Sample essay for medical school
June 28th, 2010
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AE I
A bright summer day at the Black Sea, I asked my parents “What is this?”, pointing to the long scar spreading across the lower pole of my left breast toward the back. Its exposure often caught my eye. “It is from the heart procedure when you were three years old,” my parents explained. I was operated on after being diagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus. My parents disclosed that I was the youngest patient in the cardiology unit, but “lost not a gram of blood.” I imagine the physician’s flawless attempts to fight for my life. I learned about his empathic manner after the three-hour surgery: “He held you gently in his arms and tried to make you laugh, all to distract you from feeling pain.” I envision the physician’s joy from his accomplishment, his affection toward me. The cardiologist was my blessed life savior. Comprehending the origin of my scar, I desired nothing more than to follow in the physician’s footsteps, aspiring to save lives.
I. My interest in medicine
A. Explaining the time when I started asking my parents about the scar on my chest
B. My parents explained how I had to undergo surgery for patent ductus arteriosus
C. Reflecting on the thoughts, feelings, and the arduous task of the physician who performed my surgery
D. How thinking about my physician and what he had done for me made me want to take up medical school
II. My journey toward becoming a savior like my doctor
A. Being a savior doesn’t happen over night
B. It takes time, blood, sweat, and tears to build the character that is essential to being a physician
C. Realizing this, I got to work
i. Cooking and preparing kosher meals for the homebound elderly in the Jewish Community Center in Philadelphia
ii. Learning about myself, my ancestors, my history, and my culture
iii. Learning the values of teamwork, community spirit, commitment, professionalism
D. How my work at the community center opened my eyes to both the resilience and the fragility of the human condition
E. Making the decision to study medicine and pursuing it
i. Taking up EMT courses
ii. Getting to know more about medicine
iii. Work experience in Walgreen’s Pharmacy
iv. Implemented a health education and patient outreach program at the resident clinic
III. How studying at _______ University will help me attain my goals
A. I believe that ______ University has the best educational system and environment for me to pursue, reach, and perhaps even rise above my personal and career goals
B. Throughout my life experiences, I have truly felt that I have a calling toward medicine and there is no greater happiness for me than being in a position where I can help others
For Asian Students: A Guide to Getting Financial Aid
October 19th, 2008
Asian students may have a hard time trying to apply for student loans because federal loans are typically for United States citizens only. If you’re Asian and want to pursue higher education but don’t have enough funds to do so, then you should know about the various organizations offering financial aid for Asians and other minority groups. Below are just some institutions offering financial aid options for Asian students.
International organizations offering financial aid programs
There are various organizations offering financial aid to students from all over the world, and one of them is The Gates Millennium Scholars program, which is a program established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This program offers financial aid options for high school seniors, college students, and graduate school students enrolling in specializations such as science, mathematics, and computer science.
School-specific financial aid options for Asian students
There are a number of universities and schools that offer financial aid options for Asians and other students belonging to minority groups. One such university is the Northwestern University, which offers financial aid solutions for permanent US residents and even other eligible students that are non-US citizens. You might want to consider inquiring at various schools to see if they have programs offering financial aid to Asian students.
Other financial aid options for Asian students
You can also look for other financial aid options offered to Asian students by searching on the Internet. It’s also advisable for you to see if you can get financial aid from organizations from your country of origin. Various countries offer financial support to students studying in the United States and it’s certainly worth a try to seek out these organizations and see if you’re eligible for financial help. Before getting just any financial aid, you should learn as much as you can about the organization and the financial aid programs they offer. Apply for several of these so that you have a back-up plan in case a certain organization doesn’t grant your application.
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A Hispanic Student’s Guide to Financial Aid
October 15th, 2008
If you’re Hispanic and don’t have enough money to fund your education, then you can take advantage of financial aid options provided to Hispanic students. Some financial aid programs for Hispanics also cater to students that are considered as minorities, but there are also programs that provide financial aid to Hispanics only. Below are some organizations and programs offering financial aid specifically for Hispanic students.
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
One of the largest and oldest Hispanic organizations in the United States, the LULAC offers financial aid options of varying amounts to deserving students. Some financial aid options offered by this institution only cater to students who go into a particular field of study. It’s advisable for you to inquire about these options to learn how to apply and if you are eligible.
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund not only provides financial aid to Hispanic college students, but also to high school students as well. It is affiliated with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute (HSFI) and offers a wide variety of financial aid options to Hispanic students who yearn to go to school but are experiencing financial difficulties.
Other options
Aside from the organizations mentioned above, there are also other institutions offering financial help to Hispanic students. These include The Hispanic National Bar Association (for Hispanic law students), The National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and The Hispanic College Fund.
You can also apply for in-house financial aid programs offered by your school or see if you are eligible for state-based scholarships. In case you’re already working, you should inquire at your company to see if they offer any tuition reimbursement programs. Before getting any financial aid, it’s important for you to read the contract first and make sure that you know all the terms and conditions.
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Master Your Medical School Jargon: Glossary of Terms
September 4th, 2008
Processing your medical school admissions requirements can be stressful, and not being able to understand basic terminologies can only make it harder for medical school neophytes. Most medical school admissions committees rightly assume that as an applicant, you have a background in medicine or have at least done your research on medical schools before you apply. That’s why it’s essential to have a grasp of the basic terms they use in medical school admissions. Listed below are some of the commonly used words and acronyms in medical school admissions processes and in med school in general:
American Medical Association (AMA) – a professional association composed of physicians that establishes and promotes educational, ethical, and clinical standards for the medical profession and practice in the US.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) – AAMC is an association of accredited United States medical schools, and is responsible for the Medical College Admission Test which is required in medical school admissions in the US and Canada.
American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) – AMCAS is a centralized application service for those applying to paricipating medical schools.
Clerkships – rotations around various clinical settings of medical school; can be elective or obligatory. Clerkships are usually conducted in the students’ third and fourth year in the US. Hospital tie-ups for clerkships are usually one of the FAQs by those going through medical school admissions processes.
Discipline-based approach – a teaching method employed in med school that involves teaching various disciplines such as anatomy, pathology, or surgery as separate educational blocks. Applicants can ask medical school admissions staff regarding the teaching methods and approaches used in the specific medical school.
E-Health – refers to health services and products given over the Internet. E-health is an umbrella term that covers all educational, commercial, and information services. Health information and details on medical school admissions processes can be considered as part of E-health.
Graduate Medical Education (GME) – refers to fellowships and residency trainings after medical school. Information on GME options are usually included in medical school admissions kits.
Health System – composed of different health elements that communities, offices, and educational institutions follow. Health systems and practices may have slight variations depending on the district, region, and province. It’s recommendable for applicants to get acquainted with the local health system before going through medical school admissions to different schools.
Integrated Teaching – in contrast to the discipline-based approach, the integrated teaching method presents different subjects as a unified whole. If you want to get educated in separate disciplines, make sure you check with the medical school admissions staff if they offer discipline-based classes as electives. Information like this is necessary before going through medical school admissions processes.
NCLEX-RN - A licensing examination required by all states before registered nurses can practice in that particular state.
Residency – the training period for a medical specialty that medical school graduates go through. The length of residency depends on the chosen specialty but usually ranges from three to seven years.
USMLE or US Medical Licensing Examination – an exam that med school graduates would have to take in order to get a practicing license in the US.
VMCAS or Veterinary Medical College Application Service – a comprehensive application service that caters to students applying for veterinary medical schools.
World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) – The WFME is affiliated with UNESCO and WHO and promotes global training and education of doctors.
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How to survive Medical School
July 21st, 2008
Even if you studied hard, managed to obtain excellent remarks on your report card and received great recommendations from several important people, the amount of work you need to toil when entering medical school does not stop the moment you get accepted. For some, that’s merely scratching the surface: the competition, long hours of studying and, not to mention, the rigorous training that comes with the responsibility of having another person’s life in your hands. Getting into medical school is easy; it’s surviving that poses a major challenge.
Although there are some books that give great advice on how to survive medical school, fortunately, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out how to do it. With practical tips on what you will expect upon entering a medical school and how to thrive and do well in it, you will develop the skills you need to survive medical school.
What to Expect in Medical School
As a medical student, you are required to perform related activities, including laboratory work and sitting through long lectures. Most, if not all, nights are spent studying. You should know that long hours are necessary in the study of medicine and missing or cramming during exams will not be productive. The seemingly endless amounts of information needed to be memorized are reason enough for you to dedicate yourself to reviewing and recollecting lessons. Fortunately, if you do fall behind your classes, there are several medical schools that are generous enough to offer their students with transcribed lectures.
Upon entering medical school, you should realize that it is not a place to sit back and have fun with – it will not be easy. Hence, students who have the capability to dedicate their lives to medical school, and have the diligence and persistence to maintain good grades are remarkably successful. Remember to be competitive, as the more competitive students are also likely to survive medical school.
Additionally, thorough knowledge of the basic sciences is expected during the first and second year of medical school. Although the curricula may vary depending on the institution, some of those included for freshman year are Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Embryology, Physiology and Physical Diagnosis, among others. As for the second year, Clinical Correlation, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Immunology and Advance Physical Diagnosis, among others, are covered. You need to not only be interested, but, actually, love these subjects to be able to take them both to mind and heart.
How to Do Well in Medical School
Although it is the nature of a medical school environment to be rather tense and competitive, it would not be sufficient to say that students are well acquainted with mental skirmishes. Remembering that there should be a healthy balance between competition and amity among students can help you create and live in a great learning and living environment.
Keep in mind that there is a major difference between doing your best and trying to do better than others. Although there is nothing wrong with setting and achieving a higher standard than your classmates, such feelings would only often lead to stress and anxiety, which you cannot afford to have in medical school.
Seek Assistance
Doing well in medical school not only entails a competitive and goal-centric attitude but also the understanding that there are some subjects that you might not be able to comprehend in a snap. If so, always remember to ask for help from your co-students and professors; but remember to do it with courtesy. First, determine the manner of contact, which may be indicated in the syllabus, since some professors include the methods of approach they prefer. Second, be familiar with their schedule; always check their office hours, as well as their policies. Lastly, the method of asking is also important. This is the only way from which you can learn the preferences of your professor. Remember to keep your query short and direct.
As for peer assistance, most institutions cater to study groups and even organizations that focus on the mental and emotional wellness of medical students. Seek them out. Surviving medical school is a tough job, and while retaining all that information relies solely on your determination and hard work, it would help to know that you have people like you whom you can count on for support.
Photo Credits: Salim Fadhley
Applying to foreign medical schools
June 1st, 2008
Foreign medical schools basically refer to universities and colleges outside United States (U.S.). Although many medical schools are already present in U.S., some American students still consider entering international medical schools. Use of native language in the curriculum and difference in application requirements are two of the major distinctions of a foreign medical school.
Advantages
According to studentdoc.com, going to a foreign medical school may bring certain advantages such as exemptions in Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), discounts in tuition, and easy passport from high school to a medical course for college. Despite these advantages, students are still reminded to take note of certain factors to consider before entering a medical school.
Credibility
First, the foreign medical school’s credibility must be checked. The students must check if it has good standards in teaching and instruction. Rankings may determine which schools have high capabilities and accreditations. Statistics and reviews of a medical school are often available in the Internet.
However, it is still better to check if the school suites the student applying. For instance, there are many medical specializations but sometimes, there are courses which are not available in a specific school. Also, there are schools which are good at a certain specialization. Students must choose a foreign school which is a pioneer of what he or she is specializing.
Culture
Once a student goes to another country for foreign education, definitely he or she has to compromise and blend with the culture. The Princeton Review said that most of the foreign schools are located in South America which includes Mexico and the Carribean. However, there are also good medical schools situated in Asia such as in China, India and Israel.
It may be hard to cope with culture. Nevertheless, foreign education brings about fresh and out-of-the-box ideas. Once a student plans to go to a foreign medical school, he or she must try to familiarize the culture of the medical school as early as possible. After all, it is not bad to know and learn cultures of others. As a matter of fact, it helps you expand knowledge on people especially culture.
To aid further, here are two suggested foreign medical schools. These are both located in the Carribean:
Saint Matthew’s University
Location and Specification
This medical school was founded in 1997 located at Cayman’s Island in the Carribean. Veterinary is its newest medical specialization which was established in 2005. It is considered as one of the most popular medical education offering fresh curriculum and facilities.
Application
Application forms are available at Saint Matthew’s official website . After filling out the application form, the following must be attached: a.) three passport photos where one photo must be placed in the profile submitted; b.) $75 non-refundable application fee. However, the application fee may be paid online. All basic requirements must be mailed to Saint Matthew’s address.
Once Saint Matthew’s received the application, they guarantee a feedback within two business days.
Things to Consider
Financial aid is offered by the school. Loans and scholarships are offered to help students who cannot fully shoulder expenses for education. Students may apply for a financial aid provided that they disclose an assessment of their financial problem. It may include problems with tuition, books, transportation and other needs.
Cayman Island has different people with various cultures. Most of the occupants are Caymanians, Jamaicans, Europeans, Hondurans, and Filipinos. Primarily, people who live here are festive which includes love of parades, dance on streets and other joyous activities. It is said that students who are planning to go to Saint Matthew’s won’t have a hard time getting along with the culture.
American University of the Carribean
Location and Specification
American University of the Carribean (AUC) is located in Saint Maarten which was founded in 1978. This school seats near Puerto Rico and east of United States and British Virgin. Although it has been threatened by volcanic eruption and hurricane, it certifies preparedness from these catastrophes.
AUC offers basic medical sciences in the curriculum which applies for both clinical and medical education. It is accredited by the Accreditation Commission on College Medicine (ACCM) which is under National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation (NCFMEA).
A baccalaureate degree is strongly recommended to applicants of AUC. A minimum of ninety (90) semester credits from college must be accomplished before entering this medical school. The semester credits namely: Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Physics and English must be completed. Moreover, an applicant must be a MCAT passer.
Application
To apply, the following must be and mailed to the school’s address:
1) Completed application form which is available at the school’s official website
2) A 2 x 2 recent photo which must be attached to the application form if printed.
3) 75$ non-refundable application fee
4) A maximum of 750-word essay regarding medical career expectations. It must be type-written on a legal size (8 ス x 11) paper. The essay will contain a summary of the applicant’s experiences and views regarding his or her medical career.
5) Educational, employment and volunteering history from high school. It must include the duration
of such attainment. This information must be type-written on a legal size (8 x 11) paper.
6) For freshman applicants, official letters from a Pre-Medical Advisory Committee are suggested to be submitted.
7) Recommendation letters as additional background source are also advised for submission.
Things to Consider
Student apartments are available inside the campus to give convenience to AUC students. Each room may range from $4,200 to $5,000 depending on size. The apartment provides student needs such as beds, electricity and water. All rooms are fully air-conditioned.
Photo Credit: SalimFadhley
African-American Students’ Guide to Medical School
May 5th, 2008
Before the American Civil War, a medical education was plainly not accessible to African-American students. Students of color who wished to get a medical degree had to study in schools mostly located in the North, Europe, or Canada.
From the late 19th century to the early years of the 20th century, African-American medical students faced numerous difficulties. Only a few educational institutions would allow African-American students to pursue their medical education regardless of their academic standing. Schools such as Howard University and Meharry Medical College were just some of the few institutions that were specifically established and managed by white Americans for medical students of color.
After the Civil War, several medical institutions and schools opened their doors to African-American students but racism, prejudice, and marginalization still existed through the “separate but equal” Jim Crow policies. In response to this, African-Americans established their own medical schools that catered only to minority students.
Through the Civil Rights Movement in the sixties, African-American students were slowly integrated into previously white-only schools and universities. Today, African-Americans are enjoying the fruits of their determined and hard-working predecessors. Despite the fact that they still face many issues, more African-American medical students are now practitioners in their respective fields.
Affirmative Action
Several laws/executive orders/regulations were passed or implemented in order to address the discrimination issues not only at schools but in government and private offices. These policies can be referred to as “Affirmative Action ,” a term first coined during the start of the Civil Rights Movement in the sixties.
As such, medical colleges and universities were required to implement programs and plans that can help address diversity issues . These plans and programs include active recruitment, outreach, support centers, advocate groups, residential houses with ethnic themes, and financial aid systems that cater to minority groups.
As a result, more students are given the chance to pursue their medical degrees regardless of race and economic status. These laws helped create a more diverse student body in many medical schools and a more diverse health care system .
Trends in African-American Medical Education
According to a survey done by the University of California, educational aspirations for many African-Americans remain high. Twenty-four percent of the school’s African-American population plan on getting doctoral degrees. The high interest of African-Americans in professional degrees such as medical and law professions can also be considered an improvement despite current difficulties.
At the VCU School of Medicine , about 8-10% of its student population are actually African-Americans, serving as proof that meaningful student body diversity can be achieved.
Practical Tips for African-American Students
One useful tip for African-American students who wish to pursue a medical degree is to get a clear understanding of and take advantage of race-neutral strategies used by many universities and colleges. These programs can include research fellowships, graduate school excellence programs that were developed for disadvantaged undergraduates, and other similar strategies. These strategies also focus on economic background. Conversely, African-American students would also do well to learn about private and public schools’ diversity/cultural outreach programs. These programs offer valuable guidance on grades and preparation strategies.
Another tip is to use the Internet when searching for financial aid information and resources that cater to minority groups. Getting a copy of the MSAR or Medical School Admission Requirements is also a good idea since this publication contains comprehensive information on financial aid programs, descriptions of federal aid strategies, requirements of specific schools, and a list of other helpful materials.
Primer on applying to Harvard Medical School
March 13th, 2008
For an unprecedented medical school learning experience, the Harvard Medical School (HMS) is the place to be. Having an HMS education is not a walk in the park, but the rewards that await a student (much more an HMS graduate) is something to covet.
What do the Michael Crichton and Fe del Mundo have in common? Definitely not their line of work. Not their citizenship as well (we know that Michael Crichton is a famous suspense-sci-fi novelist while Fe del Mundo is a Filipina pediatrician).
The thing is, they both took the first step to their success: they had an HMS education!
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Do you have what it takes?
HMS prides itself as the medical school that has the most rigid admission criteria.
Though HMS’s main requirement for its students is academic excellence, it also put premium to a potential students’ Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, extracurricular activities, researches done, and health-care and community-service exposure.
HMS welcomes students who are highly motivated, visionaries, ambitious, and compassionate in their medical practices.
At HMS’ portal
All applications to HMS are through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). There is a non-refundable $85 filing fee for every submitted application which could be waived if an applicant has been granted an AMCAS fee waiver.
What you need
HMS’s faculty has set the following requirements for applicants:
meet the minimum requirements set my the HMS faculty for the program
present proofs that that they are intellectually capable to study and eventually practice medicine
show personal credentials that could help assess their potentials
demonstrate aptitude in sciences during undergraduate year
enhanced their education with at least one year of college or university training in the United States or Canada (for foreign students)
What awaits an HMS student?
Honor and prestige are just icing on the cake that an HMS student can have. Why not have the cake itself?
Here are more stuffs that make an HMS education something to thirst for:
HMS offers its students a wide array of excellent learning experience
students are lectured and trained by a faculty of experts in the various fields of medicine
students are given the opportunity to participate in research projects locally, nationally, and sometimes internationally
students enjoy access to a multitude of possibilities
How it all started
Founded in September 19, 1782 by Dr. John Warren together with Benjamin Waterhouse, and Aaron Dexter, the Harvard Medical School (HMS) was then known as Massachusetts Medical College of Harvard University. Not surprisingly, the three doctors were also the pioneering professors at HMS.
The first class ever held at HMS had an astonishing number of students – two! These students graduated in 1788. In the early days of HMS, classes were held in the basement of Harvard Hall. Later, lectures were held in Holden Hall.
By 1869, then US president Eliot established a curriculum for HMS. He instituted a higher standard for for admission, required written exams with passing grades, established new departments, introduced a three-year degree program, and eliminated the apprenticeship system.
Through the years, HMS has earned the honor and prestige as one of the world’s top medical schools.
photo credit: Paul Keleher
Basic guide on applying to Yale Medical School
March 13th, 2008
THE YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Brief History
Founded in 1810 by the Connecticut General Assembly, the Yale University School of Medicine is the sixth oldest medical school in the United States of America. Since its establishment, it has grown to be the home of famous and outstanding medical professionals all over the world.
Famous Alumni
Francis R. Coughlin Jr., M.D. ’52
Gilbert F. Hogan, M.D. ’57
Donald E. Moore, M.D. ’81
Francis M. Lobo, M.D. ’92
Cynthia B. Aten, M.D. ’81
Sharon L. Bonney, M.D. ’76
Joseph F.J. Curi, M.D. ’64
David H. Lippman, M.D. ’71
Harold R. Mancusi-Ungaro Jr., M.D. ’73, HS ’76.
Arthur Ebbert Jr., M.D.,
Betty R. Klein, M.D. ’86, HS ’91
Why shoot for a Yale Medical Degree
Yale University School of Medicine is renowned for having a wide range of areas of medical coverage from basic scientific and medical studies to research to clinical diagnosis and even treatment of human illnesses. It has consistently been in the top ten of the National Institute for Health’s best medical schools since 2005. Most recently, it is in the 7th rank.
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The prestige and sterling reputation that comes from being affiliated in anyway with Yale School of Medicine, whether you are a fellow, an employee, an alumni, or a student is in itself a reward that yields a great benefit that can lead you to the doors of the state-of-the-art hospitals, clinics, and medical research facilities worldwide.
A medical degree at Yale means medical integrity and best medical practice.
How to Apply to Yale Medical School
- Medical student candidates must first obtain an application from the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and comply with its requirements.
- In the application, a student candidate must specifically indicate what he/she is applying for at the Yale University School of Medicine.AMCAS application for Yale University School of Medicine is due on August 1 for Early Decision Program (EDP); and October 15 for masteral and doctoral candidates.For more questions and information about AMCAS, inquire at American Medical College Application Service, 2501 M Street, NW, Lobby 26, Washington, DC 20037-1300; or call telephone number 202-828-0600; or email them at amcas@aamc.org.
- After obtaining an AMCAS application, student candidate must submit it to the Office of Admissions, Yale University School of Medicine on or before August 31 for EDP, and November 30 for masteral and doctoral studies. The Office of Admissions is at Edward S. Harkness Hall, 367 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510. Its email address is medical.admissions@yale.edu.
- Together with your AMCAS application, submit your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores to Yale University School of Medicine.
- Also, directly submit to Yale either any of the following: (1) Premedical Advisory Committee evaluation of the student candidate, (2) three recommendation letters from the student candidate’s teachers, two of them must be in the study of science.
- Obtain a Yale Certification Form and mail it via the postal address of the Office of Admissions of the Yale University School of Medicine.
Pay the application fee of $85 or obtain an AMCAS fee waiver. Mail your payment or the AMCAS fee waiver together with your Yale Certification Form.
Shortlisted student candidates will be notified for a personal interview with members of the Committee on Admissions.
Medical student candidates at Yale University School of Medicine must display above average intelligence, maturity, and strong drive to pursue and excel in the medical study and practice. The Committee on Admissions are keen on those who show the highest leadership qualities and potentials. It aims for its students to become significant contributors in the field of medicine.
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How to apply to Medical School
March 3rd, 2008
If you have decided to become a medical professional, there are several steps you need to take in applying to a medical school in the United States. Below is some useful information to guide you through the process.
Preparing for Medical School Application
The admission requirements of medical schools vary but, generally, they will look at your academic grades in college as well as your non-academic activities. Completing coursework in Science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry, Math and English are often required by medical schools. Taking one or two Social Science classes is also a good idea to give you a better understanding of people.
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Aside from your college grade point average, medical schools will also look at your activities outside the academic world. Therefore, you should be involved in activities that are related to the medical profession such as volunteering at a clinic in your area. This will not only you give you a hands-on experience in providing health care but also show medical schools your serious commitment to entering the medical world.
Applying to medical school can be confusing or complicated so it is recommended that you seek the guidance of a pre-health advisor in your college. For requirements specific to a medical school in the United States, you can check the publication known as the Medical School Admission Requirements or MSAR.
The MCAT
The MCAT or Medical College Admission Test is usually required by medical schools. It is a test used to evaluate your knowledge of basic concepts in science as well as your skills in reading comprehension, writing, solving problems, and analysis. You can obtain MCAT registration kits from your pre-health advisor or, alternatively, you can register through the MCAT website. Be sure to check the schedule of registration for when you want to take the exam, which can be either be during the months of March to May of your college junior year or from August to October in your college senior year.
Making Your Application
After taking the MCAT, you can then send your application to the medical school you are interested in through the American Medical College Application Service or AMCAS. All you need to do is send AMCAS a completed application form along with your official school transcript. After verifying your information, AMCAS will submit your application to your selected medical school/s.
Some medical schools may request for more information or documents such as letters of recommendation after receiving your application. As with the MCAT, always keep application deadlines in mind. If your prospect school is not part of the AMCAS program, simply get in touch with the school’s admissions department to facilitate your application.
The Medical School Interview
One of the most important part of your application process is the interview with the medical school’s admissions committee. This normally happens at the later part of the application process and the opportunity is usually granted to candidates who show the most potential. You should come to the interview prepared to answer why you want to commit your life to the medical practice. Certainly, the committee will have more questions for you but the simple trick is to answer them honestly.
The truth is, getting to medical school in the United States is difficult. Needless to say, you need to have not only a brilliant mind but a strong commitment and an honest desire to help people.
Source:
Association of American Medical Colleges
photo credit: archibald jude
