Support To Entry Program (STEP)
STEP is designed to address barriers that systemically-disadvantaged groups encounter when preparing to enter medicine and health science studies. It has been developed in collaboration with CSM students.
STEP for Undergraduate Medical Education (UME)
Applications for STEP-UME participants are ongoing throughout the year. STEP initiatives for UME (medical school) applicants include:
A workshop with practice MMI cases is offered annually for those STEP applicants who applied for medical school Canada for the upcoming admissions year.
Mock MMI workshops for medical school typically take place in January and February. STEP participants will be contacted as opportunities arise.
STEP participants will be contacted as opportunities arise.
A free MCAT Preparation course is offered in the spring to STEP participants. Sessions are planned for June 2026. STEP participants will be contacted once registration opens.
We thank the University of Toronto Community of Support (COS) Program for their assistance in developing this course.
A limited number of MCAT resource materials to help applicants prepare for the MCAT exam are available, such as donated previously-used books. STEP participants will be notified when materials are available.
Prospective applicants will be matched with a current student at CSM who will provide guidance related to the application process, interview support, and general questions about medical and/or graduate health science studies. The mentorship program is available for those applying for medical school and those applying to enter graduate health science.
STEP for Masters of Physicians Assistant Studies (MPAS)
For the 2025-26 Application Cycle, individuals who will be submitting their MPAS application by the January 9, 2026 deadline can sign up for STEP.
Those applying to MPAS through a Parallel Admissions Pathway are required to submit a 500-word essay. Linked below is a handout that provides guidance on preparing a Admissions Pathway essay.
An info session from current MPAS students on tips for writing the MPAS application essay. To be notified for dates and access to recordings for the info session, sign up for STEP.
An info session for tips for the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) conducted as part of the MPAS application process. To be notified for dates for the info session, sign up for STEP.
Interested in participating in STEP? Apply below!
Questions? Email us at step@ucalgary.ca