens or permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada.

Email UME Enrolment Services if you have any questions regarding your eligibility to apply.

Related links

• If you are already an international medical student and are hoping to take an elective, we have a visiting electives program at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.
• If you are an international medical graduate hoping to undertake further training or an observership via the University of Toronto, you should contact Postgraduate Medical Education .
• If you are an internationally trained physician who is looking to practice medicine in Canada, please see the information for International Medical Graduates .