Applying to Medical School

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· Older applicants. These individuals usually complete postbaccalaureate programs

that are now widespread. They usually are judged on the same basis as traditional

applicants, so they need suitably impressive academic credentials in order to be

accepted. Older applicants need to convincingly demonstrate what specifically

motivates them to change careers in order to enter the medical profession. A well-

written personal statement is the key to achieving this goal.

· Application enhancements. The potential of your application will increase when

you demonstrate that you have acquired some organizational and communication

skills during the course of an activity not related to your college work. In addi-

tion, some service activity in a health field is important so as to develop an aware-

ness of some of the issues associated with being a professional in this area.

· Selling yourself. The decisive element that frequently determines one's fate is the

interview. Demonstrating that you are a mature, motivated, and committed indi-

vidual is essential. You should aim to leave a clear impression that your career goal

is realistic in terms of your intellect, personality, and character. Your argument rel-

ative to these three elements needs to be supported. This is usually evident from

your academic record, as suggested by your transcript, what your faculty thinks of

you, as reflected by recommendations, and by your personal statement as well as

interview performance.

· Maximize your efforts. Work diligently and effectively to achieve the highest level

of academic performance that you possibly can. At a minimum, your GPA should

be 3.3–3.4 and your total MCAT scores should be 29–30. These numbers should

still keep you in the running, but you should aim for more than borderline status.

· Emphasize your strengths. Both in your personal statement and during your inter-

views emphasize the fact (if true) that you have been able to manage a tough under-

graduate curriculum and still have time for extracurricular activities. Prepare

yourself adequately to respond to a wide range of questions at the interview to

demonstrate that you have strong communication skills.

· Don't procrastinate. Submit your application in a timely fashion, namely, after

thorough review of the completed form; send it off in early or mid-summer (June–

July).

In summary, remember, that the admission process is a highly subjective one, as

demonstrated by the fact that the same individual may gain several acceptances as well

as several rejections. As with a social date, not every person will appeal to you, nor will

you appeal to every person. Take the outcome in stride. Your job is to do your best and

then hope for a favorable outcome.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS _

Gearing up

Having come to the conclusion that medicine is an appropriate career for you, it is vital

to become mentally charged up to face the potential changes in your lifestyle that may

be necessary on the long road toward admission into medical school. It therefore, is nec-

essary for you to:

· decide to remain calm, regardless of any problems that may arise. In other words,

never panic, no matter what obstacles you come up against. By maintaining your

composure, you will more easily be able to resolve the issues that may arise and

find solutions to the problems that lie in your way.

Applying to Medical School - Page 11

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