Two offers, one journey: The Anphalagan twins on getting into TMU together

On May 12, 2025, also known as Offer Day, identical twins Shurabi and Swathi Anphalagan, found themselves where they have so often been: together. 

“We were both at home with our laptops, just refreshing over and over again,” said Shurabi. “It was a very nerve-wracking morning.” 

For many hopeful MD students, Offer Day is more than just a date on the calendar. Every year in the second week of May, Canadian medical schools release their first round of offers of admission to aspiring medical students, first by email, while remaining competitive candidates are placed on a waitlist.

The twins knew the odds were stacked against them. The sisters needed to secure two spots out of only 94 available in order to be a part of the inaugural class. Little did they know at the time, but they were up against 6,400 other eager applicants vying for a spot at TMU. That’s an acceptance rate of 1.46 per cent. 

Their entire family was nearby, offering reassurance and prayers as they waited. When the offers finally appeared, they saw them at the same time. Both were accepted as MD students as part of the inaugural class at the TMU School of Medicine.

“We just started crying,” said Swathi. “Tears were rolling down our faces and we were ecstatic that we got in.” 

For their grandparents, one question came first. “They rushed in and asked if we could stay home for medical school,” Swathi said with a laugh. “That was their biggest concern.” 

Growing up in Brampton, attending TMU felt deeply personal. “It’s the community we know best,” said Shurabi. “Being able to learn and train here, and doing it together, is something really special and we’re very grateful.” 

The sisters have approached their journey as a team. “We never saw it as a competition,” Swathi explained. “It was always us together trying to reach the same goal.” 

That mindset continued into their first year as medical students, where they found a strong sense of community amongst their peers. 

“Even small things, like someone sharing their notes or helping you understand a concept, makes a huge difference,” she said. “It’s a very supportive environment.”