GETTING INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL Tips and Advice from a Recent Undergraduate

By Jessica Malin

Spring 2009

THE BASICS

Be on top of your game – start planning early!

Have a true desire to become a doctor – don’t put yourself through it for any other reason.

Prepare yourself to work hard – but learn how to balance with activities you enjoy.

Understand the realities of getting into medical school – keep a positive attitude and an open mind!

General Advice

IMPORTANT FACTORS 1

Maintaining a competitive GPA is necessary: Most schools have an

average of 3.6-4.0 GPA is the number one

factor that schools consider

If you can’t keep a high GPA in college, chances are, medical school will be too tough to handle

If you are having trouble in college: Talk to an advisor Change your study

habits Consider switching

majors and only taking necessary pre-requisites

Don’t give up or be too hard on yourself!

Grades

IMPORTANT FACTORS 2

All schools require certain undergraduate classes: 1 year of Biology 1 year of Inorganic

Chemistry 1 year of Organic

Chemistry 1 year of Physics 1 year of Math (1

semester each of calculus and statistics)

1 year of English

Some schools require or recommend other courses, usually: 1 semester of

Biochemistry 1 semester of Genetics Some breadth in the

social sciences or humanities

Check out school websites to see their individual requirements

Pre-Requisites

IMPORTANT FACTORS 3

MCAT is equally as important to grades

Total score is out of 45: Physical Sciences: 15 Verbal Reasoning: 15 Biological Sciences: 15 Writing Sample: J-T

Competitive score is about 30 and above

Take at end of junior year

Get a study book or study old class notes

Taking a preparatory course is helpful Kaplan Princeton Review

Study A LOT!

Medical College Admission Test

IMPORTANT FACTORS 4

Medical schools want to see that you have been exposed to the field: Work in a hospital or

clinic Shadow a doctor Become an EMT

Begin gaining experience as soon as possible – don’t wait!

Volunteer hours are basically required to get into medical school Search for

opportunities at local hospitals or clinics

Put time in at nursing homes or with sick children

Find something you enjoy and stick with it!

Medical Experience

Volunteer

IMPORTANT FACTORS 5

Have other hobbies or interests besides getting into medical school

Leadership positions look very impressive on an application

Don’t join a million clubs and barely get involved – pick one or two that you enjoy and dedicate your time to them!

Research is one of the best activities you can get involved with See if your university

has research programs with local hospitals

Dedicate a good amount of time, but make sure it’s something you’re interested in

Attempt to get published!

Activities

IMPORTANT FACTORS 6

Required from three to five professors, depending on the school

Also helps to have one from a volunteer or research mentor Ask early, but only ask

those who could write you an effective letter

Get to know your professors more than just sitting in their class!

Essay defining who you are and why you want to be a doctor

Required for the primary application Be honest and be

yourself Write many drafts Have 10 people read

and critique it before you submit it

Recommendations Personal

Statement

THE NEXT STEP

Use the American Medical College Association Service (AMCAS) – this common application will get sent to every school you indicate, making it easier and hassle-free to apply!

Applications open June 1st – begin filling it out as soon as possible the year prior to desired matriculation Schools have rolling

admissions, so the earlier, the better!

Research schools to decide which you are competitive for and would like to go to Average number to apply

to is between 14-18 Use a book like the

Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) to help

Aim for schools around your region – admissions are very local

Application Time

YOU’RE ALMOST THERE..

After the primary application is processed, you will start to receive secondary ones from individual schools Fill these out as soon as possible – there are lots of essays,

so start writing immediately! Keep a spreadsheet to organize yourself – write down what

applications you have sent in and what fees you have paid (remember that this part can get expensive!)

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a lot at first – remember that there are thousands of applicants and you need to be patient!

Read all instructions: Some schools want it faxed, some want it online, some want a paper copy. Make sure you know exactly what you need for each school.

Secondary Applications

THE LAST STEP

When you get an interview, you have passed the numbers part of the admissions process

The interview is a huge factor in admissions and the last chance you have to sell yourself

Schools want to see if you are personable and can communicate – basically if you have the people skills needed to be a doctor!

In order to have a good interview: Get informed about the

particular school Read up on current events,

health care, and politics Know why you want to be a

doctor and where you stand on ethical issues

Be confident and relaxed If you don’t know the answer,

be honest Wear a suit and look

professional BE YOURSELF!

Interviews

YOU DID IT!

Be proud of yourself for sticking with your goal and achieving it!

If you have a choice, consider the cost, location, and opportunities at each specific school

Have it narrowed down to one school by May 15th

Get excited!

If you are not content with your outcome: Try to improve the

weaker parts of your application and re-apply next year

Consider applying to DO or international schools

Stay positive!

On your way to becoming a doctor..