Future Saint James School Of Medicine Student Fall 2023 - Canadian Student & A Little About me

Hi everyone! I was accepted to Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM) and will be attending in the upcoming Fall of 2023. I am a Canadian student who has been out of my undergrad for about two years now, I weighed my options and am really looking forward to attending school this year.

I received my acceptance in January and to be perfectly honest it was a back up plan. My partner and those around me were more excited for this acceptance, yet I do not know why but I can't shake this feeling of partial lack of accomplishment. Although, through this decision I know I will be way happier in school again pursuing my dream than banking on MAYBE getting an interview next cycle, or cycle(s) after that.

I applied to Ontario schools in Canada my first time around applying to medical school in 2020 going into my final year of undergrad. I received 0 interviews with a 515 MCAT score (128,128,129,130), CASPer score was not given out that year, 3.92 GPA (Ontario scale). Some main activities of mine included my own business from High School (chickens for 3 years), Personal Trainer for 2 years, volunteering at 2 different Hospices etc anyways no bites from schools. Looking back my application was not great (writing as well was so cringe hahaha) but still I believed I was an okay applicant.

I applied this cycle (2023 admission) to 16 American schools + 5 Ontario schools, been quite disheartening although which is usual for premeds these days. I genuinely believed I had a great shot this time around since I added a ton of new activities, fleshed out why medicine and practiced for interviews a lot.

Results: 16/16 rejections from American schools outright no II. Pre II Rejections from McMaster, UofT, Western, Queens-Lakeridge Family medicine, interview with Queens & Ottawa. Rejected post MMI at Queens, then Waitlisted (low af on speculated list) with Ottawa but basically a rejection. I felt great after my interview at Ottawa but clearly I was not the caliber I thought I was.

- Stats: Same MCAT, cGPA Ontario scale: 3.93, AMCAS scale 4.0 GPA. CASPer: American = 4Q & Canadian = 3Q. Preeview Exam 6/9.

- Activities: volunteering with Hospice in the community (3rd one over span of 5 years), working at a Toronto hospital in-patient surgery as a patient assistant >1y at the time FT, personal trainer, soccer coach, shadowing multiple physicians in ER + OR 60 hours ish, FT customer service >6months, owned chicken business during high school, Senior Systems Anatomy/Lab Volunteer for two years. Heavy focus on employment, volunteering, shadowing, school and sports/hobbies (eg. I play soccer, workout all the time and rock climb), have honestly not got around to much research which I definitely will before residency apps.

I really believed I had a great shot this year and have been thinking back on my potential downfalls. Writing seems to be a possibility, although I spent so long on those dang essays and everyone I had read it. Missing research as well, interview skills, I don't know. I am honestly just so happy SJSM has given me an opportunity to still pursue my dream. I have a full-ride scholarship with the school (MCAT + essay) so it will be a reduced cost which is fantastic.

I just wanted to put all this out here for anyone on reddit to see as I could not find much recent information available on SJSM as an incoming student. I am hoping to practice in the States after I am done my 20 months on the island, also am open to specialties like Family Med, Internal Med, Surgery, Trauma Surg and Pediatrics but I am sure one will have my heart after clinical rotations.

If any students attending/attended SJSM or have stories about their journey through the school/matching I would really appreciate it. Additionally, maybe any Canadian students who have went through this process please I would love to hear from you & your experience.

Even anyone wanting to comment their thoughts please do!

I appreciate anyone who read my little premed story lol, thank you for your time! :D

EDIT: Sep 2024. Been here in Anguilla for a year and now in MD4. MD5 is online due to the Anguilla campus being closed down and I’ll be in Toronto from Jan - Apr then write my Step 1 in May. Will be in clinicals in Chicago starting August after passing Step.

If anyone wants to chat about the unfiltered SJSM experience don’t be afraid to send a PM. I’ve loved it here and it’s been an amazing experience. Got involved with tons of clubs, visited all the gorgeous beaches + played competitive soccer here on the island for almost two seasons. Cheers!