Tips on Getting into Medical School

Applications for students wanting to enter the medical field rise each year, but there continues to be a shortage of physicians in this country. Why, you might ask? Because medical schools don't increase their number of students they plan to accept. Therefore the more applications received the more competitive it is to get into medical school.

There are 3 different options of schools to choose from, allopathic (M.D.), osteopathic (D.O.), or off-shore schools (M.D./D.O.). All 3 options require a minimum of a 4 year commitment to the program, with the first 2 years consisting of classroom work, and the last 2 years consisting of clinical work in many different hospitals.

The first question you may have is "where do I start in this process?". You start working on admission to medical school while in an undergraduate program. It doesn't matter what major you choose but most medical schools require that you take 2 semesters of General Biology, 2 semesters of General Chemistry, 2 semesters of General Physics, and 2 semesters of Organic Chemistry. In addition to that, some schools also require courses such as Microbiology, Genetics, Calculus, etc. In the spring of your junior year in college you should take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). This exam is only offered a few times per year, so it is recommended that you take a prep course prior to attempting this exam so that you ensure a solid performance.

By the fall of your senior year in college, you are ready to apply to medical school. As a side note, some medical programs don't require that you have an undergraduate degree, only that you have 90 credit hours, although you won't be considered as competitive as an applicant with a degree. Moving on, applying to medical school is a process. First you have to submit a primary application through AMCAS for allopathic schools and AACOMAS for osteopathic schools. Off-shore schools have their own, independent applications usually found on their websites. Next, dependant upon your Grade Point Average (G.P.A.), MCAT scores, Extracurricular Activities, and Research/Publications, you may receive a Secondary application from an individual school. After the school has reviewed your secondary application, sometimes before reviewing, you may be offered an interview. Upon successful interview you may be granted acceptance into a medical program or be waitlisted.

You might ask "what will give you that competitive edge?". Well, some things that will make your application shine include, having a high G.P.A. and MCAT scores, completing a research project and publishing your work, a "winning" Personal Statement, many volunteer activities, and leadership skills through on-campus clubs or other groups. Networking with existing faculty and students at a school you are interested in will also help, in that sometimes students and professors are on the admissions committees. These people will also give you the best insight into the medical school experience as well as the medical profession overall.

After reading this article, you may think that this is overwhelming, but remember that it is doable. There is a very bright light at the end of this tunnel, in that the medical profession is a very rewarding field. Many opportunities exist in every aspect of healthcare. New medical schools are opening each year to increase the number of physicians in this country providing you with more opportunities to achieve your goals.

So start early, plan ahead, and be prepared for a wonderfully long and exciting journey into medicine.

For more information visit these sites:
http://www.aamc.org/
http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm
http://www.aacom.org/
https://aacomas.aacom.org/
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/
http://www.studentdoctor.net