Last month I was invited to be a guest speaker at @amsanational’s 75th annual Future Physicians For Change medical conference in Washington, DC.
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is a student-run organization that empowers pre-meds, doctors-in-training, interns, residents, fellows, and current physicians to advocate for healthcare issues and expand education and awareness in medicine.
I talked about all things med school admissions, from debunking myths to sharing advice I learned from my own experiences. I highlighted my time studying with @kaplanmedical as a pre-med and med student and now working with them as an attending physician and medical school admissions consultant.
The following is a list of the Top 10 Med School Admissions Tips:
- Understand Prerequisites: Each medical school has specific course requirements, typically including biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Check with individual medical school requirements early on to ensure you’ve fulfilled all prerequisite requirements.
- Prepare for the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a crucial part of your medical school application. Start studying well in advance by taking advantage of Kaplan’s abundant resources and packages including online and in person classes, learning modules, practice questions, and sample tests.
- Earn that GPA: A solid undergraduate GPA is important to showcase that you are invested in learning and gaining a strong knowledge foundation. Work toward a competitive GPA, especially in your science courses.
- Gain Clinical Experience: Early hands-on experience in healthcare settings is a MUST to demonstrate your understanding of this career path. Volunteer or work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical environments to not only show your commitment but also learn what the role of a physician entails and what it means to be in the medical field. Some examples include becoming a scribe, emergency room volunteer, spending time with different specialties as an observer, volunteering as an emergency medical technician, or even participating in medical mission trips.
- Do Research: Participating in research can enhance your application. It shows that you have an interest in advancing the field of science and medicine while also demonstrating how well you work with a team, which will build your communication and collaboration skills. Seek opportunities in laboratories or clinical research that align with your interests, submit abstracts to present at conferences and if possible, case reports and manuscripts for publication.
- Get Involved: Involvement in extracurricular activities like clubs, leadership positions, or community service illustrates to an admissions committee you’re well-rounded and dedicated to improving society as a whole.
- Have Strong Letters of Recommendation: Cultivate relationships with professors, physicians, mentors, and supervisors who can write strong, personalized letters of recommendation for your application. Submit your personal statement and CV with your request (if mailing, have a stamped/addressed envelope to give to them as well) and make sure to write them a thank you note afterward.
- Show Don’t Tell: For your personal statement, you want to write a compelling essay that reflects your passion for medicine, your unique and individual journey, and your future goals. Be authentic and introspective while answering the question of why you want to be a doctor.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready for interviews by practicing common questions and scenarios. This will help you hone your skills in communication and professionalism. Draw from your own experiences, especially those that relate to medicine and why the medical school you’re applying to should pick you to be part of their next class.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with current events, especially healthcare news, medical advancements, and ethical issues in medicine, from reading scientific journals and news articles, to reviewing research papers and attending medical conferences. This knowledge can help during interviews and shows your genuine interest and commitment to the field.
Lastly, consider seeking advice from current medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians or advisors to further navigate the process and be sure to check out Kaplan Medical School Admissions Consulting for more information and packages.
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