3 answers
Diamond
Student
Richmond, Virginia
2
Questions
Updated
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How can I better my chances of getting accepted to medical school?
I am currently a biology major at Old Dominion University.
#Oncologist #oncology #doctor #medicine #med-school #healthcare #hospital-and-healthcare
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3 answers
Walt Sharpton
Financial Consultant in Tech
14
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Walt’s Answer
I am not a physician, but my wife is a highly accomplished one, so I'll answer with a few observations from her experience. Please take them with a grain of salt given that this is second-hand information... I would highly encourage you to do your own research.
Here are a few things that she did during college that helped her get into the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine:
- Hit the books HARD... She graduated summa cum laude with nearly perfect grades because she prioritized her school work all four years
- Applied for and received a grant to do medical research during her junior year
- Interned for the Environmental Protection Agency
- Studied abroad in London and interned/shadowed physicians there during one summer
- Found leadership roles in a couple student organizations and found ways to make an impact in them
- Studied VERY diligently for the MCAT and earned a high score
Those were all big commitments for her, but they paid off. She not only was accepted into her top choice medical school, but she learned a lot along the way, which positioned her for success once she was there. She was accepted to a top 5 residency as a result. Medicine is a long and arduous road, but the career has been very fulfilling for her. We need bright medical professionals now more than ever... Good luck to you!
Here are a few things that she did during college that helped her get into the University of North Carolina's School of Medicine:
- Hit the books HARD... She graduated summa cum laude with nearly perfect grades because she prioritized her school work all four years
- Applied for and received a grant to do medical research during her junior year
- Interned for the Environmental Protection Agency
- Studied abroad in London and interned/shadowed physicians there during one summer
- Found leadership roles in a couple student organizations and found ways to make an impact in them
- Studied VERY diligently for the MCAT and earned a high score
Those were all big commitments for her, but they paid off. She not only was accepted into her top choice medical school, but she learned a lot along the way, which positioned her for success once she was there. She was accepted to a top 5 residency as a result. Medicine is a long and arduous road, but the career has been very fulfilling for her. We need bright medical professionals now more than ever... Good luck to you!
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it. My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep. It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score. Applicants need top MCAT scores to be accepted to medical school.
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it. My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep. It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score. Applicants need top MCAT scores to be accepted to medical school.
Megan Grieco
Intern
7
Answers
Arlington, Virginia
Updated
Megan’s Answer
The two most important parts of your application are your GPA and your MCAT score.
I would take the summer to devote to studying for the MCAT, once you have finished the courses that will be on it.
If you have a GPA above a 3.6 and an MCAT score above a 510, you will be a competitive applicant.
When you are applying, you will also need to show a strong interest in the field. I would suggest joining a research lab, shadowing a doctor, or volunteering at a hospital. You can also get recommendation letters from your supervisors through those activities.
I would take the summer to devote to studying for the MCAT, once you have finished the courses that will be on it.
If you have a GPA above a 3.6 and an MCAT score above a 510, you will be a competitive applicant.
When you are applying, you will also need to show a strong interest in the field. I would suggest joining a research lab, shadowing a doctor, or volunteering at a hospital. You can also get recommendation letters from your supervisors through those activities.