Preparing to Apply to Medical School

Words of Advice

Gaining admission to a health professions program is extremely challenging. You must have good grades, do well on admissions tests, have an outstanding record of volunteer activities, have a good understanding of the health profession that you want to enter and be of outstanding character. In other words, this is not an easy path -- clearly none of us would feel very reassured in visiting a health professional if this were not the case.

Studies have shown that only those individuals who are totally committed are ultimately successful. Students who embark on this path without this total dedication and absolute faith in their abilities are invariably disappointed. Do some serious soul-searching before embarking on this path to make sure it is right for you. Be brutally honest with yourself in this self-assessment. Failure to recognize your true interests and abilities will most likely end in disappointment. It is also possible to get some help with this important decision from the career counselors at Career Services. Shadowing a physician may also help you decide if this is the correct career path for you.

Only you can get yourself into the program of your choice. Students frequently tell advisors about a family friend or a parent who is "going to get them into medical school." Don't believe it. Deans of admissions departments at medical schools are looking for students who have the academic potential and behavioral skills to be successful in their programs. Students with a low GPA and/or poor scores on the admission tests are not likely to get in simply because their cousin knows someone on the admissions committee, for example.

There are no guarantees regarding admission to professional programs. The admission process is at best unpredictable, at worse capricious. However, you can improve your chances of getting into a program of your choice by (1) becoming a partner in your own education. Seek out opportunities to shape your own learning and knowledge acquisition (take more advanced courses, take courses that will help you in medical school, engage in research activities, etc.). (2) Develop your communication and leadership skills. Volunteer for leadership positions, give group presentations, etc. (3) Stay focused. (4) Persevere. There will be many times when you feel that your goal is unobtainable. However, if you stay motivated your chances of success will be vastly improved.