3 answers
Millen
Student
Union City, California
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips for choosing a particular medical school? Any links, study tips, or general information would be greatly appreciated.
While searching for videos on youtube, I found that medical schools can vary in their prerequisites to attend. Are there any ways I can increase my chances of being accepted into a medical school?
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3 answers
Keith Peevy
Physician—neonatologist
3
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Having served on a medical school admissions committee years ago, I can tell you a few things we looked for:
1. Strength in the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
2. Evidence of a strong work ethic as demonstrated by both academic success and some extracurricular activities that involve health care, whether volunteer or employment.
3. Strong MCAT scores
4. A solid recommendation from the undergraduate committee for pre-med students at your college/university.
5. A personal interview that showed the ability to relate normally to others in an interview environment.
While schools vary as to quality and size, my recommendation is to look first at state supported schools--the education per dollar spent is likely to be much greater than private schools. And, at the end of the 4 years, all who succeed get to be called "doctor". The training that follows medical school is more important than which medical school you attend.
1. Strength in the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
2. Evidence of a strong work ethic as demonstrated by both academic success and some extracurricular activities that involve health care, whether volunteer or employment.
3. Strong MCAT scores
4. A solid recommendation from the undergraduate committee for pre-med students at your college/university.
5. A personal interview that showed the ability to relate normally to others in an interview environment.
While schools vary as to quality and size, my recommendation is to look first at state supported schools--the education per dollar spent is likely to be much greater than private schools. And, at the end of the 4 years, all who succeed get to be called "doctor". The training that follows medical school is more important than which medical school you attend.
Thank you, Dr. Peevy, for your concise advice. I'll consider these factors as I continue looking into information about medical schools, undergraduate classes, and recommended experiences for resumes.
Julia Pulgini
Medical Assistant
20
Answers
Wilmington, Delaware
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi!
Regarding medical school prerequisites, typically if you took a medical field related major in college, most likely you would have the core prerequisites to most schools. When determining which school best suits you, I recommend going to open houses (virtual if it’s a far commute) and calling academic advisors/emailing them with any questions. They WANT you to choose their school, so they will be happy to answer anything. The last thing that has always helped me, is creating pro and con lists. Super old fashioned, but works every time! Good luck!
Regarding medical school prerequisites, typically if you took a medical field related major in college, most likely you would have the core prerequisites to most schools. When determining which school best suits you, I recommend going to open houses (virtual if it’s a far commute) and calling academic advisors/emailing them with any questions. They WANT you to choose their school, so they will be happy to answer anything. The last thing that has always helped me, is creating pro and con lists. Super old fashioned, but works every time! Good luck!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1011
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Millen, please understand that choosing the right medical school is a crucial decision that shapes not only your education but also your future career as a physician. When evaluating medical schools, it’s important to consider several factors including curriculum structure, residency match rates, location, cost, available resources, and institutional mission. Begin by exploring the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website at https://www.aamc.org/, which offers comprehensive tools like the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database. MSAR provides side-by-side comparisons of every accredited U.S. and Canadian medical school, outlining prerequisites, GPA and MCAT ranges, class demographics, and more. This resource is invaluable for narrowing down schools that align with your academic profile and career goals.
Curriculum models can differ significantly between schools. Some offer traditional lecture-based programs, while others use problem-based learning (PBL) or systems-based integrated curricula. For instance, schools like Case Western Reserve University in Ohio offer a unique research-focused curriculum, while others such as University of Cincinnati College of Medicine emphasize early clinical exposure. Look into whether a school offers dual degree options (MD/MPH, MD/PhD, MD/MBA), global health experiences, or strong mentorship programs, which can enhance your education and open doors to specialty fields.
Millen, you should know that to increase your chances of being accepted into medical school, focus on three major areas: academics, clinical experience, and community involvement. Aim for a competitive GPA and MCAT score—you can prepare for the MCAT using resources such as Khan Academy MCAT Collection - http://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat, Blueprint MCAT - http://www.blueprintprep.com/mcat, and AAMC's official MCAT prep hub - http://www.aamc.org/mcat. Start early with regular, structured study sessions and use spaced repetition techniques through platforms like Anki - http://www.apps.ankiweb.net/ to retain complex material.
Hands-on experience is also essential. Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing physicians, and participating in research projects not only enhance your résumé but also show your commitment to the field. You can find shadowing opportunities and medical volunteering roles through sites like The VolunteerMatch - http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and local hospital websites. If research is of interest, reach out to faculty members at your undergraduate institution to inquire about open positions in labs—even unrelated to medicine—since research skills are highly valued.
Additionally, demonstrate your passion for healthcare through community service and leadership. Medical schools value applicants who have made a tangible impact, especially in underserved communities. If you’re from an underrepresented background or a disadvantaged area, consider applying to pipeline programs such as the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at https://www.shpep.org/, which helps prepare students from diverse backgrounds for careers in medicine.
Lastly, Millen, make sure your personal statement, recommendation letters, and interview performance reflect your unique story and dedication to medicine. Practice interviews through your school’s pre-med advising center or with platforms like Big Interview Medical - http://www.biginterview.com/medical-school-interview-prep.
In summary, Millen, choosing the right medical school and preparing a compelling application require a blend of strategic research, strong academic performance, meaningful experiences, and authentic self-reflection. Start early, stay organized, and seek mentorship whenever possible. With focused preparation, you’ll not only increase your chances of acceptance but also find a medical school that aligns with your values and professional aspirations.
Curriculum models can differ significantly between schools. Some offer traditional lecture-based programs, while others use problem-based learning (PBL) or systems-based integrated curricula. For instance, schools like Case Western Reserve University in Ohio offer a unique research-focused curriculum, while others such as University of Cincinnati College of Medicine emphasize early clinical exposure. Look into whether a school offers dual degree options (MD/MPH, MD/PhD, MD/MBA), global health experiences, or strong mentorship programs, which can enhance your education and open doors to specialty fields.
Millen, you should know that to increase your chances of being accepted into medical school, focus on three major areas: academics, clinical experience, and community involvement. Aim for a competitive GPA and MCAT score—you can prepare for the MCAT using resources such as Khan Academy MCAT Collection - http://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat, Blueprint MCAT - http://www.blueprintprep.com/mcat, and AAMC's official MCAT prep hub - http://www.aamc.org/mcat. Start early with regular, structured study sessions and use spaced repetition techniques through platforms like Anki - http://www.apps.ankiweb.net/ to retain complex material.
Hands-on experience is also essential. Volunteering at hospitals, shadowing physicians, and participating in research projects not only enhance your résumé but also show your commitment to the field. You can find shadowing opportunities and medical volunteering roles through sites like The VolunteerMatch - http://www.volunteermatch.org/ and local hospital websites. If research is of interest, reach out to faculty members at your undergraduate institution to inquire about open positions in labs—even unrelated to medicine—since research skills are highly valued.
Additionally, demonstrate your passion for healthcare through community service and leadership. Medical schools value applicants who have made a tangible impact, especially in underserved communities. If you’re from an underrepresented background or a disadvantaged area, consider applying to pipeline programs such as the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at https://www.shpep.org/, which helps prepare students from diverse backgrounds for careers in medicine.
Lastly, Millen, make sure your personal statement, recommendation letters, and interview performance reflect your unique story and dedication to medicine. Practice interviews through your school’s pre-med advising center or with platforms like Big Interview Medical - http://www.biginterview.com/medical-school-interview-prep.
In summary, Millen, choosing the right medical school and preparing a compelling application require a blend of strategic research, strong academic performance, meaningful experiences, and authentic self-reflection. Start early, stay organized, and seek mentorship whenever possible. With focused preparation, you’ll not only increase your chances of acceptance but also find a medical school that aligns with your values and professional aspirations.