Hashir
What are some good experiences to add when thinking about applying to medical school?
I'm trying to figure out what are the most important activities that will help me improve my candidacy for medical school. #medicine #graduate #research #medicine-school #volunteering #undergraduate #admissions #medcine
5 answers
Kate Wallace
Kate’s Answer
Hi Hashir,
I recommend you seek job or volunteer experience in a clinical setting. For example, a friend of mine applied to medical schools and did not get in to any, and he then worked as a nurse's assistant in a nonprofit nursing home and applied again the following year. He was accepted to medical school that year and is now doing his residency.
Good luck!
Kate
Ahh, thanks Kate!
Hashir
A. Wallace Deckel
A. Wallace’s Answer
Before i retired, i often interviewed medical school applicants. Aside from demonstrating academic excellence, i always looked for students who had passionate interests outside of school. Music, art, sports, service to others through volunteering, or interesting hobbies always stood out to me as important, as they tend to make people "whole". Basically, i always had to decide why one student was more suited to medicine than another....and thats what you want to be able to convey when the time comes.... why you would make a great physician. So pursue your interests outside of school, stay academically sharp, and best of luck to you in your pursuits!
Dr. Deckel
Karen Kitchel
Karen’s Answer
Volunteer for a variety of organizations that serve various cultures and social groups to show you are flexible and that you have a world view.
With every good wish!
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
Aaron A. Ali, MD
Aaron A.’s Answer
1. GPA above 3.6
2. MCAT score above 30
3. Volunteer work and experience to show you really are committed to this and not in it for the money.
4. Something that stands out such as Eagle Scout, military history, athlete in high level sports, band or anything that shows you did #1 and #2 above while doing a lot of extracurricular activities.
5. A well rounded person with a personality.
They will no longer just take you because your smart and have a good MCAT score.
Good luck!
medicine school applicants MCAT GPA