1 answer
Lillian
Student
Alton, Illinois
2
Questions
Updated
361 views
What is the difference between what top medical school are looking for in applicants compared to other schools?
Hello! I am currently a freshman pre-med student at university. I am trying to prepare myself for medical school applications (I know it's a little early, but I want to be prepared with my extracurriculars and activities). I hoping to attend a top medical school, but I do not know exactly what type of applicant they are looking for. I am involved in my university's honors program, doing a healthcare internship in a hospital, involved in research, and participate in various clubs.
Login to comment
1 answer
Nimi Patel
Physical Therapist
8
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Nimi’s Answer
Hi Lillian, it is definitely great to be thinking about this early! The top medical schools are usually looking more at how applicants engage with pre-medical experiences. While all schools will value strong academics, clinical exposure, service, and leadership, the top programs are going to look much more on the depth of those experiences, long-term commitment, and impact. They look for applicants who take ownership of their activities, demonstrate meaningful leadership, and show clear growth over time. Research would be important at top schools—not just participation, but presentations, intellectual curiosity and the ability to think critically. Service is also expected to be mission-driven and long-term, maybe focused on underserved communities or having a clear personal motivation behind the work. Typically a high GPA and MCAT scores are already a must-have among these applicants, so what would stand out is focusing on how your experiences shaped you, what kind of doctor you’re wanting to become, and why medicine makes sense for you specifically, not just that you did “all the pre-med things.”
You should definitely continue with your clinical exposure with the internship at a hospital. If this is only for a fixed duration, consider trying to continue beyond that fixed time through volunteering, shadowing, or working as a scribe in the same or similar setting to continue this experience beyond the internship and to show consistency over time. It’s great that you’re involved in the university honors program, as well as some other clubs. What does that involvement look like? Will you have any leadership opportunities with any of those? Do you have any ideas to improve an aspect of the program? I recommend finding one club or organization to gain a leadership role in the next upcoming years and focus on working towards that.
You have already shown some involvement in research, which is awesome to have joined already! Stay consistent with it across multiple semesters if possible. What matters here is learning how research works and building a strong relationship with a mentor over time! Through clubs and research opportunities, you want to build relationships with mentors, professors, or advisors to ensure strong letters of recommendation.
Continue focusing on your academics and learn the most efficient study strategies for yourself now. Use office hours to talk to professors and learn how to ask for more help if needed. I would also recommend picking one service activity now and sticking with it for several years! Choose something you genuinely care about (tutoring, food insecurity, health education, shelters, etc.). Long-term involvement with the same community is generally much stronger than jumping between services.
And finally, everyone’s path looks different, so don’t start comparing yourself to what others might be doing. Focus on your values and interests, and remember that personal growth in the areas you care about and authenticity matter more than anything else!
You should definitely continue with your clinical exposure with the internship at a hospital. If this is only for a fixed duration, consider trying to continue beyond that fixed time through volunteering, shadowing, or working as a scribe in the same or similar setting to continue this experience beyond the internship and to show consistency over time. It’s great that you’re involved in the university honors program, as well as some other clubs. What does that involvement look like? Will you have any leadership opportunities with any of those? Do you have any ideas to improve an aspect of the program? I recommend finding one club or organization to gain a leadership role in the next upcoming years and focus on working towards that.
You have already shown some involvement in research, which is awesome to have joined already! Stay consistent with it across multiple semesters if possible. What matters here is learning how research works and building a strong relationship with a mentor over time! Through clubs and research opportunities, you want to build relationships with mentors, professors, or advisors to ensure strong letters of recommendation.
Continue focusing on your academics and learn the most efficient study strategies for yourself now. Use office hours to talk to professors and learn how to ask for more help if needed. I would also recommend picking one service activity now and sticking with it for several years! Choose something you genuinely care about (tutoring, food insecurity, health education, shelters, etc.). Long-term involvement with the same community is generally much stronger than jumping between services.
And finally, everyone’s path looks different, so don’t start comparing yourself to what others might be doing. Focus on your values and interests, and remember that personal growth in the areas you care about and authenticity matter more than anything else!