Not only is it well-heeled in itself to become a doctor, but getting accepted to medical school can sometimes be challenging. Aside from the more complex discipline, there are some criteria you have to fulfill to be admitted to the medical school of your choice.
These factors include meeting the required MCAT percentages, getting a particular GPA, passing compulsory and prerequisite courses, and more.
Every year, med schools welcome all sorts of students, but it does help to get a remarkable MCAT score.
If you really want to get into med school, here are the top seven ideas to help you increase your chances of getting accepted into medical school:
1. Earn The Best Recommendation Letter
Remember that you are trying to beat out the competition with every single piece of your application.
While you are still in high school, make sure you are a responsible and model student. More importantly, be good to your teachers.
Earn the best recommendation letter possible from your teachers. The most persuasive ones are unique and show that you are sincerely dedicated to the study of medicine.
Also, you should stand out among the other applicants that the admissions officers are considering.
2. Apply Early
Having secured the best possible recommendation letter and all the requirements ironed-out, the next thing to do is kick off with your application.
You must, therefore, plan on completing your medical school applications in the spring so they are ready to send when the admission opens.
Most schools offer rolling admissions, so you should get your application in early while many spots still have to be filled.
Applying early not only gives you a better spot but also allows you to have ample time to prepare, in case you get approved to take say entrance examinations.
3. Submit Applications To Multiple Colleges
Even if your eyes are set on those prominent and well-known med schools, it would still be a good idea to submit applications to multiple colleges. The more, the better.
In doing so, you should also do your research and look up the “goal med schools” to see what their enrolled students look like. Find out their GPA, MCAT ratings, volunteer background, surgical expertise, etc.
Continuously inform yourself that to fulfill your aim of being a doctor, you need to attend a med school — don’t get too wrapped up with one single school and lose out on your goals!
4. Be Prepared To Answer The Make It or Break It Questions
You deserve to say precisely why you choose to be a doctor. A standardized response of “I want to help others” won’t be enough to get into med school.
The answer to this question is what drives your application in all its parts. It would be a challenge for you to put together a good proposal without a simple understanding of what are your reasons for applying to med school.
You will also be asked this question in interviews, and you need to be able to wow the Committee on Admissions.
Therefore, take the time now to consider why you decide to go to medical school and write it up.
5. Get Out Of The Classroom
Health care is not just a degree; it is a talent, a blessing and a chance to make a difference in the lives of others. If one day you want to be a competent healthcare professional, not to mention getting into medical school, you need to embody your zeal.
The most desirable way to do that is through commitment and by developing a deeper appreciation of the scientific knowledge that goes into healthcare.
Engage yourself in research. Get interested in training or shadowing in a healthcare environment to show awareness and expertise in the chosen sector.
Get involved with societies to establish the notion that you recognize that healthcare is a field of support.
The bottom line is, everyone applying for medical school is intelligent and talented. It’s the real-world insights that you acquire, along with the ability to lead and your integrity that will make you stand apart.
6. Study
This one, of course, is evident. However, if you are planning to enter med school, don’t overlook the value of having good grades – particularly your mathematics and science grades, as well as any other med school prerequisites.
The competition is intense. Schools are accepting thousands of submissions and can approve just a few hundred.
If you choose to be one of the few selected, then your grades are going to be extremely significant.
Make sure you put enough time toward studying for the MCAT as well since a high score there will greatly improve your chances
7. Have A Journal
Writing about your experiences, your frustrations, and everything could make a massive difference during the application process.
There’s no need to be a thorough “Dear Journal” where you’ll spill your heart out. It will be just a collection of ambitions and milestones that you should hold up to date as an undergraduate throughout your tenure.
Keep note of the hours you spent working, academic programs you engage in, honors you earn, and other worthwhile encounters.
And, a couple of years from now, when you start filling out specific applications for graduate school, you’ll be able to glance back at your list instead of focusing entirely on knowledge.
Here’s the Bottom Line
Sadly there’s no one-size-fits-all process when it comes to getting accepted into med school.
However, when it comes to picking a college, obtaining your degree, attending graduate school and starting a professional career, there are specific issues that fit well — and those that don’t.
Look in the mirror and evaluate that if a physician’s existence is really for you. Are you ready to put the patient first-before family, friends, money, etc.? Do you like to support others or represent them?
If so, take on the tips mentioned above and see yourself wearing that white robe and a wide smile.
