2 answers
Paige
Student
Orland Hills, IL
1
Question
Updated
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Medical School Applications?
How do I know which medical schools to apply to? Also when should I start looking into which medical schools I am interested in attending? The topic of medical school has been coming up since I'm about to start my undergrad #Spring25.
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2 answers
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Paige,
You’re smart to think about medical schools early! The best time to start looking into schools is during your second or third year of undergrad, once you have a stronger sense of your GPA, MCAT goals, and interests. When choosing where to apply, you should look at a school’s average accepted GPA and MCAT scores, their mission and values, what kind of programs or specialties they emphasize (like primary care, research, global health), and where they are located. Also think about whether you want a large urban hospital system or a smaller, more community-focused program. A good rule is to apply to a mix of "reach," "target," and "safety" schools based on your stats.
For now, focus on building a strong foundation in college — good grades, healthcare experience, volunteering, and leadership — and casually start learning about different medical schools so when it's time to apply, you'll already have some ideas in mind!
You’re smart to think about medical schools early! The best time to start looking into schools is during your second or third year of undergrad, once you have a stronger sense of your GPA, MCAT goals, and interests. When choosing where to apply, you should look at a school’s average accepted GPA and MCAT scores, their mission and values, what kind of programs or specialties they emphasize (like primary care, research, global health), and where they are located. Also think about whether you want a large urban hospital system or a smaller, more community-focused program. A good rule is to apply to a mix of "reach," "target," and "safety" schools based on your stats.
For now, focus on building a strong foundation in college — good grades, healthcare experience, volunteering, and leadership — and casually start learning about different medical schools so when it's time to apply, you'll already have some ideas in mind!
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
67
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Here is the good news:
Any medical school or osteopathy school in the USA is good. Sometimes the big name schools have big names because of their fame in the research world, and students in those schools may actually be given less time directly caring for patients and "doing" things. All medical schools must offer the breadth of specialties and experiences that allow their students to choose their residencies. One exception, sadly - it is extremely difficult to get a modern, complete training in obstetrics in states with abortion bans. Many students from such schools have to arrange to travel to other states to get training.
We do not have enough medical student positions to fill the needs for physicians in the years to come, so it is harder to get in than I think it should be. That does mean, unfortunately, that it is a good idea to apply to many schools.
It is nice to be somewhere where you have some support - friends or relatives that can help you out during difficult times.
Medical school is very expensive in our country. Consider picking schools that are a bit less expensive for both tuition and rent.
What are your non-professional passions? If you love skiing, don't apply to Florida. If you love classical music, consider a place with an excellent orchestra...
All schools will require excellent grades and MCAT scores, and all will be looking at how well-rounded you are and what kind of leader you may be. So, do pursue extracurricular passions and try to demonstrate how you care for others and can lead others toward better health.
Finally, I have many doctor friends who went to international medical schools. It does add some extra years and challenges, but may be a route to consider if you cannot get into a U.S. school.
Best of luck!
Any medical school or osteopathy school in the USA is good. Sometimes the big name schools have big names because of their fame in the research world, and students in those schools may actually be given less time directly caring for patients and "doing" things. All medical schools must offer the breadth of specialties and experiences that allow their students to choose their residencies. One exception, sadly - it is extremely difficult to get a modern, complete training in obstetrics in states with abortion bans. Many students from such schools have to arrange to travel to other states to get training.
We do not have enough medical student positions to fill the needs for physicians in the years to come, so it is harder to get in than I think it should be. That does mean, unfortunately, that it is a good idea to apply to many schools.
It is nice to be somewhere where you have some support - friends or relatives that can help you out during difficult times.
Medical school is very expensive in our country. Consider picking schools that are a bit less expensive for both tuition and rent.
What are your non-professional passions? If you love skiing, don't apply to Florida. If you love classical music, consider a place with an excellent orchestra...
All schools will require excellent grades and MCAT scores, and all will be looking at how well-rounded you are and what kind of leader you may be. So, do pursue extracurricular passions and try to demonstrate how you care for others and can lead others toward better health.
Finally, I have many doctor friends who went to international medical schools. It does add some extra years and challenges, but may be a route to consider if you cannot get into a U.S. school.
Best of luck!