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Besides good grades, how do I get into med school?
I've heard GPA is a really important factor in admission, but if I want to stand out or have better chances than the other people applying, what else can I do?
#premed #doctor #medical-school
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7 answers
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
Hey Henry!
So yes, the GPA is important. Typically you want to shoot for a science GPA no lower than 3.6 and and overall GPA around a 3.7.
The MCAT is also incredibly important. Between your MCAT score and GPA, your MCAT score will be weighed more heavily. Once the MCAT score of all accepted applicants was averaged, it was about a 510.
https://www.aamc.org/system/files/2019-10/2019_FACTS_Table_A-17.pdf
The other important thing to do is to gain experience in research, volunteerism, and shadowing. Now, you don't want to do whatever just to get a long list on your resume. You want to do things you'll actually be able to talk about fondly in your application and in your interview. Also be sure to do things you enjoy! Med Schools don't want robots!
Finally, apply when you're ready (a year before you want to start school). Take a gap year or two if you want to learn more about the world or strengthen your stats with a post-bacc.
Best of luck!
So yes, the GPA is important. Typically you want to shoot for a science GPA no lower than 3.6 and and overall GPA around a 3.7.
The MCAT is also incredibly important. Between your MCAT score and GPA, your MCAT score will be weighed more heavily. Once the MCAT score of all accepted applicants was averaged, it was about a 510.
https://www.aamc.org/system/files/2019-10/2019_FACTS_Table_A-17.pdf
The other important thing to do is to gain experience in research, volunteerism, and shadowing. Now, you don't want to do whatever just to get a long list on your resume. You want to do things you'll actually be able to talk about fondly in your application and in your interview. Also be sure to do things you enjoy! Med Schools don't want robots!
Finally, apply when you're ready (a year before you want to start school). Take a gap year or two if you want to learn more about the world or strengthen your stats with a post-bacc.
Best of luck!
Updated
Jason’s Answer
My son just graduated and will be entering med school. A good GPA is important but he got a lot of credit because he did 2 things;
1. He got a job for a few years at a local doctor's office. He mainly managed the paperwork and front office work but he got time to observe when time allowed. He was able to get strong letters of recommendation from the doctors in the office.
2. He did volunteer work at a local hospital. The volunteer work looked good on his application and he was also able to get one more letter of recommendation from a doctor at the hospital. He may also have an opportunity for a job there down the road.
Good luck!
Jason
1. He got a job for a few years at a local doctor's office. He mainly managed the paperwork and front office work but he got time to observe when time allowed. He was able to get strong letters of recommendation from the doctors in the office.
2. He did volunteer work at a local hospital. The volunteer work looked good on his application and he was also able to get one more letter of recommendation from a doctor at the hospital. He may also have an opportunity for a job there down the road.
Good luck!
Jason
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi, Henry!
If you aren't already, I'd encourage your to become familiar with the following resources that can keep you up to date with admissions and other criteria related to the medical profession.
--Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-process/medical-school-admission-requirements/
--Websites of the Medical Schools that you would like to apply to
Bookmark these sites and can sign up for their newsletters to get the latest information.
If you're a college student, your school's Pre-Med or Pre-Health advisors are a wonderful resource as well as clubs and organizations catering to the pre-medical student.
Best of luck on your academic adventures!
If you aren't already, I'd encourage your to become familiar with the following resources that can keep you up to date with admissions and other criteria related to the medical profession.
--Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-process/medical-school-admission-requirements/
--Websites of the Medical Schools that you would like to apply to
Bookmark these sites and can sign up for their newsletters to get the latest information.
If you're a college student, your school's Pre-Med or Pre-Health advisors are a wonderful resource as well as clubs and organizations catering to the pre-medical student.
Best of luck on your academic adventures!
Updated
Blake’s Answer
Hey Henry,
References and volunteering really help!
Thanks,
Blake
References and volunteering really help!
Thanks,
Blake
Updated
Richard’s Answer
You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Good extra curricular activities include: research, volunteering, direct patient care, and shadowing health care providers.
Take a summer to study for and complete the MCAT. You might consider paying for a prep course.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Good extra curricular activities include: research, volunteering, direct patient care, and shadowing health care providers.
Take a summer to study for and complete the MCAT. You might consider paying for a prep course.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Besides having a strong GPA, you need to do very well on the MCAT, have strong letters of recommendation, and show an interest in the field. Shadow experience and research can also help. Some people try very hard to make themselves unique compared to other applicants, but if you stick to the bread and butter, you will do great.
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Besides excellent grades, the most important aspect of your application will be your MCAT score. Take an MCAT prep class and study for the exam every day as if it were another college course. If you don't do well, take the prep class again and then retake the test.