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July 10, 2023

How to Write Competitive UofT MD Essays (BPE/ABS) 2023-2024

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Overview of the University of Toronto MD Program

The University of Toronto (UofT) MD program ,known as the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, is a 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

Don’t forget to check out our database of medical students/residents who can help perfect your application by clicking below:

The perfect consultant to help you with perfecting your medical school application!

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) 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?

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?

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.

How to Write Competitive UofT MD Essays (BPE/ABS) 2023-2024

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 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. Whether you’re addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in assessing medical school applicants or connecting Maria Tsvetaeva’s quote to your future career in medicine, your essay should have a narrative arc that engages the reader. 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:

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?”

In tackling this question, students could touch on multiple ethical considerations such as objectivity, fairness, transparency, and accountability. It is important to think beyond yourself, and really question and challenge the implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) both on a personal (microscopic) and societal (macroscopic) level. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the complexities of using AI as well as your critical thinking skills.

2) “The Russian poet Maria 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?”

For this question, you can reflect on your personal experiences and the transformative power of emotions in healthcare. Some important points to consider could be empathy, emotional intelligence, and the physician-patient relationship.

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! .

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☰ navigation, mastering the university of toronto medical school essay – part 1: the secret.

Categories: Application

Disclaimer: The following article was originally written in 2009 for the University of Toronto medical school admissions essay. Although the advice here is still useful for general medical school essays, since 2012, the University of Toronto medical school changed its admissions process to require the applicant write 4 Brief Personal Essays instead. Don’t fret – I have a written a new step-by-step guide to help applicants with these new 4 Brief Personal Essays.

I want to share a secret with you. It’s something I discovered last summer, and is the reason I believe my essay was successful in the University of Toronto medical school admissions process.

It began when a friend of mine (who by coincidence, or perhaps not, is also entering UofT medicine this fall) showed me the essay of one of his friends who was accepted into UofT’s medical school last year. The content of the essay was rather unexpected as it went against the common intuition of what the essay should include. I think most applicants think that the essay should be some sort of interesting piece that simply highlights the applicant’s accomplishments and qualifications for medicine – but if anything, this essay had a different overall focus.

Without getting into the specifics of the essay, I remember reading through it, and being rather engrossed in it. And when I finally finished the essay, I had this strong feeling inside of me – the essay made me want to help him get into medical school.

It wasn’t that the applicant was a Rhodes scholar, or published in a million journals, or had a resume that blew my mind. And it’s not like he had some traumatic life changing moment that made him want to be a doctor that moved me to tears. No, nothing like that. In fact, there was nothing particularly outstanding about him on paper that would make him stand out among any other random applicant.

I mean, let’s think about it. If I read that you’re a Rhodes scholar who has been on the front page of Nature magazine, I’m sure as heck going to be really impressed and think you have the sickest resume ever. But that isn’t necessarily going to give me this strong, deep feeling that I want to do whatever possible to help you become a doctor. I’m just going to think you’ve done some crazy cool things.

However, this essay was different – in his own words, he was able to make me, the reader (and potential admissions judges) want to help him get into medical school. And if there’s someone you want to have that feeling, it’s the person deciding whether you get an interview or not.

Why is this so powerful and how was his essay able to make me feel this way?

The fact is that, right now, there are too many qualified applicants for medical school spots. As a result, the admissions committee probably receives a lot of essays that present very qualified applicants – and I’m sure many of these applicants would make good doctors. But with so many applicants who could be “good, competent doctors”, how do you sift through them even further?

Think about it from the admissions committee’s perspective. Training a medical student involves making a significant investment of time and money. So they want to pick students who they think will be good long term investments .

The reason this person’s essay was so powerful was because he was able to demonstrate to the reader that he would go above and beyond as a physician – that he is seriously interested in being the best physician he could be for the long haul . He showed that he has put serious, mature thought into being a doctor, and that he wasn’t applying just for the heck of it. He demonstrated that it really does make sense for him to be a doctor.

When there is an abundance of talent and impressive resumes, “stats” alone aren’t good enough. And from the perspective of medical schools and health care, perhaps that’s rightly so. They want (and as patients, wouldn’t you?) candidates who won’t just be competent at their jobs, but will be dedicated day after day for the unforeseeable future – because dedicated individuals are more likely to make significant impacts in health care and in the community. An essay just focusing on accomplishments and qualifications, while impressive, isn’t enough to create that special feeling in the reader.

And while you might very well be that serious, long-term dedicated individual, as I’ve mentioned countless times before, no one knows that unless you tell them – and the same goes for the telling the admissions committee in your essay.

So how do we show this serious, long term interest and dedication?

Of course, we need to present these ideas in a structured manner in the context of the essay. The UofT admissions committee helps us out by presenting three items they want us to think about and answer within the 1000 word essay. It’s amazing not only how often applicants neglect the guidelines (either absentmindedly, or as if thinking they know better than to answer the actual questions the admissions committee want answered), or don’t spend enough time thinking deeply about those items and why they might be asked. These guidelines are provided for a reason. Without further adieu, here they are:

As a general guideline, the statement should address and discuss the applicant’s personal background, including particular interests and extracurricular experiences.
Candidates should outline their choice of, and preparation for, a career in medicine.
Applicants should also describe their premedical studies, expanding on what they have chosen to pursue and how this has prepared them for their future, including a career in medicine.

In the next three parts of this series, we will analyze each of these questions in terms of what they really mean, figure out why the admissions committee want to know about them, and therefore, what we need to be presenting in the essay. Moreover, we will study how we should be answering these questions in the context of the overarching concept of showing our long term dedication, and thus, making the reader want to help us become physicians.

Part 2: Background, Interests, and Experiences >>

Part 1 – The Secret
Part 2 – Background, Interests, and Experiences
Part 3 – Why Medicine and How Did You Prepare
Part 4 – How Your Premedical Studies have Prepared You for Medicine
Part 5 – Putting it All Together

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Medical School Application

How To Make Your University of Toronto Medical School Brief Personal Essay Stand Out

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. This is a key part of the University of Toronto Medical School’s admissions process that helps the admissions committee judge the applicants’ suitability for medical school. So, it goes without saying that you’ll have to pack a lot of punch into those 250 words in each brief personal essay!

In this blog, we’ll provide the latest* prompts for these essays, and their subsequent sample responses. We’ll also provide a few tips to help you write memorable essays that make your application stand out.

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 us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 6 min read

You need to submit 2 essays to meet the University of Toronto medical school brief personal essay requirements as part of their admissions process. As one of the top medical schools in Canada , the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine has a highly competitive admissions process. Even our own consultant, Dr. Jaime Cazes, has shared that after “applying to all Canadian medical schools and two in the United States, I only interviewed at one school; U of T.” In Dr. Cazes’ case, this was his top school – but this is also why he recommends students “apply broadly” and spend a lot of time fine-tuning their application components. To put it simply: In order to maximize your chances of getting accepted, you need to craft well-written, meaningful essays that demonstrate your suitability for medical school.

And, we understand that naturally, this can be a daunting task! While we work with students to prepare for a variety of post-secondary interviews and application components, medical school essays are something our consultants commonly assist with!

“Just had a very productive brainstorming session with Marianne. She provided me with some good advice and direction to write my essays for the University of Toronto. Overall, I enjoyed the session.” – Anonymous, Former BeMo Student and UofT Applicant.

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.

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.

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

University of Toronto Brief Personal Essay Prompts and Sample Response

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?

In the age where artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a cornerstone of our societal fabric, the integration of AI in medical school admissions prompts a profound ethical debate. Developing algorithms for such critical assessments demands a deep reflection on values like fairness, transparency, and accountability. It's paramount that these algorithms are designed to mitigate biases\u2014whether racial, gender-based, or socio-economic\u2014to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. Moreover, ethical considerations must include the privacy and security of applicants' data, ensuring it is used solely for the intended purpose of holistic evaluation. Societal implications also encompass the need for diverse medical professionals who can empathize and connect with patients from all walks of life, a quality not quantifiable by AI. As we tread this new frontier, the guiding principle should be the augmentation of human decision-making, not its replacement, to harness AI's potential while upholding the integrity and humanity of medical admissions. ","label":"Sample essay response #1","title":"Sample essay response #1"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

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?

Incorporating time to feel into my medical practice will be pivotal, as it encourages a holistic view of patient care. Recognizing the psychological, social, and emotional dimensions of health will enable me to treat patients more effectively, making their well-being my utmost priority. This perspective ensures that as a future physician, I will not only address the symptoms but also the human being experiencing them, embodying the art of medicine where feeling is as indispensable as thinking. ","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.

Our own consultant (whom we mentioned earlier), Dr. Cazes, not only studied medicine at U of T, but sat on the admissions committee. His best advice?:

“Start a personal statement with a compelling story, akin to the opening lines of a novel meant to hook the reader.”

He advises that 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. One of our consultants, Dr. Monica Taneja, reflects on her experience when she helps students navigate through various application components. Here's her advice:

“Don’t rush and (do) prioritize. The requirements for medical school are all tough! Don’t overload yourself on classes trying to knock out requirements as you don’t want to be spread too thin.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, BeMo Consultant.

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. As Dr. Cazes has recommended, “Treat it like a story. It needs to be REAL but it has to hook the reader.”

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. Dr. Taneja strongly recommends that you, “have a punch line.” By that, she means, “having 1-2 ‘sayings’ throughout your essay that give schools something to remember you by.”

Lastly, the conclusion of your personal statement should be insightful, captivating, and leave the reader with an impression, not just a summary. Remember, to quote Dr. Cazes: “It’s a real story that must hook and captivate the readers from beginning to end.” And, Dr. Taneja: “ Everyone’s path to validation is unique, but regardless of how you got to your medical application, you should detail your growth [from the opening line to conclusion of the personal essay].”

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.

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Uoft 2017 Essay Questions

By spotsanddots July 4, 2016 in University of Toronto Medical School

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July 9th last year (I think this was also the day the OMSAS cycle opened up)

July 16 this year

sandorclegane

The questions are released on OMSAS now. Here they are:

Question 1: Physician and author Abraham Verghese argues that the most important innovation to come in medicine in the next 10 years is human touch. Discuss.

Question 2: How does technology impact interactions and/or collaborative relationships among healthcare professionals?

Question 3: Describe an example of injustice that matters to you. How would a career in medicine allow you to better advocate in similar circumstances?

Question 4: What is your preferred style of learning? How has this impacted your educational development?

Is it just me, or do these questions seem a lot harder than the ones they've asked in previous years?

For sure, these questions are more thought provoking & challenging than in the past and will require considerably more thought, analysis, effort and writing skills. On the bright side, those who are able to kill the essays may well be able to make up for what would otherwise be considered a deficiency. And those who have otherwise presented an excellent application must rise to the occasion on these essays, lest they slip down in terms of competitiveness.

It seems that the selection process generally becomes more demanding every year (e.g., MCAT for U/O) and it is harder and harder to get into medical school. It is essential to apply broadly as you never can predict where lightning will strike!

Why do you think these are harder than past years questions--IMO they're easier!

It is a matter of opinion or perception. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, lol. For sure, they are all answerable, however, I happen to agree with the OP. Generally speaking, these are complex questions.

They aren't harder or easier imo, just different.

Interesting questions! They seem to stick to similar themes every year, just with more convoluted wording/questions the last few years it seems.

I might be biased....but at least they're trying to give you something interesting to write about. Makes it more enjoyable than the standard personal statement at least!

I think the questions are interesting! #1 in particular is going to be a fun one. Couldn't figure out what cluster it was designed for at first.

2 weeks later...

Wow.. why do we only get 250 characters for everything this year? We had many more characters last year did we not?

Nevermind.. words..

Nope...same as before

For question 1, I've watched Abraham's TED talk and it was quite interesting. I wouldn't really call the physical exam an innovation, more so an underused (from his prospective) but ancient practice. He brings up many valid points about how much information a doc can get from a very thorough physical and he is correct. One problem is that he over looks the practicality of modern medicine. No statistics here, but speaking from personal experience from myself and many others, doctors simply do not have the time to sit down for 45 minutes with a patient to listen to all their complaints/med history and give a thorough physical puts the appointment time to easily an hour! In my province (NS) the shortest wait time for a knee replacement is ~ 280 days and 150 for a consultation.His ideals maybe better for family medicine but there are definitely some problems for specialists. Thoughts?

I watched the TED talk and had similar thoughts too.. but the thing is we can only arrive at these thoughts AFTER watching the TED talk. There's nothing in the question itself that indicates Dr. Verghese is referring to the physical exam. So is the essay meant to be written while remaining ignorant to the content of the TED talk or is there some sort of implicit requirement to also watch the TED talk before answering the question?

I'm guessing this vagueness is probably intentional and it's up to us to choose which path to take.

RicardoKaká

I watched the TED talk and had similar thoughts too.. but the thing is we can only arrive at these thoughts AFTER watching the TED talk. There's nothing in the question itself that indicates Dr. Verghese is referring to the physical exam. So is the essay meant to be written while remaining ignorant to the content of the TED talk or is there some sort of implicit requirement to also watch the TED talk before answering the question? I'm guessing this vagueness is probably intentional and it's up to us to choose which path to take.

Choose how you want to express yourself and articulate it to the best of your abilities. This is what I did, while trying to include personal connections whenever possible.

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