Western University

• Program Status: Applicants must have completed, or be in their 3rd year of a 4-year program. Before the 2024-2025 cycle, Western had only accepted 4th-years and above for applications.
• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.70 is required in both of the applicant's 2 best undergraduate years (calculated according to the OMSAS Conversion Scale). Each of these years must be a full academic year (September to April) with at least 5 full or equivalent courses (30 credit hours). For each GPA-eligible year, at least 3.0 of those 5.0 courses must be at or above the level of study:
  • Year 1: ≥ 3.0 of 5.0 courses at the 1st-year level or higher
  • Year 2: ≥ 3.0 of 5.0 courses at the 2nd-year level or higher
  • Year 3+: ≥ 3.0 of 5.0 courses at the 3rd-year level or higher
  Note: The course level rule applies to the full September–April academic year — courses do not need to be split evenly across semesters.

There are no specific prerequisite courses or preferred degree programs for Western's medical school.

Western no longer has a traditional essay requirement. Please refer to the ABS section below.

Western does not use the traditional OMSAS ABS entries. Instead, applicants complete the Western ABS via Kira Talent after the OMSAS deadline. This includes both video and written components focusing on non-academic strengths, life experiences, and personal values. Your OMSAS ABS entries are not reviewed by Western.

Format

The Western ABS includes both video and written components. You will be prompted to pay a fee through Kira Talent when you begin. It is rumoured that the components closely follow previous years' essay topics:

• Teamwork and Leadership
• Respect for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization
• Social Accountability and Social Responsibility
• Self-directed Learning, Problem-solving and Critical Inquiry
• "About you"

What It Assesses

The Western ABS invites applicants to tell their story and share who they are beyond grades and test scores, providing opportunity to highlight:

• Non-academic strengths
• Impactful or transformative life experiences
• Personal values

By reflecting on your journey to applying to medical school, you help Western understand how you align with Schulich's mission to serve diverse communities with integrity and care.

Timeline

After the OMSAS application closes (October 1st), detailed instructions will be emailed to applicants on how to access and complete the Western ABS. Ensure your email address in OMSAS is current and accurate—Western will not request an alternate contact if your email is incorrect.

Tips for the Western ABS

• Practice with Kira Talent: Familiarize yourself with the platform before your actual assessment, as you will have limited time for each response.
• Video responses: Ensure good lighting, clear audio, and a quiet environment. Speak clearly and at a reasonable pace.
• Written responses: Type efficiently and stay focused on the prompt. Proofread if time permits.
• Be authentic: Share genuine experiences that reflect your values and character.
• Align with Schulich's values: Demonstrate compassion, advocacy, inclusion, equity, and a commitment to serving diverse communities.

Western's Schulich School of Medicine seeks candidates who demonstrate:

• Strong academic performance and intellectual curiosity
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership abilities and initiative
• Commitment to service and community involvement
• Understanding of the medical profession
• Ethical reasoning and professionalism
• Ties to Southwestern Ontario (for the regional stream)

Important Dates 2025-2026 Cycle

• Oct 1, 2025: OMSAS Submission Deadline
• Mid-October 2025: Western ABS Opens (via Kira Talent)
• Late October/Early November 2025: Western ABS Due (~2 week window)
• Late January/Early February 2026: Interview Invitations Sent
• Late February/Early March 2026: Interview Dates
• May 12, 2026: Offers of Admission

2025-2026 Interview Dates:

The interview dates for the 2025-2026 season have yet to be established.

Schulich uses a Virtual Panel Interview style (via Kira Talent) for its MD admissions.

Format:

The interview lasts approximately 30-45 minutes. The panel consists of 3 people: a physician, a community member, and a current medical student.

Interview Structure:

The interviews are structured and standardized. Questions may include personal, situational, ethical, or opinion-based prompts. The interview is very brief relative to the scope of questions, so practice answering concisely and efficiently.

Western ABS Assessment:

Note: Western also requires a separate Western ABS assessment on Kira Talent (with video and written components) completed after the OMSAS deadline—this is separate from the interview.

For more detailed interview advice, visit our Interview Guide.

Western has several named pathways for equity-deserving applicants. All pathway applicants benefit from a reduced MCAT cutoff of 125 per section instead of 126. There is also a formal process for submitting extenuating circumstances through OMSAS.