It is important to seek references from someone who can not only verify your academic ability but also comment on your personal characteristics and suitability to become a physician.
 What is meant by an 'academic reference'?
An academic reference is someone who can verify and discuss your ability to succeed in an academic degree, such as professor or supervisor, who has graded your academic work.  Academic references are not supervisors on work terms or placements who provide only written feedback on your placement performance and do not contribute to your graded work. References at the post-secondary level are strongly preferred; academic references from high school teachers are accepted but not advised.
 Is a criminal record check required?
A criminal record check is not required as part of the application process, however, all medical students are required by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador to have a criminal record check.
 Is there an academic cutoff, GPA or MCAT, for applying?
There is no minimum cumulative GPA or MCAT scores, however, applicants must demonstrate the ability to be competitive academically. Students must be able to demonstrate they can handle the heavy academic workload of medical school regardless of their GPA and/or MCAT scores. Applicants may not be excluded solely on the basis of academics IF other components of their application, like personal circumstances, work experience, and extra-curricular activities, and CASPer score merit further consideration. Applicants are assessed on an individual basis via a holistic approach whereby an applicant’s academic history, personal characteristics, and geographic background are considered in concert with personal circumstances and potential disadvantaging factors.
 How is the overall academic average/GPA determined?
An applicant’s overall academic average/GPA is determined by calculation of all courses taken each year at the University/College level. For grade conversion to Memorial University Grading System, please click Grade Conversion Chart.
 The grading system at my university is completely different than Memorial's; how should I report my grades?
In indicating your grades/GPA on the application, use the conversion table that is on your transcript if there is one. In order for the Admissions Office to evaluate your application you must be able to enter the annual and overall academic performance as a numerical average.
If your university issues letter grades only AND provides only a point conversion, use the grade conversion scale here to convert your letter grades to averages.
All grades entered by the applicant are verified internally via the official transcript from their corresponding university. Although an applicant indicates their grades on the application, the Admissions Committee's final decision is made using the official transcript and conversion table provided by the educational institution.
 How are applicants selected for interview?
Memorial employs a holistic process to review applications. The Interview Committee reviews all aspects of the application taking into consideration challenges and hardships disclosed by the applicant as well as achievements and noteworthy successes.
 
Selection for interview is not based solely on academic performance and MCAT score, however, all applicants must demonstrate an academic ability to handle a high workload. Equally important is a competitive CASPer score, work experience, and volunteering and/or community involvement.
 If I am not offered an interview, may I know why?
Applicants who are not invited for interview can seek feedback on their application until the end of the cycle, typically the end of June. Once a new cycle begins, requests for feedback on old applications are not provided and prospective re-applicants have the option for a general appointment.