2 answers
Teghan
Student
Tampa, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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Tips to make my medical school application competitive?
Ask an incoming college freshman who is pre-med, what should I be doing my first year to make my medical school application competitive? I want my best shot and I don't want to miss anything!
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2 answers
Madison Buchman
doctor
160
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
So many things should be/will be considered. Obviously grades/MCAT scores will be important. Make sure you know where you stand/which schools are reasonable for your specific scores. If needed, think about if you need to repeat classes or the MCAT or get a masters degree to improve these areas. Also consider different med schools/DO schools/international programs.
Diversify the resume! Pick 1-2 roles that you actually love and show either or all qualities you think a good doctor should have: leadership, teamwork, research interests, volunteer work, shadowing. Show that you were involved in and love serving your local/national community and others. That is a HUGE part of being a great doctor in the future!
Really important: have activities outside of school and studying that make you happy! Not only do schools want to see/know that you're likely to do well in their med school courses and likely have a good residency match, but they want to know that you will mentally be ok/happy during the long years/studying of medical school. Show them that you have outside support or a plan for support during this process. Show that you have other things aside from school/studying that make you happy and UNIQUE! These will also be fun to talk about in interviews!
Be yourself!! Don't lie, don't fill your resume with things you aren't truly interested in. Be confident, you CAN and will do this.
Hope this helps!
Madison
Diversify the resume! Pick 1-2 roles that you actually love and show either or all qualities you think a good doctor should have: leadership, teamwork, research interests, volunteer work, shadowing. Show that you were involved in and love serving your local/national community and others. That is a HUGE part of being a great doctor in the future!
Really important: have activities outside of school and studying that make you happy! Not only do schools want to see/know that you're likely to do well in their med school courses and likely have a good residency match, but they want to know that you will mentally be ok/happy during the long years/studying of medical school. Show them that you have outside support or a plan for support during this process. Show that you have other things aside from school/studying that make you happy and UNIQUE! These will also be fun to talk about in interviews!
Be yourself!! Don't lie, don't fill your resume with things you aren't truly interested in. Be confident, you CAN and will do this.
Hope this helps!
Madison
Vimit Gupta
19
Answers
Updated
Vimit’s Answer
To make your medical school application competitive, here are some key tips:
Strong GPA: Aim for a high GPA, especially in science courses. It shows you can handle the coursework.
High MCAT Score: Prepare thoroughly for the MCAT and aim for a competitive score. This is crucial for admissions.
Relevant Experience: Get involved in healthcare-related activities, like volunteering, shadowing doctors, or working in labs to show your commitment to medicine.
Research Opportunities: Participate in research projects related to healthcare or science to enhance your application.
Leadership Roles: Take on leadership positions in clubs or organizations to demonstrate your ability to lead and work in a team.
Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that shares your passion for medicine and your unique experiences.
Strong Recommendations: Secure letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can speak positively about your skills and character.
Extracurricular Activities: Be involved in meaningful extracurriculars that demonstrate your interests, skills, and dedication outside of academics.
Good Interviews: Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions and showcasing your personality and motivation for becoming a doctor.
By focusing on these areas, you can strengthen your medical school application and stand out!
Strong GPA: Aim for a high GPA, especially in science courses. It shows you can handle the coursework.
High MCAT Score: Prepare thoroughly for the MCAT and aim for a competitive score. This is crucial for admissions.
Relevant Experience: Get involved in healthcare-related activities, like volunteering, shadowing doctors, or working in labs to show your commitment to medicine.
Research Opportunities: Participate in research projects related to healthcare or science to enhance your application.
Leadership Roles: Take on leadership positions in clubs or organizations to demonstrate your ability to lead and work in a team.
Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that shares your passion for medicine and your unique experiences.
Strong Recommendations: Secure letters of recommendation from people who know you well and can speak positively about your skills and character.
Extracurricular Activities: Be involved in meaningful extracurriculars that demonstrate your interests, skills, and dedication outside of academics.
Good Interviews: Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions and showcasing your personality and motivation for becoming a doctor.
By focusing on these areas, you can strengthen your medical school application and stand out!