top pre med guide1

www.toppremed.com Top Pre Med Guide

TM

Top Pre Med Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Medical School

By

Sean Amos, M.D.


TM

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the many premeds, medical students, physicians and admission committee members

who have taught us the secrets of how to (and how not to) get into medical school.

Top Pre Med Guide. Top Pre Med Guide is a trademark of Veneratio Publishing, Inc. Copyright © 2010 by

Veneratio Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any

manner without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or

reviews. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Veneratio Publishing, Inc. is not

associated with any product or vendor or website mentioned in this book.


TM

Table of Contents

I. High School

II. College Life

III. Letters of Recommendation

IV. Extracurricular Activities

V. The MCAT

VI. The Personal Statement

VII. The Interview

VIII. Bonus Chapter: Taking Time Off


TM

Introduction

“When I grow up, I want to be a doctor.”

If the previous statement caught your eye, then chances are you have expressed a similar

sentiment at some point in your life. And while many have declared this aspiration, few students

comprehend what their ambition truly entails – the sacrifices, the dedication, and the ultimate

satisfaction upon reaching that goal. To fully capture all the twists, turns, and challenges that lay

ahead in medicine, there is only one quintessential authority to turn to.

The goal of high school and college students to become a physician is common. After

all, the honor of donning the white lab coat, the glisten in the eyes of a proud parent, and the

intense satisfaction of helping others is exciting and seductive. Nevertheless, choosing medicine

as a career craves a certain degree of reflection. In other words, you must identify the source of

your ambition.

To borrow a philosophy found in countless superhero movies, the key to your future lies

in your past. What lead you to the resolution to become a doctor in the first place? Though it

may appear to be a pointless exercise at the moment, being able to pinpoint that initial spark will

help shape the choices you will make as a premed. Did a defining moment during the course of

your life solidify your medical objective? Perhaps a life-changing event nudged you toward this

new path that you had not intended to take. Or perhaps you sprang from the womb complete with

a monogrammed lab coat wielding a miniature stethoscope. Whether it is simple and understated

or shocking and wacky, everyone has a story.

The great Yogi Berra, a former baseball player and manager, once declared, “If you don't

know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” Figuring out your core desires

will intensify your focus and eliminate any distractions you might encounter down the road.

Think of it this way, without solid understanding of why you chose this particular calling, the

trials ahead can easily discourage you. The admissions committees have a keen eye for those

who have sincere passion and motivation for applying to their medical schools. These students

shine and glisten.

Uncovering the “why” is half the battle. But once you have met that challenge, a truly

exciting adventure awaits you. And though your voyage is Herculean, once you have arrived at


TM

your ultimate destination, you will be awarded humanity‟s most meaningful reward: the chance

to save a life.

Why Read This Book?

In any given year medical schools are flooded with approximately 35,000 applicants.

One out of three of these candidates will be accepted. More daunting still, medical schools are

witnessing a steady spike in the number of applicants over time: from 33,625 in 2002 to 42,231

in 2008.

Blame it on the popularity of medical dramas glorifying the medical lifestyle with

inconceivably gorgeous cast members and eleventh hour, life-saving solutions. Credit it to the

myriad scientific breakthroughs and pioneering discoveries that parade across the headlines and

into public awareness. You can even attribute it to the uncertainty of the nation‟s economic

future as the financial stability of a medical career grows increasingly alluring. Whatever the

reason, the attraction to medicine as a career is growing stronger.

Unfortunately, this trend translates into new applicants facing a greater competition.

Therefore, short of weeping hysterically, what can a student do to fight these overwhelming

odds?

First, breathe. Remember, oxygen is your friend.

Secondly, resume reading.

Though times and numbers of candidates may change, the rules of the game have not.

Regardless of any rumors you may have heard, the selection process is anything but arbitrary.

Rest assured, no straws are drawn, no names are picked out of hats, and no rounds of musical

chairs are performed. Schools are still avidly pursuing qualified, motivated, and exceptional

candidates to grace their halls. And while premedical students inherently understand that high

test scores and excellent grades are part of the big picture, the rest of the equation remains

sketchy and nebulous.

What does it take to transform into a desirable applicant? The Top Pre Med Guide is set

to unlock the secrets, fill in the missing pieces, and clarify the picture. What you have before

you is not merely a guide but a powerful tool to make the admission process fun (yes, fun), and

effective. Time and time again, undergrads fall into the same traps: major in biology, take

honors science classes, and volunteer in a hospital or two. They then sit back and expect medical

schools to come calling. The theme throughout the book is to aid you in navigating around those


TM

pesky obstacles, but, more importantly, help you discover what makes you that unique, leap-off-

the-page candidate that med schools salivate over.

Over the years, students have unwittingly passed on some outrageous stories, myths, and

downright lies to one another in an effort to learn more about the application process. Take care

in listening to the tidbits of information that pass through your hands. True, a handful of

students may have some genuine knowledge about the actual process. On the whole, however,

students are frequently repeating - and exaggerating - what they have heard, either from popular

rumors or their second cousin twice removed who was supposedly admitted into Princeton

Medical School. (FYI, Princeton doesn‟t have a medical school.)

Whether you‟re embarking upon this journey as a high school student or on the verge of

submitting your application as an undergraduate, there are chapters dedicated to every phase of

your premed life. We have compiled the most relevant and current advice, experiences, and tips

from the minds of students and alumni of the top schools in the country. We‟ll reveal the “5,5,5

Rule” of med school selection, cure the “Bigger Is Better Syndrome”, and explain why you

should audition for “American Idol”.

Interested?

If so, then sit back, relax, and prepare to soak in the wisdom.


TM

Chapter One: High School

“If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it.”

-- William Arthur Ward

One trait of medical career is that, while it is fine to start later in life, it is also great to

start early.

High school is, by definition, academically restricted. Much of your four years has

already been charted for you without your personal input, from your schedules to your teachers

to your courses. You rarely select your own assignments. Your presence in class is not only

necessary, it is mandatory. To make matters worse, you can‟t even choose to skip those barbaric

tests of survival in gym known as “Dodge Ball”. Fortunately, what you lack in educational

freedom, you make up for in optimism, diligence, and confidence in your own academic

aptitude. What you also have is a valuable ally: time.

If you have flipped to this chapter, chances are, you are currently enrolled in high school

(or you just love reliving the glorious days of braces, erratic hormones, and heinous curfews) and

wondering how to gain entrance into medical school. A majority of admissions literature will

neglect your high school years and cite college as the true start to your premedical path. We

disagree. In truth, a student takes his first step down the premed path the instant he contemplates

a career in medicine. But the most important thing premed students can do in high school is

research. Explore all of your options while pressures are low, monetary concerns are slight, and

time is on your side.

Majors, Minors, and Everything in Between

Somewhere atop a frigid, craggy mountain top, accompanied by sinister claps of thunder

and flashes of lightning, stands a stone tablet on which the ominous words “All premeds shalt

major in science” are etched.

Not surprisingly, this lore is more legendary and enduring among students than any

mythical tales of Loch Ness monsters or Big Foot. Most premeds accept that a science major

comes with the territory. These students then pour their energy into a subject which they may

not sincerely delight in nor possess a natural flair for. But what is the point of such sacrifice?

The issue is not whether a science major will impress the admissions committee. The question


TM

is: will my attempts create an impact if the end result consists of low GPA‟s and an unsatisfying

college experience?

Don‟t get us wrong, we are in no way knocking biology or science majors. Truth be told,

few of us could have survived four years of medical school plus three sleepless years of

residency without a strong affinity for science. However, unless you cannot imagine life without

discovering what wacky principles that dreamy Isaac Newton holds in store today; unless you

worship at the altar of your own Louis Pasteur shrine; and unless you find yourself doodling

“Mrs. Albert Einstein” encased in miniature hearts on every blank canvas, do consider another

area of study.

In reality, most medical schools actually require only one year in each of the following

science courses:

Physics

Biology

General Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

English

Math

That‟s it. There is plenty of room left on your undergraduate plate for all types of

academic exploration. Go on and delve into the world of Shakespearean theater. Discover your

inner Poe in creative writing. Feel free to survey the practical uses of Native American tribe

masks, probe into the lives of Nanook Eskimos, or even master a foreign language (or two). A

high GPA will invariably outweigh and outshine any choice of a major. A sure-fire way to

perform your absolute best is to get a kick out of the courses and subject you are undertaking.

Premed Myth # 1 The road to medical school is paved with a science major.


TM

As an added bonus, should your career path one day steer you from a life in medicine, you will

still possess a degree in a subject which you enjoy and prize.

Though she meant well, Flo actually boxed herself academically into a corner by

choosing her major out of fear. She left few opportunities to explore the area of study she

wished and was compelled to focus on a less desirable and more demanding subject. She would

eventually have squandered away a golden opportunity to hone her journalistic talents and

socialize with experienced faculty members who could point her in the right direction, possibly

walking away with a marvelous internship as a result. In short, Flo would have missed out on

what college was really all about.

The Sobering Advantage

The encouragement to major in a non-science will be taken to heart by some students,

viewed with skepticism by others, and regarded as a challenge by the rest. Despite appearances,

selecting a major requires plenty of self-knowledge and, to some degree, courage to veer off the

beaten path. That‟s all right. We understand the premed compulsion to stick to the tried-and-

true and that nagging fear of displeasing the admissions committee. The problem is that students

always fret that becoming a non-science major would position them at a severe disadvantage

compared to their bio/chem counterparts. A belief, in reality, that is not only false, but a reversal

of the facts.

Non-science majors possess the upper hand. Period. These candidates love their major,

are passionate about it, and the result is a well-rounded student with a high GPA. Their

unconventional major makes the applicants unique, and “unique” is the magic password to the

land of medical school. The American Medical Association reported that only about 38-40% of

science majors (biology, chemistry, biochem, physics, microbiology, physiology, etc.) are

actually accepted into med school. Compare this statistic to non-science majors (English,

Premed Myth # 2 Science majors have a higher chance of being admitted into

medical school


TM

history, philosophy, economics, anthropology, etc.), who all boast a staggering 47-53%

admissions rate. In other words, HALF of all non-science majors have a great shot of

admittance.

Science majors naturally bear a heavier, more time-

consuming workload than most of their classmates. In addition,

students who double major with science struggle more since they

become consumed with serving two demanding mistresses.

Imagine the difficulty in trying to enjoy yourself or even pick up

any meaningful extracurricular activities when you barely have

time to lift your nose from the grindstone. If you still find yourself

torn between science and another subject, an alternative course of

action is to dabble in biology as an elective or a minor. This will

allow you to choose only the science courses that attract you, and

not force you into a constrained curriculum. Whatever your final decision, dare to take the road

less traveled. Your college experience will be more gratifying and your application more

exceptional, not to mention more inviting, to the admissions committee.

The Next Level

Contrary to popular belief, the road to medical school is not lined with Ivy League

college graduates and students with perfect test scores. Instead, this trail is blazed with

perseverance, discipline, and a healthy dose of sacrifice. After a bit of soul searching and careful

consideration about your major, the subsequent step is to explore which college specializes in

your subject. Every year, high school seniors apply to top tier universities by the truckloads,

praying they are suited for the institutions. Yet they rarely pause to consider that the institutions

might not be suited for them.

Premed Myth # 3 A more renowned university always means a higher acceptance

rate to medical school.

According to the

American Medical

Association,

students who

double major with

a science fare the

worst. Only 28% of

them are actually

accepted into

medical school.

Stunning Stats


TM

Students frequently despair about the improbability of their medical school chances when

they are not admitted into the prestigious college. Chalk this up to a measure of premed ego

more than a true indicator of your medical school chances. By the way, you will soon discover

that in this profession of medicine, ego is one of the first things to go.

But first, a light must be shed on a dirty little secret. The name and reputation of a

university makes little difference! (You may want to tattoo it somewhere, folks. This idea will

come into play later on.) The logic is simple. With the exceptions of a few classes catered to

your major thrown in, the first two years for all undergraduates are nearly identical across the

board: science, math, English, humanities, etc. In other words, the curriculum is an accelerated,

advanced repeat of your high school days … minus the embarrassing acne and unsavory mystery

meat.

What a collegiate decision then comes down to is a question of personality and major

specialization. Students should evaluate whether they thrive best in a larger classroom or a more

modest setting. In addition, a majority of colleges possess a solid background in a certain

academic field. Selecting the one that corresponds to your career choice will ensure that you

obtain the best possible learning experience from professors who are experts in their line of

work. As an added bonus, larger, more “famous” universities typically enjoy a knowledgeable

advisory staff that can help you navigate the sometimes choppy waters of undergraduate life.

Though these four-year institutes naturally have their benefits, they can also possess an

impersonal climate and academically competitive atmosphere.

If you choose to attend a smaller or less well-known college, (or even a community

college) understand that medical school is by no means out of your reach. While this path may

skirt the untraditional side, smaller or less well know colleges offer their own unique set of

benefits. They often boast higher student-teacher ratios, which means that your chances of

connecting with instructors and fellow classmates increases. These types of schools may also

possess a more interactive classroom setting to enhance learning and a smoother high school-to-

college transition. However, the temptation to pile activities on your plate will be powerful. Do

not attempt to juggle too many pursuits at once or you will risk fumbling them all. Maintain

your academic focus and keep your career goals in sight at all times.

Before deciding which college is perfect for you, do a few hours of research on different

colleges prior to submitting your applications. Log on to school websites and inspect courses


TM

and specialties. Grab a handful of promotional pamphlets from your advisor‟s office. Most

universities also offer campus tours for high school students, which includes an exploration of

campus grounds with a guide, attendance of live lectures, and tailing a college resident for a day.

Such programs are fantastic mediums for curious seniors to ask questions and determine the

college‟s classroom environment and specialty first hand. Then compare the competition and

eliminate according to your set standards, such as cost, distance, curriculum, teacher-student

ratio, and major specialization.

Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)

It is every ambitious pre-med‟s fantasy: acceptance into a prestigious university and a

secured spot on their medical school roster – all before you graduate high school. (Careful,

you‟re drooling on the keyboard). Several universities, such as the University of Pittsburg and

Mercer University, are teaming up with The Honors College to offer outstanding high school

seniors automatic admission to their medical schools upon completion of the university‟s

academic requirements. Although test scores and other conditions may vary by state, the

common minimum requirements are as follows:

1. At least a combined SAT score of 1240 or an ACT score of 29.

2. At least a 3.4 GPA.

3. U.S. Citizenship

Qualified candidates are then selected for two rounds of interviews and must submit personal

essays as well as letters of recommendation.

With its apparent benefits, the GAP is not without its drawbacks. Apart from its rigid and

demanding nature, the GAP is designed for students who are committed to the path of medicine

early. The requirement appears perfectly innocuous, the equivalent of deciding upon your

favorite candy… before you set foot inside Willy Wonka‟s Chocolate Factory. Though it varies

by school, here are a few conditions you should weigh:

All undergraduate courses MUST be completed at that university

Submission of an honors dossier before graduation


TM

A minimum score of 28 on the MCAT with no subject score lower than 9.

Maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA (trust us, this is no easy task)

Major in science-related field (a potential pitfall, as you‟ll see later on)

Complete required honor science courses (another chancy move)

Therefore, before hastily jumping aboard, talk with your school advisor and parents to

determine whether programs like this are suitable for you. College, like Mr. Wonka‟s famous

confection plant, will expose you to endless options and attractive varieties. Finalizing a choice

before experiencing a key chapter in your life may ultimately be a risky and problematic

maneuver. Remember, this is simply an OPTION, not a requirement. Such a significant

commitment should not be made on whim. Weigh all the alternatives, analyze your passion for

medicine and, most of all, get plenty of helpful feedback! Good luck!

Chapter Two: College Life

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

-- Robert Collier

Academic Life

Without a doubt, college is a liberating experience.

Some of you will experience this freedom physically as you load up the car and head off

into territories unknown. Others of you may experience this liberty internally as your reliance on

your parents diminishes while you learn to think critically and formulate your own decisions.

But all of you will experience this independence academically as you design personal

curriculums, choose professors, and organize your own schedules. In short, from this moment

on, your life becomes your own.

For this reason, undergraduate life can also be one of the most stressful stages of a

premed‟s journey. Adjustment from the pace of high school to the accelerated pace of college

requires speedy adaptation on your part. The completion of classroom assignments is left


TM

entirely up to you with no prodding or attentive supervisions from your professors or parents.

Your academic responsibility must then battle the temptation of procrastination on a daily basis.

Finally, you must also learn to manage your time wisely by juggling academics, extracurricular

activities, and a social life (we realize that this may be a foreign concept to some of you).

But for all its inherent anxiety, college also provides a truly unique and exciting

experience. You will run across a broad cross-section of the campus population – a variety of

cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs that will each teach you something new about the world and

about yourself. You will connect with faculty members who will provide wisdom as well as help

you network with other professionals. You will join campus social clubs, fraternities, or

sororities, forming life-long bonds with your fellow classmates while sharing similar interests.

All in all, college offers a remarkable occasion to experiment, obtain knowledge, and discover

yourself – an opportunity that may not pass you by again.

A Dangerous Affliction

Premeds, more than any other students on campus, constantly seem to be in a mental

frenzy to achieve more, perform better, and rank higher. This is understandable, considering the

level of competition for medical school. This ambitiousness is partly a throwback to the days of

high school. A time when academic success is routine for many premeds and failure is not only

unacceptable, it‟s not even a vocabulary term. These students then carry that overachieving

mentality over to their undergraduate life. Here, deprived of any Advanced Placement classes to

boost admissions chances, premeds decide to tackle additional upper-division biology courses to

impress the med school board instead.

We call this assumption the “Bigger is Better Syndrome”. Unfortunately, all students are

in danger of succumbing to this affliction at some point in their undergraduate life. No one is

immune.

Premed Myth # 4 Extra upper-divisions science classes automatically boost an

applicant‟s chances of getting into medical school.


TM

There are two main methods of contraction. The first is via premed-to-premed contact.

The Student A witnesses his biology-major colleagues feverishly hoarding upper-division

science courses like a rabid chipmunk. Feeling abandoned and disadvantaged, Student A begins

itching to do the same. He or she wants to compete and hopes that such actions will thaw the

glacial hearts of the admissions panel. The second means of infection can only be described as

autoimmune. When the Student B‟s obsession with boosting his science GPA triggers the

“excessive-science”, or “overachieving” cells to viciously assault the body‟s “common-sense”

cells. The result is development of tunnel vision, as the student focuses mainly on their science

classes at the expense of all other academic subjects. Prognosis: bleak. Left untreated, patients

could experience premature burnout or decline of grade point averages, ultimately leading to

denial of admission by the med school committee.

Fortunately, this hideous disorder may be prevented by performing any or all of the

following:

1. Enroll only for upper division science courses that genuinely interest you.

2. Concentrate on excelling in the basic sciences.

3. Avoid registering for more than three science courses at any one time if at all

possible. (Hey, save those sleepless nights for your residency years!)

4. Covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing

5. Wash your hands frequently.

(All right, the last two rules really have nothing to do with class registration. They are, however,

represent fantastic social etiquette.)

Students rarely enroll in difficult biology courses out of sheer fascination for the subjects.

Not surprisingly, only a handful winds up with a truly impressive grade to show for their efforts.

Even those who do obtain incredible marks hardly ever acquire an edge over the competition

since, unlike AP classes, you do not receive bonus points for taking these classes. A more

effective route: register for upper-division courses that do spark your interest. You are much

more likely to learn more and score higher. You will have your fill of science courses once you

reach med school. But when will the opportunity to enroll in “Cult Films 101” or “Proper

Graffiti Techniques” ever come your way again once you graduate? College life is short, live it

to the fullest.


TM

If you‟re also relying on upper-division biology to boost your science GPA, think again.

This policy frequently backfires. For one thing, upper-divisions frequently consist of complex

theories that draw upon concepts introduced in the basic sciences. Needless to say, performing

well in upper-division classes largely hinges on you having excelled in your introductory science

courses in the first place. Secondly, science prerequisites are usually part of a university‟s

general education curriculum and are, therefore, filled by a wide range of students. Some are

less adept at these subjects than others and will therefore lower the exam curves, which proceeds

to work in your favor. Unfortunately, this advantage is removed in upper division science

classes. These classes are primarily populated by science majors who regard their textbook as a

learning tool and not a handy coaster or doorstop. In other words, stiffer competition will be

headed your way. Your best course of action is to excel in the introductory sciences that are

actually required by medical schools. If you perform well in those classes, you will eliminate

the desperation to make up for your mediocre science GPA later on. Remember, quality will

trump quantity any time of night, any day of the week.

Old Habits Die Hard

Students traveling the path to a medical career are industrious by nature, with scholastic

success often as familiar to them as a childhood friend. Like skilled athletes, they possess

specific game plans which they rely on to guide them through uncharted waters. And since these

strategies have rarely failed, there has never been a need to change them. Thus, in their college

years, many premeds once again turn to their trusty high school practices to help them succeed

and, ultimately, obtain an invitation to med school. Along the same vein of racking up gratuitous

upper-division sciences is the compulsion to tackle every honor courses ever created to prove

their intelligence and stand out from the pack. Unfortunately, college (and medical school) is an

entirely different ballgame.

Premed Myth # 5 Honors classes are the keys to a med school‟s heart.


TM

Contrary to popular belief, triple honor courses per quarter or semester are completely

unnecessary to impress the admissions committee. (Such a curriculum would be barbaric… and

a bit silly.) In a way, enrolling in all honors courses is comparable to jumping across the Grand

Canyon on a motorcycle: a remarkable feat…but only if you can pull it off. Of course, the

stunt‟s not nearly so memorable if gravity dictates that you plunge headlong towards the bottom,

break every bone in your body, and set evolution back another couple of decades. When

reviewing college transcripts, all the committee wishes to conclude is whether a student is

capable of carrying out the workload presented in medical school in a proficient manner. That‟s

all.

If you possess the skill to consistently ace the honors curriculum, then by all means, run

with it. Students are always encouraged to challenge themselves. Unfortunately, premeds tend

to take the advice as carte blanche to overload their coursework. The consequence is a mediocre

GPA belonging to one very worn-down scholar. If an honors course does pique your interest,

balance it with one or two easier classes to protect your sanity and prevent burnout. Evaluate

your academic ability, assess the classes you can handle deftly, and, if conditions are

uncooperative, wait another quarter or semester to take the class. With passion, diligence, and

some very clever planning, you can still enroll in the challenging courses you wish and come

away triumphant.

A Rush Into Mediocrity

The overachieving genes of premeds are notorious for leading them to attempt

demanding, grandiose exploits to outshine their competitors and win over the admissions

committee. And somewhere along the way, many students get it into their heads that finishing

college sooner than their classmates is an impressive intellectual feat. A three-year graduation

may allow you to enter medical school quickly, but at what cost?

Premed Myth # 6 Graduating early will improve your chances with the admissions

committee.


TM

At what point did medical school suddenly transform into a relentless race to the finish?

Students parade the number of units they enroll in as if these numbers were a Purple Heart medal

or a pageantry sash. Every once in a while, a premed would brag, “I registered for 25 units every

quarter and I totally graduated in three years!” Of course, they conveniently leave out the other

part of that story, which usually finishes with, “I had a 2.6 GPA and 0.00 units of extracurricular

activities… But, hey, I graduated early!”

Success in medicine does NOT work that way. In the medical field, your achievements

are not solely predicated upon practicing at a high patient volume. In other words, as a

physician, your focus is not on how many patients you can barrel through in a day, spiking their

charts triumphantly on your way out the door like a victorious quarterback. You cannot

presume to rush through a congested schedule and still retain some measure of precision and

accuracy in medicine or any other areas in life. Similar to college students, physicians regularly

wrestle with a full work load. They are expected to attend conferences, chair committees, and

serve on boards in addition to daily hospital or clinical practice. A proficient student, like an

experienced doctor, knows that balance, along with patience, are the key components to

achieving remarkable works. Being a great physician (or a great premed) is not about

overextending yourself into mediocrity.

Graduating early is not, by any means, a crime. However, before finalizing the decision

to do so, ask yourself some important questions. Will I be required to encumber my schedule?

If so, how will this affect my work? For every class you enroll in beyond a full-time schedule

(roughly 12 unit per semester), essential study hours must be

deducted from one or more courses in order to fully devote to that

additional class. This juggling act becomes even more crucial come

exam time, especially during finals week when your congested

timetable begins to take its toll. Spreading yourself thin could cause

unnecessary errors that would take extra time to go back and correct.

All in all, the true issue at hand is: would you still have a satisfying,

educational experience by shortening college?

Tackling a Different Animal

Because premed students were typically successful in high

Every hour spent

in lecture

requires at least

three hours of

individual

studying time

outside of class.

Did You

Know?


TM

school, they assume that the same set of skills that allowed them to waltz through high school

will serve them equally well as undergrads. College, however, is a different breed of animal that

presents a new set of challenges. One would not consider walking into it blindly in much the

same way one would not consider conquering an entire marathon unprepared. (For those who

scoffed at the prior statement, we invite you to tackle a marathon without the benefit of proper

preparation first…and please videotape the event then send it to us.) Freshmen decline to factor

in the lightning pace, the extensive reading, the competitive atmosphere, and all the other

nefarious distractions of undergrad life. No wonder students frequently struggle academically in

college but are bewildered at why they do so. Rest assured that medical schools do not expect

straight A‟s from their students. Nevertheless, a smart study strategy will help you stay ahead of

the game and stay strong.

Know Your Nature

Are you an early bird or a night owl? If you are most awake when the sun is up (sans

the aid of caffeine), try to register for morning to noon classes. On the other hand, if

you find yourself still banging the snooze button by the crack of noon, opt for a later

afternoon to evening schedule. You‟ll be brighter-eyed, bushier-tailed, and more

prepared to tackle the day…or night.

Attend Office Hours

Strolling into a classroom and being lectured at for an hour, by itself, rarely helps

you to ace those difficult exams. But most students are far too intimidated by their

professors to ask for help and often hesitate to consult them due to fear of appearing

stupid or annoying. Breathe easy. Simply approach them and say, “I would like to

do well on your exams, but I also want to learn a great deal. What can I do to get the

best possible grade in this class?” They will love you for it. Moreover, instructors

frequently sit alone in their office, twiddling their thumbs, and hoping today‟s the day

a brave student would drop by and talk to them. Quite sad, really. So take pity on

these poor, lonely souls and pay them a visit. Remember, professors are people, too.

Know When to Read the Book


TM

Calculus, physics, and chemistry are classic problem-solving courses. The types

of exercises you encounter in the textbooks will reappear on your exams. Thus, your

best chance to master them is to work out the practice problems ad nauseum. In this

case, treat your manual as a supplementary source: refer to it for problem solving tips

first, then scan the chapter afterwards if time allows. In contrast, a majority of

biology courses are conceptual in nature. Reading the book thoroughly is a higher

priority. Summarize pivotal points. Annotate in margins. Highlight in different

colors. Emblazon theories onto your clothes. Skywrite. Whatever it takes to make

these theorems stick.

Go Over Your Notes

To extend the memory shelf life of various concepts, review your notes inside the

realm of 24 hours after lecture via skimming, editing, or even redrafting them. Better

yet, study the previous class lecture notes half an hour before lecture time (yes, even

if your class begins at 7am) is the ultimate method of brain stimulation. Come on, an

intellectual wake-call that is cheaper, more energizing, and less addictive than

Starbucks? What‟s not to like?... Well, except for the 7am part.

Shop Around For Professors

If you have ever visited websites such as www.ratemyprofessor.com, you know

that instructors vary extensively in clarity, effectiveness, passion and hairstyle. But

while such feedback sites prove beneficial, nothing beats first hand experience. For

every science course, especially the upper-division ones, attend each teacher‟s class

(if possible) and observe the quality of his or her lecture techniques. If you registered

for the awkward or monotonous types, skip their lectures and visit their more

enjoyable counterparts. However, ensure that you borrow or purchase someone else‟s

notes from the inferior professor‟s lectures to eliminate any discrepancies in the

lesson plans. This method will grant you the best of both worlds: the insight the

skilled instructor teaches you but evaluated on the more lenient test curve provided by

the more awkward teacher.


TM

Harass the TA’s

Figurative, not literal harassment, of course. Teaching Assistants (TA) are

intriguing individuals – a professor‟s expertise of a subject filtered through the

perspective of a student. They are the ultimate mediators. Picture them as a futuristic

version of you: successful course completion with an insight into the test materials.

Pick their brain. Though larger classes may tend to assign TAs to your section, do

not allow this to restrict you. Grab a list of every TA and a schedule of all the

available sections, then attend as many of them as you can. For the sections you

cannot frequent, consider dropping by the TA‟s office hours to catch up on what you

missed. Some TAs supply useful handouts during their session, others work out

tricky homework or former exam problems. Others drop hints of possible materials

tested on upcoming. As with professors, find the personality and teaching style that

suits you best. Who knows, perhaps watching the same concept explained seven

different ways will suddenly turn a light bulb on in your head. At least you‟ll find

their friendly nature and knowledgeable attitude far more agreeable than staring at the

same page in your textbook for three hours.

Shelve Your Ego

Even after going beyond applying all the recommended tips mentioned above,

you still feel lost, frustrated, or left behind. Stop, relax and reevaluate your strategy.

Remember your goal is to wear a white coat and stethoscope with the initials “M.D.”

forever following your name. You goal should not be to impress your friends, your

parents or your ego. Consider the following PROVEN tactics that will improve your

GPA and increase your likelihood of getting into medical school:

Take less units per quarter/semester so that you have more time to study, do

extracurricular activities or have fun

Take a few non-major, non-medical school requirement classes pass/not pass

Take classes in which you are genuinely interested in

Take a few classes at the local community college.


TM

Remember, the most important factors that med schools consider are your GPA and that

you show that you can excel in an academically competitive environment. A few community

college classes or P‟s on your transcripts are largely ignored; a low GPA is not.


TM

Chapter Three: Letters Of Recommendation

“Whether you think you can or you can’t, either way you are right.”

--Henry Ford

(In)Credible References

Few individuals in the world will dispute that med school admissions is hyper

competitive by nature, inciting certain students to seek any area to set themselves apart. Letters

of recommendations is one such vehicle. Applicants scramble over one another in an effort to

ferret out the most prominent and influential figures they can find, from Oprah to the President

of the United States. Happily, your references may still carry considerable credibility without

the need to raise Albert Einstein from the dead.

Students generally present their letters together with their secondary applications, roughly

between the months of September and January of the year they wish to

apply. This interval will prove practical for several reasons. First,

professors are much more likely to remember early applicants and will

appreciate the generous time frame you grant them to compose their

letter. Secondly, bear in mind that you are not the only student to apply

to medical school. The longer you delay, the more swamped your

professor will be with other recommendation requests. The

consequence could either be a refusal for a reference or a brief,

lukewarm, and generic letter from the instructor. Third, the earlier you

ask for a recommendation, the better your chances of submitting your

application on time – a key aspect in a successful admission.

Though schools will specify the amount and type of letters they will accept, the general

rule of thumb is a submission of two letters from science professors with an additional letter

Premed Myth # 7 A letter of recommendation can only carry weight if written by a

powerful or famous person.

The ideal time

to begin asking

for letters is

between

December

through March,

roughly three

months before

submitting your

primary

application.

Pre Med

Tips


TM

obtained from either a non-science instructor or extracurricular administrator. Unless otherwise

stated, students may feel free to send up to six references from other scholastic sources. Prior to

requesting your letters, you will need to register with your career services or premedical student

office, who will keep those letters on your behalf. When setting up your own file, choose the

confidential file option, meaning that you are not privileged to the contents of any of the

references. Your writers want the security of knowing that they can offer their opinions freely

and sincerely. Medical schools in particular need to feel that the glowing reviews they are

reading have not been altered or edited like an airbrushed celebrity poster. Besides, if you feel

that compelled to verify the contents, it may be a sign that the author is not as reliable as you

previously thought.

Carefully selected, a persuasive commendation is a powerful tool in your arsenal that can

be employed to corroborate your humanitarian efforts, confirm your academic prowess, or reveal

a sharp personality trait. But more importantly, reference letters may be utilized to conceal

blemishes in your academic record. If, for instance, in the midst of the essay portion on the

MCAT exam, you suddenly came down with a touch of the plague, you may combat your poor

performance by obtaining a glowing letter from your English composition professor, which will

testify to your creative aptitude. Used strategically, your references can go a long way in erasing

any nagging doubts in the minds of the admissions committee.

Throughout your undergraduate journey, keep an eye out for amicable, charismatic, or

interesting instructors or supervisors whom you would like to know better. Building a

relationship is often as simple as attending office hours. Here you can discuss lecture topics,

inquire into the professor‟s background, or just chat about any issues that interest you both. If

upon completing the course you found it interesting and did well (you received an A- or better),

request the chance to become a teacher‟s assistant. If not, you can always register for other

courses with the same professor.

Once you have mentally selected the qualified authors of your references, politely

approach them and ask if they feel comfortable writing you a solid recommendation. If for some

reason, they even hesitate for a moment, assure them that they are free to decline if unable to

submit a strong letter. If they happen to agree, however, be thoughtful enough to make their job

a little easier. Provide a packet of your personal information no more than two days afterwards,

which should include: a brief, but heartfelt thank you note stating the deadline for the letter along


TM

with a short reminder of your history together; a copy of your AMCAS application; a duplicate

of your personal statement; a current transcript; and a stamped envelope addressed to the career

services/premed office. After the letter is submitted, send another concise note or card to express

your gratitude. If performed with sufficient precision and consideration, the med schools of your

choice will receive a cordial, meaningful, and compelling expression of your achievements.


TM

Chapter Four: Extracurricular Activities

Within the world of medicine, intellectual expertise may be prized, but profound social

insight dwells in the heart of a truly skilled physician.

In a mutually beneficial relationship, real world experience operates alongside scholastic

knowledge to craft an accomplished, well-rounded medical candidate. No wonder pursuits

dedicated to areas beyond the academic sphere comprises the second branch of the premed

building block. Extracurricular activities demonstrate commitment to enhancing people‟s lives

as well as awareness of the difficulties afflicting the community today. And as much as you give

back to those around you, your experience is also rewarding for YOU. For example, assisting

nurses at derelict camps will challenge your courage. Gaining knowledge of diverse medical

environments will engage you. Working with, and befriending, terminally ill patients will open

your eyes. In addition, tackling these projects can arguably be the most enjoyable portion of

your premedical journey because, for once, it is not about being the best and the brightest. All

that truly matters is that you‟re involved, you‟re passionate, and you‟re sincere.

The opportunities for volunteering remain as limitless and thrilling as ever. But, unlike

your high school volunteering days, your ultimate choices should not be whimsical or random.

Selecting ventures that are suitable for you again requires introspection on

your part. Would you enjoy it? More importantly, can you commit to it?

Ideally, students should dedicate at least one year to this pursuit. This time

frame will permit you to become well acquainted with your project as well

as allow your manager to learn your work ethics (and hopefully recommend

said ethics to a med school committee later on).

The final question you should ask yourself is: will it fit with your

story? If your reason for becoming a doctor is an affinity for science,

consider working in a laboratory. If you dream of staffing the radiology

department, sniff out a benevolent, agreeable radiologist whom you can

shadow or develop a project with. In short, your endeavor must showcase your interests and

personality and no one else‟s. Not your parents or your siblings or best friend‟s dog twice

removed. Your extracurricular pursuits must be carefully tailored to enhance or develop vital

The ideal time

to commit to a

nonacademic

endeavor

should be five

hours a week

for approx

one-two years.

Pre Med

Tips


TM

qualities, such as compassion and growth, which you may or may not currently possess –

qualities that cannot be calculated by test scores and grade point averages alone.

The Seal of Approval

Once you reach campus, you will no doubt be bombarded with flyers, posters, stickers,

and other ubiquitous advertisements encouraging you to join every type of social organization,

sports team, and career club under the sun. Therefore, the temptation to participate in all of them

will frequently overwhelm you. Unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day. And, if your

premedical coursework and overachieving personality have anything to say about it, very few of

those hours will be left over for you to spend on supplementary projects. Avoiding overexertion

and never seeing the warmth of your bed again requires skillful scheduling and a critical analysis

of your outside pursuits. The most desirable extracurricular activities should possess the

following trademarks:

1. Provide Relief

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many volunteer

works miss such a glaring characteristic. Students get so caught up in acquiring

impressive-sounding titles (such as “Assistant Junior Case Manager‟s Assistant”) that

they are blinded to the fact that their designations officially translate into “One Who

Fetches Files”. Performing menial intern chores is neither impressive nor rewarding.

Therefore, opt for work that administers free or inaccessible service for those in need of

it. For instance, help provide free blood pressure screenings for impoverished individuals

who cannot afford regular health care. No matter how modest your input, your time

spent will be vastly more gratifying, and your experience will help you become a more

compassionate and socially perceptive physician.

A Real World Suggestion...

Volunteer in a clinic.

Dispense vaccines in poor neighborhoods in

foreign countries.


TM

Staff a shelter for abused women or runaways.

Tend to the daily needs of terminal ill patients.

2. Aid Your Growth

Your nonacademic pursuits should help you mature into the type of doctor you

envision yourself to be. For example, if you are shy by nature, the last thing you need is

to get stuck stuffing envelope in a cubicle by yourself all day. Not only is the task mind

numbing (not to mention requiring you to be only half awake), but there is little room to

work your way up in and obtain more responsibility. Instead, work with your supervisor

and request to be gradually exposed to public speaking or interacting with a large group

of people. Such ventures should challenge you to forge a momentous experience, amend

a flaw, or confront a fear. In other words, at the end of the day, you should learn

something new about yourself (and others) that you never have before. You will also find

that the responsibilities you undertake during this process will transform you into a

sophisticated medical school candidate.


Give a science or health presentation at a local

high school.

Join a crusade that brings awareness to certain

epidemics

Become an emergency medical technician (EMT)

3. Expand Your Horizons

A physician is expected to treat and interact with a broad range of the public, from

the affluent to the underprivileged, from the grown-up to the newborn, from the friendly

to the ….well, “difficult” is the most polite term we could think of. Reflect on your story

and pursue activities that might correspond with your background. For instance, if you

grew up in a predominantly Middle Eastern neighborhood or wish to bring advanced


TM

medical technology to the penurious villages of Vietnam, why not pick up a foreign

language to enhance communications with the people you care for? Another means of

broadening your perspective is to get out of your comfort zone. If your entire existence

consisted of gated communities or comfortable lifestyles, consider spending time in soup

kitchens. Merely changing one aspect of your environment could change your life.


Seek employment in a downtown free health

clinic

Enroll in the Peace Corps

Enlist your services at a blood bank

Assist operations that donate essentials (food, water,

medicine, etc.) to needy communities or countries.

4. Demonstrate Teaching Skills

As an undergraduate student and a volunteer, you are habitually fixed in a position

of learning from another person. While a career in medicine does entail continual

training, being a physician also involves imparting newfound wisdom on others with

concern and authority. You will discover this communication skill to be vital when it

comes to educating your patients about new procedures and medications. The coaching

role also comes into play when instructing new residents at a teaching hospital a la Dr.

Gregory House in the television drama “House, M.D.” (We kindly suggest, however,

that you leave the gruff, misanthropic attitude to the folks at Hollywood …unless

defending lawsuits filed against you just gives you that warm, tingling feeling inside.) A

fantastic starting point to obtain teaching experience is to recall a class that you truly

enjoyed, then sign up to become a teaching assistant for that course. You not only get to

discuss a subject you are already passionate about, but it also boosts your confidence,

stimulate creative juices, and transforms you into an effective communicator. What

medical school wouldn‟t love that?


TM


Tutor high school students in after school

programs

Head a boy/girls scout of America

Counsel for a summer camp program

Act as mentor for a child in the performing arts

Whip out those diplomacy skills as a resident

advisor.

5. Illustrate Initiative

Extracurricular activity isn‟t limited to just volunteer or work experience. The

ideal medical school candidate will apply his ambition and enthusiasm to all aspects of

his life. Anyone can join a campus premed club. In fact, if you can don goofy, matching

t-shirts or have thought about health care at some point in your life, you are half-way to

becoming a member. But it takes a touch of spunk – and a truckload of that famous

premed ego – to be elected president or, better yet, found an organization. Medical

schools are enchanted by applicants who have attained recognition for their efforts. After

all, nothing shouts “overachiever” quite like a tacky plaque.

The truth is, physicians are depended upon to formulate snappy decisions or

spearhead risky operations on a daily basis. Admissions committees seek students who

display a glimmer of this leadership quality early on. Let nothing stand in your way. If

you are always shouting trivia answers at the television screen anyway, why not grab a

spot on “Jeopardy!”? Exasperated your amazing vocals are still reduced to singing in the

shower? Demand an answer from “American Idol” (hey, bonus points for showing off to

Simon Cowell)! Acknowledgement in any facet of your life is a fantastic sign of the type

of doctor a candidate can become: resourceful, gutsy, and dedicated.


TM

A Question of Duties

Research is a popular but

tricky practice that requires

some delicate handling on

your part. True, such experience

will prove productive, educational, and also serves to enhance the applications of those wishing

to pursue a medical career later in life. Having said that, students tend to become so dazzled by

handling live active cultures or fiddling with advanced scientific gadgets that they rarely

question what their jobs actually entail.

Admissions panels can sniff out the difference between “laboratory contributors” and

“laboratory janitors”. For instance, when inquired about the extent of their involvement in the

research, the “contributors” will woo the medical school board with educated, comprehensive

information regarding the research and, most importantly, their contribution in that project. The

“janitors”, on the other hand, will most likely begin and end their sentences with the informative

word, “…uhmm….” If you are fortunate enough to find yourself employed in a laboratory, do

everything within your power to make the ordeal worthwhile.

Upon your first interview, take the initiative to uncover the details of not only your job

but also the project itself. What phase is it currently undergoing: infant, middle, or end? The

answer will indicate to you the amount of time you would expect to devote to it. Explain to your

employer your desire to vigorously participate in the research and inquire how you might be able


Captain a sports team

Become “Employee of the Month”

Take over the school newspaper as editor in chief

Win the lead role in a play

Perfect your musical talents at a concert or as part

of a symphony

Premed Myth # 8 All lab duties are created equal.


TM

to expand your current role in time. Nothing erases doubt in an admissions committee‟s mind

concerning your involvement and dedication quite like a published article at the conclusion of

the project. If you have no clue about your location on the totem pole or how your

responsibilities affect the program, it‟s a warning sign that your experience is not as productive

or significant as you might believe. Research, along with any other quality nonacademic

activity, should lead to personal growth, knowledge, and recognition.

A Clinical Partnership

Every summer, with the efficient clockwork of geese heading south for the winter,

premeds flock to neighboring hospitals, lining up for a chance to partake in the mysterious world

of medicine. Witnessing patients in clinical environments, surrounded by dizzying emergencies

and procedures, and rubbing elbows with the staff, what could possibly go wrong?

You know, we simply cannot count the number of times reputable surgeons refuse to

operate without receiving that special input only a candy striper can provide. Or how many

times medical students complain about tackling rigorous courses such as Anatomy and X-Ray

Retrieval 101. Volunteering in hospitals make for great exposure to medicine during your high

school years, but search for more gratifying and relevant work as undergraduates. For example,

if patient care is up your alley, sign up in an urban clinic and insist on acquiring an active

position. Whatever you do, ensure that your duty actually requires human interaction on a daily

basis! Do not get stuck filing charts by yourself or signing patients in and out of rooms.

Otherwise, you will probably end up performing free slave labor with still no solid clue of what a

physician‟s duty actually entails.

Again, if you enjoy your role as a hospital volunteer, run with it for as long as possible.

Medical schools love students who follow through on a particular project. Hospital work is only

impressive if you execute it routinely and thoroughly. A handful of half-hearted hours a week

Premed Myth # 9 Hospital volunteering will perfectly groom you for a medical

career.


TM

for a couple of intermittent summers will not cut it. A relevant alternative to clinical

volunteering is to establish a mentorship with a doctor or a nurse. University hospitals are great

breeding grounds for wise and willing clinicians to partner with eager students. Undergraduates,

such as Jonathan, are permitted to monitor their physician‟s daily activities – treat patients,

attend meetings, sit in on committees – in a variety of settings for a certain amount of time. Such

a partnership is ideal for showing the admissions board that you fully understand what you are

getting yourself into. After all, your first year of residency is not the best forum to discover that

you actually faint with an effeminate sigh at the first sight of blood.

The point is, identify what you want out of your extracurricular and do not hesitate to ask

around. Your advisors, professors, premed society presidents, and graduate students are

excellent sources of information as they have helped many students in your situation before.

Also, do not be afraid to inform your supervisors of your goals – what (and how much) you wish

to contribute as well as what you would like to take away from the experience. Then request

their help in meeting those expectations. Above all, be selective, respectful, and enthusiastic in

all of your endeavors. Happy hunting!


TM

Chapter Five: The MCAT

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal.”

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rarely have four simple letters struck such trepidation into the hearts of so many

undergraduates.

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is possibly the source of more student

nightmares than a zit on prom night. If you have ever flirted with the idea of attending medical

school, then chances are you have already caught a smidgen of the horror stories swirling around

this intimidating event. For an exam cloaked in as much myths as truths, let us help you separate

the hard truths from the rather imaginative fiction.

The MCAT is a standardized test which the American Medical College Application

Service, or AMCAS, conducts as a means to measure scientific knowledge, reading

comprehension, and communication skills of prospective medical school candidates. But with so

many sources of information – such as academic history and personal statement – that are used to

evaluate applicants, why is such an exam necessary? Contrary to popular belief, the MCAT is

not an evil conspiracy dreamed up by the American Medical Association to make premeds

miserable and take over the world….well, at least that‟s not their entire plan anyway.

Medical school applicants obtain their undergraduate education from a wide range of

sources, from a small junior college to a world renowned university. And though premedical

programs are similar across all types of schools, several factors do affect a student‟s learning

experience, including (but not limited to) the type of instructor, class size, and academic

specialty of the school itself. Of course, GPA‟s tells the admissions board a lot about a student‟s

academic prowess, but they only indicate how well that student is doing relative to others from

that same school. Therefore, the AMCAS needed a more accurate frame of reference, a way to

even the playing field, if you will. The job of the MCAT is to measure a student‟s ability to

think critically while remaining completely impartial to the individual‟s background, educational

origins, and all other external factors.

The MCAT is the third component which the admissions committee will use to evaluate

an applicant‟s qualification for medical school. Since the exam is fashioned to predict the

performance of an individual once he or she reaches medical school, it will be one of the most


TM

crucial tests a premedical undergraduate will encounter. The MCAT is a lengthy, demanding

ordeal that will challenge your endurance and tax you physically, mentally, and intellectually. A

low score will reflect harshly on your image as a potential med school candidate. Therefore,

students are advised to take the MCAT only once. There will be very little room for errors. Do

not take this lightly.

A Silver Lining…or Two

Though the formidable reputation of the MCAT may induce you to crumple into a fetal

position while clutching a plush novelty toy, do not despair just yet. There is a light at the end of

the tunnel. In 2007, many graduate school exams, including the MCAT, underwent a major

renovation, updating them from the traditional paper-and-pencil method to a more modern

computer-based testing (CBT). Fortunately, the makeover, on the

whole, worked in favor of the students. The most obvious and drastic

modification consisted of condensing the time-consuming length of

the exam of itself. The conventional paper-and-pencil technique

required an entire day devoted to this grueling ordeal, which

comprised of nearly six hours of testing coupled with two small

breaks and an hour of lunch in between. The CBT reduced the exam

to roughly four hours of testing arranged around three optional 10

minute breaks in between sections. (If you suddenly experience an

overwhelming urge to run amok in the streets in slow motion to the song “Born Free” as you

joyously embrace complete strangers, go with it. We‟ll wait.)

In addition, this abridged CBT version actually made the MCAT more accessible to

premeds. Prior to the change, the customary MCAT was only offered twice a year, thus

restricting students to either a fall or spring testing. Late registration, bad timing, or last minute

withdrawal often forced the individual to wait another six months or more before being able to

enroll again, thus throwing a wrench into that student‟s med school plans. On the other hand, the

CBT is available 22 times a year, taking some of the pressure off of those who either registered

late or decided to back out of the original test date later on.

Still, despite the neat makeover, many students agonize nonetheless about the volume of

test materials looming before them as they prepare to tackle this tremendous exam. You may

AMCAS reports

that the CBT

actually reduced

the MCAT from an

eight hour test to a

five hour exam.

This cutback omits

over 30% of

material from the

original test.

Stunning Stats


TM

find it hard to believe that you already possess a lion‟s share of the knowledge and tools

necessary to score well. Most premedical students take the MCAT in their junior years. This

ideal period offers a sufficiently prolonged timeframe to mold you into seasoned scholars. By

the time you are prepared to attack the MCAT, you have already completed a majority of your

science prerequisite classes. The courses will have outfitted you with the basic knowledge

essential to earning a favorable score.

Besides, your last minute, junk-food-fueled, cyclical-espresso-shots all-nighters have also

conditioned you to cram entire textbooks into memory just before exam time. Your science

courses have already trained you to apply memorized information to analyze advanced concepts

in a limited time frame. In addition, your own organization of academics, extracurricular

activities, and study session has taught you to direct your time effectively. And, finally, your

entire scholastic life has disciplined you to brave complex exams without breaking down or

running screaming from the room. Make no mistake. You have the proper weapons at your

disposal. All that is left are some impeccable insider‟s tips to help you craft an effective and

shrewd battle plan to conquer your formidable foe and walk away with an exceptional score.

Back to Basics

Due to its formidable and momentous nature, the MCAT is steeped in mystery and

mythology. Students love to speculate on every aspect of the exam, from the survival techniques

down to the check-in process. But few features of the test receive as much imaginative

conjectures as the MCAT material itself. Many students assume that in order to excel, they must

transform themselves into encyclopedias on legs. After all, an exam of such lofty caliber must

be as complex and esoteric to the prospective medical school candidate as the Klingon language

at a “Star Trek” convention.

Premed Myth # 10 The MCAT centers on sophisticated, arcane medical material.

Only students with superior intelligence will perform well.


TM

You may be shocked to discover that the level of science tested by the MCAT is actually

quite fundamental, most of which has already been covered ad nauseum by your introductory

chemistry, physics, and biology courses. “But if all the concepts are so basic, why would the

MCAT have such a fierce reputation?” you may ask…that is, if you were the type of individual

who often holds open conversations with inanimate objects.

The truth is that, more than anything else, the MCAT is an assessment of preparation and

a test of nerves. Come the big day, the MCAT will throw some long-winded passages at you

containing foreign concepts and convoluted wording. The exam will then bank on the fact that

you will be distracted enough to enough to fall for the trap answers and nervous enough to

completely unravel at the sight of the ticking timer at the bottom of the screen. Unlike many

other tests you have taken in your high school or undergraduate years, the MCAT is not a

competition to see which student can cram the most test material into his cranium before

regurgitating it back on the exam. On the contrary, your preparations for the MCAT will revolve

around learning to retrieve and utilize the basic knowledge you already possess to interpret

complex topics. If you can learn to do this with speed and accuracy – while keeping a cool head

about you – then an exceptional score awaits you.

A Matter of Time

Scheduling the big day all comes down to clever timing. You must factor in how much

preparation you feel is necessary, when you wish you apply to med school, the amount of time

you have to devote, and whether or not the test date or studying time will interfere with your

current academic schedule. Thus, the most popular test dates center

around early fall since students had the advantage of summer break to

prepare and their current undergraduate workload is still relatively light.

However, these dates fill up fast so plan to register early on. Once a

decision has been reached, you must then log onto the AMCAS website

and sign up online at www.aamc.org. Though the AMCAS allows you

to enroll up to ten days before the actual test date, should you wait that

long, you may find yourself transferred out of state in order to take the

exam since the nearest locations are already full. Therefore, plan

The ideal time

to study for

the MCAT is

roughly 20

hours a week

over 4-6

months.

Pre Med

Tip

http://www.aamc.org/


TM

ahead! But then again, perhaps all you truly require to soothe your pre-MCAT jitters and ace

this exam is the healthy glow of jet lag.

Sizing up the Enemy

The MCAT consists of four subjects: three sciences and a verbal component. Here is the

breakdown of what you can expect come test day.

Physical Science

52 multiple choices

Six to eight passages with four to six questions per passage

Up to seven stand-alone questions

Designed to assess: general chemistry, basic physics, and data interpretation

Time allotted: 70 minutes

Verbal Reasoning

40 multiple choices

Six to eight passages

Up to seven questions per passage

Designed to assess: reading comprehension and critical thinking skills


Writing Samples

Two essay prompts

Designed to assess: organization, comprehensiveness, clarity of thought, depth,

grammar, and syntax

Time allotted: 30 minutes per essay

Biological Science

52 multiple choices

Six to eight passages with four to seven questions per passage

Up to seven stand alone questions

Designed to assess: general biology and introductory organic chemistry



TM

The Score Breakdown

In a benevolent move by the AMCAS, every MCAT test will be graded on a curve,

meaning that your score will be normalized against all the other students who also took the exam

that same day. This scoring system also signifies that you may be able to make additional

mistakes on the more challenging exams yet still earn an agreeable score. The general rule of

thumb to perform successfully is that you may make a mistake once every six questions.

With the exceptions of the writing samples, all other subjects are machine scored and

each section is then given a score between 1 and 15. Each of the essays is reviewed by two

human readers who (independently) grant a letter grade ranging from J (lowest) to T (highest). If

the scores between the two readers differ by more than one letter, a master reader (let‟s call him

“Jack Bauer”) will evaluate the essay and then all three scores will be averaged out. The scores

of both essays will be combined and averaged once more to give you one letter grade. Of the

four sections, the Writing Sample is the most overlooked since your med school application will

also contain its own writing segment called the Personal Statement. Keep in mind, however, that

a low Writing Sample score might keep you out of the med school running, so do not get the

wrong idea. Fortunately, scores in the middle (from N to Q) are much too similar in the eyes of

the admissions board to warrant a numerical assessment.

In order to gain admittance into most medical schools, you will need a minimum total

score of 30P. If you prefer to shoot for more renowned universities, you will at least a score of

32P. If you know your weakness in a certain section could make you falter below the double

digit line, do not sweat it just yet. You may still have a chance of getting in if your scores in the

other two sections can climb past the average. However, having said that, you should know that

hardly any school will accept any section score lower than a seven. For that reason, do not allow

your weakest subject to cripple you.

A Second Chance

The MCAT is recommended to be taken only once, and with good reason. The most

obvious basis is that there are no guarantees you will score significantly higher the second time

around. A poor mark informs the admissions committee that you do not perform well under

pressure or have little aptitude for planning ahead. Secondly, every MCAT exam you take will

be released, and the more attempts you make, the clearer the message you are sending to the


TM

committee that you are ill-prepared and lack the confidence to be a great doctor. After three

strikes, you will need special permission from the AMCAS to try again.

If immediately upon finishing the exam, you feel queasy about your performance, you

have a final chance to “void the exam”, an option which will appear on the computer screen after

you have completed the biological science section and ended the

test. However, we caution the use of this feature as well. Before

you click on this button, ask yourself whether you have a history of

underestimating your own performance. If you find this to be the

case, you may have erased a potentially great score. In addition,

just because you choose to erase the exam and not release the score

does not mean you did not take the test that day. Once you take the MCAT, whether the scores

are distributed or not, it will be logged as one attempt, and performing this action more than once

will reflect negatively on your premedical candidacy. Thus, like the decision to retake the test,

we suggest you only use this option under the most calamitous conditions…for instance, your

leprosy choosing the middle of the exam to flare up (again). Remember, it is always better to

allow the date to pass if you do not feel fully prepared than to take it and prove yourself correct.

Nevertheless, if you completely tanked the exam the first time around, do not give in to

hysterics. You are not the first to do so and you will not be the last. Take a breather and assess

the damage. What went wrong? Did you feel you have done your best? If this is the case, you

may need to face the facts that another go may not change the results all that much. If you

pinpoint the culprit to be inadequate preparations, you will need to completely revise your

studying habits. If you have not already done so, consider enrolling in a prep course or hire a

private tutor if you can afford it. A second party might give you the structure, discipline, and

support you require.

If you believe the cause of your low score to be sheer panic during the exam, the answer

may lay in performing more timed practice tests under exam-like conditions to train yourself not

to curl up in a whimpering ball at the sight of a ticking timer. Finally, ensure that you fully

enlighten the admissions board in your application why you feel the second exam echo your

talents more clearly. Some medical schools will accept your best score, others will look at the

most recent (good or bad) score, still others will average your attempts, and the rest will examine

your results – and external factors – and decide accordingly. As you can see, much more effort

Approximately half

of all medical

students have

taken the MCAT

more than once.

Stunning Stats


TM

is required on your part to obtain that second chance. Therefore, mentally eliminate this option

and prepare for the exam as if no other opportunities exist.


TM

Chapter Six: Personal Statement

Can you feel it? The electricty in the air that arises as you are closing in on the home

stretch?

By now, your premedical preparation is nearly complete. You have mastered your

science prerequisites. You have vanquished that nefarious MCAT exam. You have obtained the

praises and commendations of your professors in written form. And, in a pure premed rite of

passage, you have survived 48 hours on zero sleep and nothing but pure caffeine running through

your veins at least once a quarter. Bravo. But now what? Well, in the tradition of legendary

heroes such as Beowulf or Odysseus, your valiant, wacky adventures as a premed needs to be

sung. And short of an epic poem or NBC made-for-TV movie, the primary AMCAS application

is your best platform.

The primary application is accessible only online on the AMCAS website at

www.aamc.org/students/amcas. The great news is that the application only needs to be filled out

once before it is released to the participating schools of your choice. Unfortunately, a few

medical schools within the U.S. are not registered with the AMCAS and you will need to apply

to them individually. These schools of medicine include:

o Brown University

o Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

o New York University

o State University of New York

o Texas A&M

o Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

o University of North Dakota

o University of Missouri, Kansas City

o University of Texas

Along the same vein as a college selection process, deciding the medical school of your

choice should not solely be based on school notoriety and rank. The conviction that the

institution you chose is the best in the country will be of little comfort when you discover that its

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas


TM

environment and curriculum clashes with your personality. Once again, your premed advisors,

mentors, med students, brochures, and websites are excellent sources of information. During

your research, factor in aspects such as the type of program, cost, associated hospitals, and

academic life. Once you have a master list of schools that pique your interest, you must review it

with a critical eye and narrow it down to a few strategic options.

Due to stiff competition and application fees, premeds are often advised to apply to an

average of 15 schools. When assessing your master list, employ the “5, 5, 5 Rule”. Choose five

institutions – the safe bets – that you have the best chance of being admitted into. Then pick five

that may be trickier to gain entrance to. And finally select five that are your “dream” schools,

where acceptance would be a long shot. Beside each name, cite a detailed reason for choosing

that school and its pros and cons. One of the biggest peeve of the admissions board is

interviewing students who are ignorant of their institution. A little bit of research now goes a

long way later on.

Most importantly, be strategic in your selection. Do not cast your net far and wide and

hope for the best. Not only is the move risky, but financially taxing. Failing to do research is

not sexy. Applying to medical school is NOT a numbers game. Worry less about the status of

the school and whether the heaven and earth will collapse if Harvard is out of your league.

Selecting the right institution is one of the most critical factors in being admitted. Getting into

medical school is about becoming a doctor. Once you obtain that invaluable degree, little else

will matter.

The Early Bird…

AMCAS applications are available beginning early April,

are accepted starting in June, and run all the way through

September. Take note: apply EARLY!! We cannot stress this

enough. The earlier you apply, the better your chances! In fact, if

the AMCAS starts accepting applications on the 1st of June, your

finger should be poised to strike the “submit” button by 11:59 pm

on the 31st of May as your eyes stare intently at the second hand

on the clock. For non-AMCAS schools, you should be plastered

to the window of a post office, application in hand, at the crack of dawn on the deadline date,

The medical school

application process,

from application

submission to

interview, spans the

length of one year.

Did You

Know?


TM

telepathically willing the doors to open. All right, that might be pushing it just a tad, but the

general idea remains the same. Apply as early as you possibly can, especially if you feel that

you are not the strongest applicant out there.

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and with each applicant that a

school accepts for an interview, fewer spots remain open. In addition, as available space

gradually dwindles, the admissions committee will gauge your application in an increasingly

harsher light. The board will then be looking for any flaw, any excuse to rule you out as a

potential candidate. If you are careless enough to submit anything by the time October rolls

around, you will actually end up auditioning for the meager spots left on their waiting list. Do

not let this happen to you! Apply early! And, yes, we do plan on repeating this phrase until you

start whimpering it in your sleep. Hey, you‟ll thank us later … after the extensive therapy starts

kicking in.

Putting a Face to the Name

Within the body of the primary application is a nifty little section called the “personal

statement” (PS). Up until now, every single applicant appears nearly identical, a faceless entity

attached to a series of letter grades and scores. But the PS grants you the spotlight to shine, to

show the committee that you are much more than a string of numbers. The PS is possibly the

most important, but often the most underestimated segment of the application, which is why we

have dedicated an entire chapter to this process. A thoughtful, eloquent PS can catapult the most

mediocre candidate into acceptance, while a weak PS can cripple the strongest applicant. Never

dismiss a chance to make a solid impression.

The desire to separate yourself from the pack and emerge a unique figure is a powerful

one. So strong is the impulse, in fact, that we fear it will lead some of you to dream up some

very radical ideas. Therefore, please refrain from composing a lyrical haiku. Abstain from

painting a self-portrait. Avoid attaching a crochet sweater. And withhold on submitting that

short film for which you starred/directed/wrote/catered. No wacky sonnets, tacky skywriting, or

snappy love ballads. If it does not involve your brain or a computer, put it down and back away

slowly.

Fitting the Big Picture


TM

Being unique has nothing to do with how radical and unusual your PS can be. Your

experiences, choices and their effects on your life make you exceptional. The most memorable

essays were those that were tailored to that specific student. “Everyone has a story.” Remember

that? Your personal statement should fit into the big picture and, most importantly, it should

come from the heart. An excellent PS is centered on a single topic reinforced with a couple of

illuminating examples. What that topic will be is entirely up to you. But to help you get started,

we have provided you with several themes we have witnessed over the years.

A connection or bond with an inspirational figure

The reason you wish to enter into medicine

An event that changed your outlook towards the medical profession

An observation regarding the state of medicine or medical technology

A difficult situation and its impact on your life

An observant premed might note that each of the topics above invites you to tell a story

about specific events in your past. The best personal statements are paved with moving

narratives about incidents that shaped your life and contributed to your desire to become a

doctor. A mediocre essay will arise, however, when students merely chronicle an incident, but

do not expound on it. Worse still, these students may toss in inflated, sugary sentiment in place

of a thoughtful, evocative conclusion. Unfortunately, while those sappy musings may appeal to

Mr. Rogers and his neighborhood, they may actually come off as trite and artificial to the ears of

the medical school board.

Digging Deep

As the Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “To know oneself is the beginning of all

wisdom.” A personal statement should not simply be an exercise in storytelling, English

composition, or blatant self-promotion. The PS should be an opportunity to learn something new

about yourself. Take the time to reflect on the moments that had the greatest impact on you as a

premedical student. Now delve deeper. How are those events connected? What incident made

you confident that medicine is your calling? How has the education you received in academics

and extracurricular activities changed your attitude regarding the medical field?


TM

When discussing your dreams and medical aspirations, be idealistic. For example, your

grandmother broke her hip and had it fixed by a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Recount your

admiration for that physician, but do not stop there. Offer the committee more of your sense of

purpose beyond getting accepted into medical school. Relate to them how you not only wish to

perform Total Hip Arthroplasties, but also intend to figure out a way to prevent hip fractures in

the elderly. You may even discuss your desire to help fight osteoporosis in the front lines as a

primary care physician. If such care already existed by the time you complete your medical

degree, tell the board you want to revolutionize that procedure. Thinking big will grab the

medical school‟s attention and help them understand your passion for medicine and why you

would make a successful candidate.

But the best favor you can do for yourself is to be candid. There is little use wringing a

synthetic emotion from your story when you clearly do not share in the sentiment. For instance,

perhaps you volunteered in the ER or worked as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for a

year and a half. And though you liked the job, it was not as life-changing as you had expected.

The temptation here, of course, would be to disguise your lukewarm feelings and portray the

experience as more much more monumental than it actually was. But to what end? If you do not

wholly believe in what you write, you will ultimately put forth much more effort than necessary

trying to convince other people to swallow what you yourself could not even buy. Spare

yourself the frustration. Instead, ask yourself why that emotional tie was lacking in this event.

Consider how the deficiencies have molded your perspectives and approach to medicine. Your

reflection may even lead you to unlock an emotion or belief you had never known existed.

Whatever your responses to those questions may be, they will provide a far more unique,

contemplative, and gratifying reaction than anything you can attempt to manufacture.

Defining Qualities

Your personal statement should, by no means, be a simplified declaration. To fully flesh

out your essay and supply it with the depth it deserves, you must incorporate the following

features.


TM

1. Leadership

“An army of a thousand is easy to find, but, ah, how difficult to find a general.”

--Chinese Proverb

Nothing makes a med school‟s heart skip like beholding a student who can

demonstrate initiative. Whether you are educating your patient or directing a team of

nurses, medicine will constantly demand that you step up and take control of the

helm. Perhaps you were elected president of your premed organization your junior

year. Maybe you only took over as laboratory manager while the director went on

holiday. Even if your time spent in the driver‟s seat was temporary, it still bears

noting. Did you slip into the role with ease or did it challenge an aspect of your

personality? Reflect on what you have taken away from the experience and how it

has altered your perspective. Your response will signal to the admissions board that

you possess the confidence, maturity, and capability to take charge.

2. Science Centered

“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.”

– Albert Einstein

A no-brainer. Much like your extracurricular activities, your essay should

showcase an affinity for science and health care. Remember, most careers also

consist of “helping people” – law, accounting, stand-up comedy, pet psychic to the

stars. The admissions board needs to understand why you chose this specific field.

Your PS should illustrate your attraction to a medical career in a way that does not

begin and end with the phrase “chicks dig it”. Medicine is arduous and challenging,

demanding long hours and plenty of delayed gratification. A passion for science will

propel you when you‟re physically peaked, hold your focus when you‟re burnt out,

and keep you going long after everyone else has collapsed in an exhausted heap

around you. Without this affection, you might as well be riding a bicycle on ice.

Even if you decide to narrate an event that has little to do with healthcare in your PS,

make sure that you find a solid connection back to medicine. Emphasize that event‟s

contribution to your ambition to become a physician.


TM

3. Clarity of Thought

“Every man who says frankly and fully what he thinks is doing a public service.”

– Leslie Stephen

No matter the topic you ultimately choose, the premise of your essay should be

easily identifiable and your point should come across loud and clear. Nothing else

shouts “Next!” in an admission committee member‟s mind like poor organization and

convoluted wording. A well-coordinated paper signifies not only command of the

English language but indicates a deliberate, precise thought process – a winning

combination in a future physician. Therefore, before fingers ever touch keyboard,

pencil out a definitive outline of the essay first. Start with one overall theme. One.

Any value below or above this number and problems begin to pile up. Next, throw in

three to four examples per argument to drive your point home. Then, check to ensure

that your essay contains a thesis statement and each paragraph possesses its own topic

sentence. Finally, the conclusion should wrap everything up and stress the central

theme in a deeper and more meaningful way.

4. Compassion

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help

others.”

– Albert Schweitzer

Oh, don‟t let that infamously gruff, sarcastic exterior fool you. Even television‟s

first medical curmudgeon, Dr. Perry Cox of “Scrubs”, is still moved to random acts of

kindness every now and then, such as risking his medical career to allow an ailing woman

with no insurance to obtain treatment. Like Siamese twins, separating humanity and

medicine is no easy task, for they co-exist seamlessly. No matter a premed‟s

background, motive, or aspirations, the common denominator will always remain a

devotion to easing pain and providing relief to those in need. Similarly to an affinity for

science, committees invariably search their candidates for this essential quality. Your

best bet then is to explore any displays of compassion in your personal statement. For

example, if your volunteer work involved supplying aid to downtown clinics, discuss


TM

what this experience has taught you. Dig deeper and ponder how your work altered your

perspective on the healthcare system. How do you envision healthcare should function?

What will be your role in it once you have attained your dream of becoming a doctor?

What improvements would you want to make? Remember, few physicians can operate

effectively without empathy and kindness to guide them.

Major Mistakes

Perhaps you can solve a riddle for us.

A premedical student spends hours, days, and years toiling in high school to obtain good

grades, then more hours, days, and years in college working even harder with the same goal. He

spends hundreds – even thousands – of dollars and months of sleepless nights cramming for that

monster of an exam known as the MCAT. Yet, he happily prepares to flush all those years of

hard work away by committing careless errors in his personal statement. Why is that? Please

tell us because we would love to know. And if you could phrase your answer in the form of a

question, that would be just gravy.

If you are unable to figure out the answer, don‟t worry, we have no idea either.

Nevertheless, year after year, these sloppy blunders – easily remedied and repeatedly advised

against – never fail to leave us scratching our heads. We will reveal these (sometimes) obvious

missteps so that you may steer clear of them.

Procrastinate

This is not high school. You can no longer squeak by marinating yourself in

caffeinated beverages, frantically penning a ten page research paper overnight, turn it in,

and receive it a week later with a shiny A- at the top. Sorry, folks. Med school does not

work that way. Producing a personal statement is a difficult, time-consuming process

that is like no other essay you have written before. Unlike your usual comparative

composition, any effort less than a stellar performance on your part could shut you out of

the gleaming gates of medical school. Even if you regard yourself a seasoned author

used to churning out three papers a night in your sleep with both hands and a foot tied

behind your back, you may still find yourself at a loss for words when forced to draw

meaningful conclusions about your life experiences. Hey, this is the perfect excuse to be


TM

narcissistic. So, take your time and start early, preferably in your freshman year. Give

your personal statement the attention and respect it deserves.

Sound Petty

Over the course of your existence, your life has no doubt been tinged with the

occasional disappointments and grievances. Life‟s not fair. Hey, we understand. We do.

This is why the primary application allows you to acknowledge and explain those less

than outstanding moments. But no matter how overwhelming the urge may be, do refrain

from labeling that O-Chem professor who stuck you with a C- a “meanie poopie head”.

Whining and directing the blame on others will only make you appear childish and petty.

Never, ever construct an antagonistic declaration unless you can somehow counter it with

a positive statement immediately afterwards. Even so, in all honesty, such a risky

maneuver requires substantial tact and finesse to successfully pull off. Therefore, your

best bet is to avoid accusatory statements altogether. Unless, of course, your ultimate

goal is to showcase to the committee how bitter and petulant you can be…

Rant

A surprisingly common mistake, ranting is actually a fairly easy trap to fall into.

One minute you‟re calmly discussing your hope to eliminate the need for intradermal

injections to visualize tumors in PET scans, and the next thing you know, you‟re off

railing about the evils a syringe can unleash upon the human race. Well, besides coming

across as disorganized or slightly disturbed, you detract from the personal element of

your statement. The result: your reader quickly loses interest. Plus, you run the risk of

convoluting or obscuring your main idea past all recognition. Trust us, audiences rarely

relate to a story they need to first decipher with the Rosetta Stone and a “Hooked On

Phonics” tape. In other words, save the long, philosophical venting for a therapist or

special “Girls Night Out”. You may think your ramblings reek of wisdom, but the board

will actually see it as bizarre and confusing.

Overuse the Thesaurus


TM

A thesaurus is the equivalent of a Krispy Kreme doughnut. It is always excellent in

moderation, terribly difficult to stop once you start, and before you know it, you are

hopelessly addicted. Over the years, we have witnessed some students abuse the

thesaurus so abominably, we nearly had them arrested for assault and battery.

Unfortunately, these candidates mistook ornate writing style and fancy vocabulary for

nuance and substance. True, variations in sentence structure and diction are hallmarks of

a sophisticated writer, but substituting every adjective and verb with more elaborate

alternatives is completely unnecessary, not to mention absurd. Never underestimate the

force behind a succinct, simple declaration. After all, the last thing you want to do is

suffer a similar fate as a character on “Friends”. Joey Tribianni‟s heavy reliance on his

computer‟s automatic thesaurus function led the application to ultimately alter his

signature from “Joey” to “Baby Kangaroo” without his knowledge. Repeat after us: A

thesaurus is a tool, not a crutch. A thesaurus is a tool, not a crutch. A thesaurus is …..

Not Proofread

Proofread! Proofread, proofread, proofread. It‟s a medical school application! You

are not putting in for “Junior Fry Chef” at the Pup „n‟ Taco. You are applying to become

a member of one of the most revered, elite professions on planet Earth. You will have

the chance to stand alongside history‟s most iconic figures. Your very name could be

mentioned in the same breath as William Osler … Jonas Salk… Doogie Houser!

Admissions committee cry themselves to sleep when they see great grades, incredible

MCAT score, and unique extracurricular activities attached to an application riddled with

typos and grammatical errors. Those candidates get the thin envelopes. Attention to

detail, folks. In the hospital, tragedy occurs when you get careless. People‟s lives are

literally in your hands. When you make mistakes, people die. (We apologize for that

painful “soap opera” moment, but it needed to be said. We now return you to your

regularly scheduled reading.) Proofreading is ridiculously easy to do and only takes an

hour of your time for something that will pay dividends.

Overconfidence


TM

Sure, that sentence sounded creative and enlightened when you first composed it.

Hey, it even flowed smoothly into the rest of your essay! You are a genius! So after a

quick grammar and spelling check, you are on your way to turn that bad boy in! Whoa

there, not so fast, buddy. While your essay made perfect sense in your mind,

unfortunately not everyone thinks like you do. A sentence here or a phrase there could be

confusing or strange to others. To ensure that your personal statement enjoys universal

appeal, you must bite the bullet and allow three different people to critique it. One of

these individuals must possess experience in admissions, like your premed counselor, a

college dean, or an application service. They can effectively gauge whether your essay

topic is suitable for the medical committee. Second will be a close friend, who can

confidently assess whether your essay suits your personality and aspirations. Your final

reader must be someone with an English/literary background, such as a writing tutor,

literature professor, or journalism editor, just to name a few. Their job is to analyze your

statement and rescue it from bad grammar, missed typos, poor organization, and syntax

violations. Afterwards, be sure to send a thank-you note (and a couple baskets of baked

goods slipped under the table) to make them feel all warm and appreciated.

Congratulations. You are now carefully versed in the do‟s and don‟ts of the personal

statement. You are on your way to composing a fantastic, insightful self-portrait. So, take a

deep breath, warm up, and show that mocking cursor who‟s boss!


TM

Chapter Seven: The Interview

Your breath catches. Your heart gallops. The mundane sounds of the outside world dim.

All articulate speech dissolves as your brain latches onto one emotion: joy. Your interview

invitation has arrived.

The interview process is the last leg of a lengthy premedical journey. Wrangling an

invitation from a medical school means that you have defeated daunting odds and survived the

few nail-biting elimination rounds: your GPA, MCAT scores, personal statement, primary and

secondary applications. Take a bow. You have successfully managed to wedge your foot in the

door. Still, you might be fooling yourself if you start believing you can coast right the interview

like a home run hitter on a victory lap. After all, if you‟re already halfway in the door, how hard

can it be to stick the other foot in, right?

Well, before you do a celebratory Snoopy dance, know that for many students the

interview can be a deal-breaker. In fact, a negative evaluation from your interviewer can

frequently trump those glowing reviews emanating from your letters of recommendations.

Conversely, a great interview may catapult an otherwise average applicant.

Interviewers are members of the medical community handpicked by the

school committee, and they understand the qualities that define an effective

physician. Consequently, their opinions carry a heavy weight. So, a word

to the wise: make a good impression. No matter how charming you believe

you are or how confident you may feel about your chances right now, many factors, such as

nerves or unexpected questions, can join forces to make for a very unpleasant experience.

Therefore, to quote “The Lion King” character Scar, “Be prepared.”

The express purpose of the interview process is two-fold. The first objective is obvious:

to ensure that you are as remarkable in person as you are on paper. The admissions board will

assess your personality for any flaws conveniently omitted from your application. These

blemishes include egotism, immaturity, closed-mindedness, and fondness of Paulie Shore

movies. Med schools need to see that the time, expenses, and resources devoted to transform you

into a physician will go to a compassionate, mature, and, most of all, worthy candidate. The

second objective, though, may surprise you. Like an anxious blind date participant, the medical

school for which you are interviewing is also working to win you over. If you have arrived this

Fifty percent of all

students

interviewed are

actually accepted.

Stunning Stats


TM

far, you already possess the intelligence, motivation, and leadership that make up a desirable

applicant. More than that, your efforts will not only contribute greatly to society later on, but

your talents will hopefully increase the reputation of that school as well. Therefore, inquire into

the school, allow it to display its best side, and let the mutual wooing commence.

Types of Interviews

Interview day will be a busy and exciting event. Once you have

arrived on campus, an admissions guide will give a brief orientation.

Afterwards, a med student will lead you and other prospective students

on a tour of the grounds, answer all your burning questions, and, in

general, shamelessly endorse the school to the best of his or her

capability. Then, candidates are shuttled off to their interview sessions

– up to three sessions per applicant. You may be confronted with one

interviewer or a three-person panel. There are three main types of

interviews which we will discuss, and you are expected to be prepared for any and all of them

since they each come with their own set of challenges.

Group

Defining Feature: a panel of faculty members asking a pool of applicants individual

questions

Pros:

o Time and volume of students will only permit the panel to ask each student

roughly one question each.

o Group setting helps most students feel more comfortable.

Cons:

o Rarely occurs

o One question per student means more pressure on you to make your answer

insightful and memorable.

Do:

o Show courtesy.

o Keep your answers short, sweet, and to the point.

Schedule

interviews

early! Late

interviews =

fewer available

spots.

Pre Med

Tips


TM

o If you agree with another student, refer to him/her by name rather than “the girl in

blue” or “what‟s-his-face”.

Don‟t:

o Hog the spotlight.

o Zone out while others are speaking. You never know when the panel might

inquire your opinion of another student‟s answer and a “deer in the headlights” is

not an attractive expression on anyone.

o Insult or otherwise dismiss other people‟s answers. If you do disagree, do so in a

professional manner.

Individual Open File

Defining Features:

o Your complete academic and admissions file is available to the interviewer.

o Questions will relate to your application, from your choice of major down to your

favorite extracurricular project.

Pro:

o Relating a personal experience may amplify the unique aspect of your application

and work in your favor.

o An opportunity to further explain or defend a poor academic performance in the

past.

Cons:

o Access to your application may spawn many piercing inquiries about your life and

academic experiences.

o Reviewing your case history may allow the interviewer to form a potentially

negative opinion of you before you even meet.

Do:

o Recognize a weakness when confronted with it.

o Discuss your plans to eliminate a character flaw in order to decrease the impact

and showcase maturity.

o Be honest. It‟s the best policy.

Don‟t:


TM

o Project blame on others for a weak grade or mediocre performances.

o Get defensive if the interviewer presses on a negative topic.

Individual Closed File

Defining Features:

o The interviewer has no access to your application prior to your meeting.

o Usually begins with an all-purpose question, which includes “Tell me about

yourself” or “Why do you want to be a doctor?”

Pros:

o The interviewer has no predetermined opinions of you.

o The opportunity to avoid delicate or negative personal issues.

Cons:

o Open-ended questions are difficult for many students to answer as they may not

know where to begin.

o Requires additional practice to keep your answers succinct.

Do:

o Prepare! Have questions for your interviewer.

o Slip in a distinctive aspect of your personality or experience to keep your

response interesting.

Don‟t:

o Begin listing every accomplishment or activity you have never participated in.

Discuss only the ones you have enjoyed or benefited from.

o Ramble. Allow the interviewer time ask supplementary questions.

Your Own Worst Critic

Without a doubt, one of the most recurrent questions we receive from premeds is: What

kind of interview questions will we be asked? And while we would love to sit down with these

students and rattle off sample questions to the furious scribbling of writing utensils, the simplest

answer we can give them is “know your application”. Student files are the springboards which

the admissions committee uses to generate a healthy helping of their inquiries. Scrutinize your

transcript and personal statement with a critical eye. Visualize yourself in the interviewer‟s seat


TM

and try to think objectively. Be prepared to answer the most challenging questions about

yourself. For example, why did you quit clinic duties after only three months? How do you

rationalize taking the MCAT three separate times? And, hey, what‟s that “W” doing in your

transcript? Cut no corners and be brutal. Once the questions are compiled, reflect on a mature,

honest answer for each. Recognizing a weakness in your application early on will help you

anticipate some of the questions thrown your way during the interview and avoid spluttering

your way to an explanation.

During the course of your scrutiny, keep in mind that your application should closely

parallel your own story. Interviewers immediately latch on to discrepancies between your file

and your response. For instance, if you spent twenty minutes raving about your undying passion

for scientific research, yet records indicate that you probably cannot

distinguish the exteriors of a laboratory from the interiors, the

interviewer will look at you funny. And by “funny” we mean “a bounty

of thin envelopes will flash before your eyes”. Winging it at your

interview signals to the committee that you may be unprepared at best

and insincere at worst. Leave nothing to chance. Remember, this is a

medical school interview, not an audition for “A Night at the Improv”.

Understanding your personal story as it relates to your academic history

will lend you an air of authenticity that the admissions board will instantly bond with. But such

honest vibes can only be derived from self-awareness and genuine familiarity with your

application.

Dress to Impress

It only takes three seconds to make a first impression. And

for better or for worse, appearance plays a pivotal role in how others

perceive you. Although the fashion advice in this chapter might

seem obvious to many, you would be amazed at the number of T-

shirt and jeans combo that have strolled through our doors over the

years. While your first meeting may not be a red carpet event, it is

still important enough to warrant careful thought and pride in how

you present yourself.

Save money by

scheduling

interviews in

the same area

at the same

time.

Pre Med

Tips

According to a study at

the University of

California, Los Angeles,

93% of all communication

is nonverbal.

Did You

Know?


TM

Think of the med school interview as a formal first date and you should get the basic

idea. Gentlemen, a dark, well-tailored suit with a smart, tasteful tie is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ditch the headgear and the sneakers (or any open-toed shoes) the instant you emerge from the

house. For the ladies, while you may have slightly more freedom in the style and color

department, do stick to a formal dress or suit. Avoid short, low-cut outfits. When in doubt, err

on the side of length. Steer clear of heavy makeup and an abundance of flashy jewelry (men, this

goes for you, too). A clean and neat appearance sends the message that you take pride in

yourself and are worthy of being taken seriously.

Strategies and Samples

Possessing the proper mental attitude is the first step to making a strong first impression.

But a strong mindset may prove insufficient without the aid of a solid strategy to help you ace

the interview. (We highly encourage you to rethink any “Braveheart” scheme of slapping on the

war paint and charging blindly into the fray crying “Freedom!” as you go.) Advisors, application

services, and countless other premed literature will all tell you the same thing: the most effective

strategy is practice. Before a mirror, in front of pets, in your room, in the car, on a bus by some

suddenly empty seats – whenever, wherever. Voicing your answers will improve your

attentiveness to the strengths and weaknesses of your response as well as promote creative

thinking.

To elevate your self-awareness, admissions coaches will advocate

staging mock interviews a week or two prior to the big day with a trusted

adult, close friend, parent, or wickedly smug sibling. We even recommend

that you take it one step further and actually record each trial session. A

videotape allows your critic to pinpoint areas of needed improvement while

also allowing you to visually document your progress. During these practice

runs, seek as much feedback as possible in the following areas: delivery (Did

you enunciate? Talk too quickly? Use an incorrect vocabulary term?); body

language (Did you slump in your chair? Avoid eye contact? Squirm like a

pinned insect?); and general poise (Did you exude a calm aura? Laugh

During mock

interviews,

wear the same

outfit you’ll

wear on the

big day. If it’s

uncomfortable

change it

early!

Pre Med

Tips


TM

inappropriate or nervously? Repeat yourself either vocally or physically with gestures?).

Rehearse the event until you not only feel at ease in the hot seat, but can carry yourself with

aplomb, enthusiasm, and elegance.

But the greatest comfort the interview process can offer its candidates is predictability.

No matter the school, the faculty member, or the type of interview, you may witness many

standard questions cropping up over and over again like a med school‟s version of “Groundhog

Day”. While these questions may appear unoriginal to the untrained eye (well, to the trained

eye, too, to be honest), they actually provide an excellent indicator of a student‟s personality,

integrity, prudence, and commitment. Fortunately, you may utilize the interview‟s predicable

nature to your advantage by constructing eloquent, earnest, and creative replies to the most

challenging questions ahead of time. We will acquaint you with those questions by highlight

each by topic and explain their intent.

1. Candidate Questions

Questions connected to the applicants – such as “What are your strengths and

weaknesses?” – are often the most personal, and for many, the most challenging. The

difficulty stems from walking that fine line between arrogance and confidence. The goal

of the committee is to identify what qualities you will contribute to the school and

whether you are candid enough to discuss your strengths with poise and acknowledge

your imperfections with grace. Of course, the knee-jerk reaction for most students is to

rave about their assets, then mysteriously develop an attack of acute tonsillitis when talk

of any defects arise. Hey, the last time we checked, nobody‟s perfect. A more effective

course of action is to minimize your flaws by discussing your plans to triumph over those

traits and how your stronger qualities will help you achieve that goal. The board only

wishes to get to know you better and figure out how you see yourself. Paint them as

realistic a self-portrait as you can – strengths, flaws, and all.

A Taste of the Real Thing ...

Do you have any flaws in your record?

What qualities to do you look for in a doctor?

Why do you want to be a doctor?


TM

Who are your role models?

Who have been influential in your decision to pursue medicine as a career?

How would you like to be remembered by your friends and family?

2. Minority Questions

A career in medicine entails connecting with a broad range of the population – the

young and the old, the short and the tall, the drunk and the sober. Who knows, with luck,

you might be called on to treat a short, drunken adult. The main objective of questions

regarding underrepresented cultures is to gauge your sensitivity and social awareness of

the people around you. As we have mentioned in previous chapters, your role as a

physician will expose you to every type of race, creed, class, and culture under the sun.

How attentive and respectful you are of people, regardless of background will determine

your success as a doctor. To combat these types of questions, discuss any extracurricular

work that brought you into contact with diverse groups of people and how that experience

shaped your views. How will this perspective help you in the future? In addition,

contain the urge to exaggerate! Embellishment will not make your story any more

moving and you may come across as disingenuous. When in doubt, be sincere. There

may be nothing more appealing.


(If you are a minority) What role does your background play in your decision to become a doctor?

To what extent do you owe a debt to the less fortunate?

How might you confront the needs of such a diverse population?

What role does gender play in your pursuit of a medical career?


TM

3. Medical School Questions

Don‟t allow those sample questions below to deceive you. Medical schools are not

fishing for compliments. The intent is to figure out your decision making abilities. Do

you investigate the facts and then weigh your options? Are you honest about your own

prospects? How committed will you be once you have arrived at a conclusion? Here is

where your research will come into play. Discuss the unique qualities that attracted you

to this particular school. Do not exaggerate about the amount or type of schools you have

applied for. Rattling off Ivy League names when you actually fought tooth and nail to

hang onto a 3.0 GPA will make you appear arrogant and delusional. Not the best foot to

start on. Also, if you are inquired about your decision should you fail to gain admission,

simply countering with “reapply” won‟t cut it unless you offer a strategy to go with it.

Presenting a plan to enhance your candidacy will demonstrate awareness of your own

limitations while still showcasing determination and drive.


What kind of schools have you applied to and why?

What makes this school desirable to you?

How might your ideal school give you the skills you hope to achieve?

What will you do if you are not accepted to med school?

4. Current Issues

Current events inquiries conveniently assess many attributes of an applicant all in

one innocently phrased question. Your education as a doctor does not end when you

emerge from medical school. Medicine demands that the medical community keep

abreast of the abundance of literature published regularly. Physicians are continually

educating themselves on recent scientific findings, the latest inventions, and new drugs

on the market today. Candidates who illustrate knowledge of medical topics display

responsibility, maturity, and depth of commitment – all invaluable assets to the field of

medicine. Current event questions also measure a student‟s passion for science. Face it,

if you can only regard a chemistry textbook as a cure for insomnia, what will motivate

you to keep up with countless research papers just like it? Knowledge of topics in the


TM

field signals a deeper interest in medicine beyond merely getting into medical school.

Don‟t worry, no one expects you to absorb every medical subject that pops up on Google.

But do keep an eye out for important medical controversies making the headlines and

read up on topics that happen to pique your interest. If newspapers are not your medium

of choice, seek inspiration from health documentaries or those endless medical dramas on

television. Besides, it isn‟t as though you need an excuse to watch five whole seasons of

“Grey‟s Anatomy” in one sitting…


What is the most pressing health issue today?

What are the limiting aspects of medicine?

What are your thoughts on stem-cell research?

To what degree do you stay in touch with current events?

What topics in medicine interest you and why?

5. Morality

Few careers on the planet will grant its members the power over life and death. For

this reason, ethical dilemmas are among the most challenging aspects of medicine. The

medical faculty is anxious to discover whether its incoming class is open-minded and

objective enough to walk out of a moral impasse with its integrity intact. This process

usually involves the interviewer presenting the applicant with a hypothetical situation or

medical controversy. Here comes the tricky part. The candidates become so wrapped up

in finding the “correct” answer and gauging the interviewer‟s reaction that, in the end,

they are unable to articulate their true opinion. They may even immediately contradict

themselves when the interviewer takes the opposing side. Before you answer, take a

moment and think things through. The interviewer is less concerned with your answer

than in your actual thought process. The point is whether you can analyze the problem

and then back up your decision even when it is challenged. Are you receptive enough to

consider both sides of the argument or dismissive of opposing opinions? Being


TM

comfortable with ethical predicaments will instill you with the inner strength necessary to

develop into a truly successful physician.


What are your opinions regarding euthanasia?

How might you treat a patient who did not want your medical advice?

Is “doing no harm” more important than “being of benefit”?

If there are limited resources available in a critical emergency, who would direct to receive treatment first?

6. Commitment

It‟s the million dollar question: “Why do you want to be a doctor?” No student

needs a premedical guide to inform him that medicine is as taxing and time-consuming as

it is gratifying. The deceptively simple inquiry is not really inviting you to share all the

rewarding qualities that you love about a medical career. (Keep in mind that the “How

else can I afford a Porsche?” answer is your one-way ticket out the door.) Rather, the

question is assessing the depth of your motivation and ambition to succeed, even when

obstacles block your path, when adversity shadows your every move, or when the odds

conspire against you. We introduced this question early on and referred to it throughout

to jumpstart you on thinking about your own story. Now, you must reflect sensibly how

your story and your medical goals relate and where they will intertwine. The response to

this question will separate the contenders from the pretenders.


Why medicine and not other fields where you can help others, like nursing, social work, or psychology?

How have you tested your commitment to become a doctor?


TM

Do you have an alternate career plan?

Talking Back

Needless to say, for a majority of students, the twenty minute interview process is simply

19 minutes too long. After an eternity or three, the interviewer finally nods and asks, “So, do

you have any questions for me?” (Of course, what the relieved student actually hears is, “You

may now barrel out the door and hightail it to your car.”) The student carefully declines and

abruptly, all that is left is a blur of motion, a cloud of dust, and a human-shaped hole where the

door used to be.

Nowhere in the rule book does it state that an interview must be

an uncomfortable interrogation. In fact, interacting with your

interviewer will not only break down the awkward barrier between both

parties but help you appear more personable as well. While others

scramble for the parking lot, asking an intelligent, interesting question

may be the key to distinguish you from the pack. Put yourself in the

interviewer‟s shoes. After hours and hours of rigid, one-sided

conversations with terrified students, a free-flowing, light-hearted

exchange will be a breath of fresh air. And if your interviewer is at ease

and talkative, the Law of Premed Physics states that all that positive energy will no doubt

transfer over to you.

So what should you ask? Fortunately, there are two roads to help you arrive at that

answer. First, since your interviewers will be members of the faculty, you may wish to invite

them to share their opinions of the school itself. After all, if you are admitted to more than one

school, this information will come in handy once a decision must be reached. Recall the research

you did on individual schools or come up with new questions during the campus tour as excellent

sources of questions. Ask them to rate the strengths and weaknesses of the program. What

would they most wish to improve? Giving interviewers the chance to contribute their views lets

them know that you respect their perspective and that their opinions matter to you – a major ego

boost for anyone.

During your

interview, try

to keep each

answer under

the two

minutes.

Pre Med

Tips


TM

The second method is to inquire about the interviewer personally. On the whole, students

discover the identity of their interviewers on the morning of the big day. This is a chance to dig

into their educational backgrounds and develop some appropriate

questions. Most faculty members have had projects that were near and

dear to their hearts. Inquiring about their work is an excellent way to

break the ice. What did they love most and least about their work?

What kind of clinical opportunities can you look forward to? If the

interviewer‟s medical practice intrigues or inspires you, by all means,

fire away. How did med school best prepare them for their line of

work? Who were their role models and mentors? Where did they do

their residencies? If they moved to another school during that time,

how did the residencies compare? Requesting their expertise on a

variety of subjects will make them feel appreciated and help your

interview run a lot smoother.

Always grasp any opportunity to ask a question. Have at least three ready to fire when

you walk into that room. You never know when the right question can unlock a fascinating

conversation that is both spontaneous and memorable for the both of you.

If you find

yourself

talking more

than 50% of

the time,

balance the

interview by

asking an

appropriate

question.

Pre Med

Tips


TM

Bonus Chapter: Taking Time Off

A Break from the Norm

Many students regard the path to medical school as a rigid line from A to B that must be

traveled in the shortest amount of time possible. Even this idea stems from an unspoken worry

that they might lack the motivation to continue to medical school if

they veer off the path. Still, much like the eternal city of Rome, all

roads can lead back to med school.

Candidates desiring to proceed from college straight to med

school typically begin applying junior year. Having said that,

some students feel they need additional knowledge of the real

world or of themselves after they graduate. If you count yourself

among them, do consider the option of taking time off. Medicine

is not a race to the finish line, but a journey of self-discovery.

Utilize the occasion to explore a new avenue or perform charitable work. Immerse yourself in a

new culture by traveling or studying abroad. Elevate your social consciousness by working for

some truly humanitarian causes. Do something that scares you and challenges your passion for

medicine. What hobby or work do you find most satisfying? What type of individuals would

you most like to help? Whom do you most identify with? Classroom knowledge alone might

fashion you into a proficient physician, but only combined with your own experiences will you

become an effective one.

The following represents what a 3 people in one medical school class did prior to

entering medical school:

Do basic science research

Teach High School

Teach English as a Second Language abroad

Enter a premedical summer enrichment/research program

Become a parent

Get a Masters in Public Health Degree

Coach a junior high basketball team

Become a stockbroker

Volunteer at a methadone clinic

According to the

AAMC, the average

age of medical school

matriculants is

approx. 23.5 years old.

Did You

Know?


TM

Perform clinical research in South America

Learn Spanish

Perform volunteer work in Africa

Here is a secret. If you go to Costa Rica to work on an initiative that aims to decreases

pesticide use, you don‟t have to spend 24/7 in front of a computer or in an office. Have fun,

embrace the culture, and connect with people. Not only will you have a fulfilling experience but

Take some time required to figure out what fulfills your needs, stimulates your intellect, and

motivates you such that work doesn‟t feel like work.

Most importantly, taking time off will not only explore different endeavors and have fun

while doing it. Taking time off can have enormous power in increasing your chances of getting

into medical school. Medical schools know that students who have taken time for self-

exploration tend to be more composed and self-assured in medical school. When medical

students/physicians are asked about taking time off, few, if any, have regretted their decision.

Perhaps their serenity is derived from accepting a break that only confirmed their commitment to

a medical career. Ultimately, the resolution to take time off is a personal choice. But as

someone who took 3 years between undergrad and medical school, I highly recommend it.

Whatever your final decision, be certain to plan ahead, have fun, and know that medical school is

an avenue that will remain open.

Thanks for reading! See you on the Pre Med Show.

Sean

top pre med guide1

Documents