Why CASPer matters more in Canada
Canadian medical schools have, on average, 30-50 applicants per seat. CASPer became one of the few tools that can differentiate clinically thoughtful candidates from purely academically strong ones.
Several Canadian programs have run validation studies showing CASPer predicts professionalism outcomes in residency. This is why even programs that don't officially weight CASPer heavily still pay attention to it.
Ontario (OMSAS) — UofT, McMaster, Western, Ottawa, Queen's, NOSM
| School | CASPer required | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | Yes | Required, modest weight in file review |
| McMaster | Yes | Heavily weighted (33% of pre-interview score historically) |
| Western | Yes | Required; weight not publicly disclosed |
| Ottawa | Yes | Heavy emphasis on CASPer + Snapshot in pre-interview |
| Queen's | Yes | Required; integrated into multi-stage review |
| NOSM | Yes | Required; mission-fit emphasis pairs with CASPer |
Apply through OMSAS in early October. Take CASPer between July and November to ensure scores arrive in time. Nominate all OMSAS schools when registering — there's no per-school re-take.
Western Canada — UBC, U of A, U of C, U of S, U of M
| School | CASPer required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UBC | Yes | Required; combined with NAQ score |
| University of Alberta | Yes | Heavy weight in pre-interview file |
| University of Calgary | Yes | Pre-interview CASPer + interview stages |
| University of Saskatchewan | Yes | CASPer + autobiographical sketch |
| University of Manitoba | Yes | Significant weight in admissions formula |
Western Canadian schools tend to weight CASPer slightly higher than UofT or McGill. If you're a competitive Western applicant, target 4th quartile.
Atlantic — Dalhousie, Memorial
Dalhousie and Memorial both require CASPer. Both schools serve smaller applicant pools and CASPer plays a meaningful role in differentiating between similarly-credentialed candidates.
Memorial particularly emphasises mission-fit (rural, family medicine pathways) — which CASPer responses can demonstrate when scenarios touch on community context.
Quebec — McGill (note: French-language schools differ)
McGill requires CASPer for English-stream applicants. CASPer is required but is one of several pre-interview screens.
The three French-language Quebec medical schools (Université de Montréal, Université Laval, Université de Sherbrooke) have their own admissions process and don't universally require CASPer.
Timing your CASPer for Canadian applications
OMSAS and most Western applications close in early October. Counting backward:
- July sitting: safest — gives time for re-take in unlikely event of system failure.
- August sitting: still safe — most common sitting for OMSAS applicants.
- September sitting: last reliable date — scores delivered just in time.
- October sitting: risky — late scores may not reach all schools.
For most Canadian applicants, August is the optimal sitting: enough lead time, fresh memory if you've been studying, and no late-cycle anxiety.
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Start practising free →Frequently asked questions
Do all Canadian medical schools require CASPer?
All English-language Canadian medical schools require CASPer. The three French-language Quebec schools (UdeM, Laval, Sherbrooke) generally don't.
Which Canadian medical school weights CASPer the most?
McMaster has historically given CASPer roughly one-third of the pre-interview score weighting. University of Ottawa and the Western Canadian schools also weight it heavily.
When should I take CASPer for Canadian medical school?
August is the safest sitting for most OMSAS and Western applicants. July and September also work; October is risky for OMSAS deadlines.