4 answers
Macy
Student
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What are the most important qualities and/or experiences that medical schools look for in applicants that I can highlight on my application Furthermore, what are some interview tips to stand out amongst other applicants??
Furthermore, what are some interview tips to stand out amongst other applicants?
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4 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
When applying to medical school, it's important to remember that schools are looking for more than just good grades and test scores. They want to see applicants who have the qualities and experiences needed to become caring and capable doctors. One of the most important qualities is empathy, or the ability to understand and care for others. Medicine is all about helping people, so showing that you can connect with patients is very important. You can highlight empathy through volunteer work, community service, or personal experiences where you helped or supported others.
Another quality that medical schools value is resilience. Medical school and a career as a doctor can be very challenging, so schools look for applicants who can handle tough situations and keep going. You can show resilience by sharing times when you overcame challenges, managed a heavy workload, or learned from mistakes. Schools also like applicants who are good at teamwork and have leadership skills, because doctors often work closely with nurses, patients, and other healthcare professionals. You can demonstrate these qualities through group projects, sports teams, clubs, or leadership roles you have held.
Medical schools also value curiosity and a love of learning. They want students who will continue to grow and explore new ideas. You can show this through research, academic achievements, or projects where you went beyond what you learned in class.
When it comes to interviews, preparation can help you stand out. Be ready to explain why you want to become a doctor, but go beyond general answers like "I want to help people." Share specific stories from your life that show your motivation. Practice common interview questions, but always keep your answers honest and personal. It's also helpful to research the medical school and be ready to explain why it is a good fit for you.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Another quality that medical schools value is resilience. Medical school and a career as a doctor can be very challenging, so schools look for applicants who can handle tough situations and keep going. You can show resilience by sharing times when you overcame challenges, managed a heavy workload, or learned from mistakes. Schools also like applicants who are good at teamwork and have leadership skills, because doctors often work closely with nurses, patients, and other healthcare professionals. You can demonstrate these qualities through group projects, sports teams, clubs, or leadership roles you have held.
Medical schools also value curiosity and a love of learning. They want students who will continue to grow and explore new ideas. You can show this through research, academic achievements, or projects where you went beyond what you learned in class.
When it comes to interviews, preparation can help you stand out. Be ready to explain why you want to become a doctor, but go beyond general answers like "I want to help people." Share specific stories from your life that show your motivation. Practice common interview questions, but always keep your answers honest and personal. It's also helpful to research the medical school and be ready to explain why it is a good fit for you.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Brett Schlifstein
Anesthesiologist
42
Answers
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Updated
Brett’s Answer
Hi Macy,
Since admission decisions to medical school occur behind closed doors, it can be tough to nail down the factors that are most important. In order to maximize your chances of success, I recommend a combined approach. If you have not done so already, choose an undergraduate institution with a good reputation. You will need to take the required pre-requisite courses. For your other classes, I recommend a major that can be useful to you in case you change your mind about medical school. The higher you can get your GPA, the better. Same for MCAT scores. I highly recommend volunteering and/or shadowing for several reasons. This will give you a better idea if a career in medicine is for you, as well as looking good on an application. Fortunately you live in an area with multiple world class medical institutions. Reach out and see where you can get your foot in a door. Hobbies and extra curricular activities are important as well - they help with mental health, bolster your application, and later on in your career can help prevent burnout.
As far as the interview goes, I am sure there are all kinds of self help guides out there. But my words of advice are to be yourself. You can anticipate a lot of the questions you may be asked (why choose medicine for a career, aren't you afraid your going to work long and hard hours, aren't you concerned about being sued, etc.). Do you have a family member or friend who has inspired you? Was there some life experience where you, a friend, or family member was ill or injured and required medical attention, and that piqued your interest?
Good luck, and I hope that helps,
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
Since admission decisions to medical school occur behind closed doors, it can be tough to nail down the factors that are most important. In order to maximize your chances of success, I recommend a combined approach. If you have not done so already, choose an undergraduate institution with a good reputation. You will need to take the required pre-requisite courses. For your other classes, I recommend a major that can be useful to you in case you change your mind about medical school. The higher you can get your GPA, the better. Same for MCAT scores. I highly recommend volunteering and/or shadowing for several reasons. This will give you a better idea if a career in medicine is for you, as well as looking good on an application. Fortunately you live in an area with multiple world class medical institutions. Reach out and see where you can get your foot in a door. Hobbies and extra curricular activities are important as well - they help with mental health, bolster your application, and later on in your career can help prevent burnout.
As far as the interview goes, I am sure there are all kinds of self help guides out there. But my words of advice are to be yourself. You can anticipate a lot of the questions you may be asked (why choose medicine for a career, aren't you afraid your going to work long and hard hours, aren't you concerned about being sued, etc.). Do you have a family member or friend who has inspired you? Was there some life experience where you, a friend, or family member was ill or injured and required medical attention, and that piqued your interest?
Good luck, and I hope that helps,
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital
George Zou, M.S.
Academic Advisor
36
Answers
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Updated
George’s Answer
Medical schools look for students who are not only smart but also genuinely caring and responsible. They want to see that you can handle tough science classes, so strong grades—especially in biology, chemistry, and math—are important. They also like to see real experiences that show you understand what medicine is like, such as volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a doctor, or helping in a community health program. Leadership roles, teamwork experiences, and times when you helped others also show that you have the character and maturity needed to be a good doctor. If you’ve gone through personal challenges and grown from them, that can also be powerful to share, as long as you explain how it made you stronger and more motivated.
For interviews, one of the best ways to stand out is to be calm, confident, and genuine. Practice talking about why you want to be a doctor in a way that feels natural and honest. Make sure you research the school’s mission and be ready to explain why you’re a good candidate. I'd try to give clear examples from your own life when answering questions, instead of speaking too generally—stories make you personable and memorable. Also, be sure to listen carefully to the interviewer, smile, and show real interest. Nonverbal cues are huge and speak louder than words sometimes. Asking thoughtful questions at the end shows that you’re curious and serious about the program. Finally, be yourself—schools want real people, not a perfect test takers.
For interviews, one of the best ways to stand out is to be calm, confident, and genuine. Practice talking about why you want to be a doctor in a way that feels natural and honest. Make sure you research the school’s mission and be ready to explain why you’re a good candidate. I'd try to give clear examples from your own life when answering questions, instead of speaking too generally—stories make you personable and memorable. Also, be sure to listen carefully to the interviewer, smile, and show real interest. Nonverbal cues are huge and speak louder than words sometimes. Asking thoughtful questions at the end shows that you’re curious and serious about the program. Finally, be yourself—schools want real people, not a perfect test takers.
Laxmi Ramchandra Patil
Intern
5
Answers
Dharwad, Karnataka, India
Updated
Laxmi’s Answer
Dear Student,
Your interest in preparing early for medical school is commendable. Medical schools seek applicants who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the personal qualities, values, and experiences that align with the medical profession. Below are some key areas to focus on and highlight in your future application:
1. Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity
Strong GPA and challenging coursework are foundational. Medical schools want students who can handle rigorous science-based curricula.
Take advanced or honors-level classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math (BCPM).
Show a genuine love for learning, especially in the sciences, but also in the humanities and social sciences, which reflect empathy and communication skills.
2. Clinical Exposure and Health Care Experience
Seek opportunities to volunteer or shadow physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
Get firsthand insight into patient care environments—this shows you understand what a career in medicine truly entails.
Even brief experiences in clinics, hospitals, or community health events can help you develop empathy, communication, and teamwork skills.
3. Community Service and Compassion
Consistent volunteering or service outside of medicine is just as important.
Admissions committees value applicants who show a commitment to helping others, especially underserved communities.
. Research and Problem-Solving Skills
Participating in scientific research (even at a high school or undergraduate level) helps you demonstrate curiosity, perseverance, and analytical thinking.
If your school offers science fairs, research programs, or summer labs, take advantage of those early.
5. Leadership and Teamwork
Medicine is highly collaborative, so involvement in sports, student government, or clubs can showcase your ability to lead and work well with others.
As an athlete, emphasize the discipline, time management, and resilience you’ve developed — all highly valued in medicine
. Character and Personal Qualities
Integrity, empathy, emotional maturity, and a genuine desire to serve others are central traits of successful physicians.
Use essays or interviews to reflect on meaningful experiences that shaped these qualities.
Interview Tips to Stand Out
Know Your Story:
Be ready to discuss why you want to become a doctor — authentically and specifically.
Reflect on moments or experiences that deepened your motivation to pursue medicine.
Practice, Don’t Memorize:
Prepare for common questions but avoid sounding rehearsed. Be natural, confident, and genuine.
Show Emotional Intelligence:
Display empathy and self-awareness when discussing patients, teamwork, or ethical scenarios.
Demonstrate Growth and Reflection:
Talk about how your experiences (even challenges or failures) helped you learn or change.
Ask Insightful Questions:
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers — about curriculum, research opportunities, or community service — to show curiosity and engagement.
Professionalism Matters:
Dress neatly, arrive on time, maintain good posture, and show gratitude and enthusiasm.
Small details — like addressing people respectfully and listening actively — make a lasting impression.
Your interest in preparing early for medical school is commendable. Medical schools seek applicants who not only excel academically but also demonstrate the personal qualities, values, and experiences that align with the medical profession. Below are some key areas to focus on and highlight in your future application:
1. Academic Excellence and Intellectual Curiosity
Strong GPA and challenging coursework are foundational. Medical schools want students who can handle rigorous science-based curricula.
Take advanced or honors-level classes in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math (BCPM).
Show a genuine love for learning, especially in the sciences, but also in the humanities and social sciences, which reflect empathy and communication skills.
2. Clinical Exposure and Health Care Experience
Seek opportunities to volunteer or shadow physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.
Get firsthand insight into patient care environments—this shows you understand what a career in medicine truly entails.
Even brief experiences in clinics, hospitals, or community health events can help you develop empathy, communication, and teamwork skills.
3. Community Service and Compassion
Consistent volunteering or service outside of medicine is just as important.
Admissions committees value applicants who show a commitment to helping others, especially underserved communities.
. Research and Problem-Solving Skills
Participating in scientific research (even at a high school or undergraduate level) helps you demonstrate curiosity, perseverance, and analytical thinking.
If your school offers science fairs, research programs, or summer labs, take advantage of those early.
5. Leadership and Teamwork
Medicine is highly collaborative, so involvement in sports, student government, or clubs can showcase your ability to lead and work well with others.
As an athlete, emphasize the discipline, time management, and resilience you’ve developed — all highly valued in medicine
. Character and Personal Qualities
Integrity, empathy, emotional maturity, and a genuine desire to serve others are central traits of successful physicians.
Use essays or interviews to reflect on meaningful experiences that shaped these qualities.
Interview Tips to Stand Out
Know Your Story:
Be ready to discuss why you want to become a doctor — authentically and specifically.
Reflect on moments or experiences that deepened your motivation to pursue medicine.
Practice, Don’t Memorize:
Prepare for common questions but avoid sounding rehearsed. Be natural, confident, and genuine.
Show Emotional Intelligence:
Display empathy and self-awareness when discussing patients, teamwork, or ethical scenarios.
Demonstrate Growth and Reflection:
Talk about how your experiences (even challenges or failures) helped you learn or change.
Ask Insightful Questions:
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers — about curriculum, research opportunities, or community service — to show curiosity and engagement.
Professionalism Matters:
Dress neatly, arrive on time, maintain good posture, and show gratitude and enthusiasm.
Small details — like addressing people respectfully and listening actively — make a lasting impression.