Steps to Take Before Applying for Medical School

Steps to Take Before Applying for Medical School

If you think getting into medical school is easy, think again. The whole application process can be very stressful and expensive, depending on how many schools you want to apply to. To get started, you should have an idea of which medical schools you want to apply to.

When you have a list of schools you want to apply to, start off by visiting each school’s website to find out what the admission’s requirements are. Many medical colleges require prerequisites in many science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and more. Be sure to talk to your campus science department to determine the general science classes you have to take. In most cases, medical schools require a minimum of B in all the major prerequisite courses before any consideration is given to students that are applying. It is important to note that lab is also required with every science class.

The next step that isn’t on the school curriculum but is just as important are extracurricular activities, try to find an activity relevant to the medical field. The best thing to do is to volunteer at the local hospital or health clinic so that when the time comes, they will write a recommendation letter for you which will boost your chances of admittance. Some schools require recommendation letters. The best thing to do is to get them from your professors and from places you have volunteered at.

Now, one of the most important things that are required for any consideration into any medical school is your MCAT score. It is the exam that determines whether or not you have the competency to pursue a medical degree. Many schools require a minimum MCAT score of 22 to apply but don’t make that your goal when taking the exam, you want to aim for 30 or higher.

After completing the previous requirements, the next is the actual application. Many schools require applicants to apply on the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) website and each school usually requires a fee to apply, ranging from $50-$100 which is not refundable. Once again, be sure to go over each medical school’s admission requirements as each college requires something different so it’s best to double check everything before applying.

It is definitely a much more stressful experience applying for medical school than it is to take premed courses to obtain eligibility because every medical school receives thousands of applicants and only a small percentage gain acceptance. The competition is fierce but having the right mindset to becoming a doctor and obtaining a medical degree will pay off.