5 Winning Strategies To Strengthen Your Medical School Application

Medical schools typically get thousands of applicants each year, and such numbers are increasing over time. Unfortunately, only a handful of applicants get admitted to their medical school of choice. And if you’re aiming to secure a slot, you have to prepare your medical school application thoroughly and make sure it stands out.

The good news is that there are strategies that can help you strengthen your application and increase your chances of getting into the medical school you want. Here are six tips on how to do just that:

1. Write A Powerful Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an important aspect of your American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application. A great personal statement can make an average application look stellar, especially if you browse Medical Aid examples.

Medical schools want to know what motivates you and why you want to pursue a medical career. This is what your personal statement is for. It should provide insight into your passion for medicine. You should also include how you plan on using your knowledge and skills as a physician to help others in need.

For instance, you may be passionate about treating children with cancer or cardiovascular disease. Your interest in research about regenerative medicine techniques and other novel medicine treatments is also a good point to highlight. The possibilities are endless, but you need to ensure that whatever you write in your personal statement can be backed up by experience.

2. Aim For High MCAT Scores

As cliché as it may sound, your Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores will have a huge impact on your medical school application. So, if you want to strengthen your application, you have to prepare well for this test and aim to get a high score.

The MCAT will test your foundation in biology, biochemistry, psychology, and other sciences that will be important in the study of medicine. In addition, the MCAT will also test your analysis and critical thinking skills.

A score of 511 is good enough, but if you really want to leave an impression, getting a higher score can definitely set your application apart. Getting a high MCAT score will also give you a better chance of being accepted to prestigious medical schools.

3. Highlight Your Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is another crucial aspect of medical school applications. Medical schools are interested in knowing how well you can work with people who have different backgrounds and beliefs than yourself. Most of all, your volunteer work and extra-curricular activities would be a great testament to your passion and interests in the medical field.

If you choose to volunteer, ensure your efforts are consistent with your future career goals. For example, if you want to specialize in pediatrics, volunteering at a hospital emergency room will not align with that interest. Instead, you may want to consider volunteering at a children’s hospital or participating in medical outreach programs for kids who live in rural areas where access to healthcare professionals is limited.

4. Make Your Professional Experience Count

Medical schools don’t require work experience, but if you do plan on working for a few years before applying to medical school, it’s recommended to get a career in healthcare. Working in a clinic or hospital setting can be a huge boost to your application. This will also give you more insight into the medical environment—allowing you to find new reasons in pursuing a medical degree or discover a new passion in the field.

Working in the medical field can also give you a glimpse of what doctors really face in the real world. You can also meet doctors who might eventually become your mentor and write a stellar letter of recommendation when you finally decide to apply to medical school.

5. Ask For Letters Of Recommendation

As mentioned, a letter of recommendation is needed when you apply to medical school. Medical schools require letters of recommendation from professors, employers, and colleagues. As much as possible, it should come from a respected and highly esteemed professional in the academe or medical field.

Letters of recommendation should be written by someone who knows you well and can attest to your integrity, compassion, and work ethic. A letter from a former employer or supervisor can provide insight into your communication skills and organizational abilities, which are essential for becoming a successful doctor.

A strong letter of recommendation from a well-known medical professional can set apart your application. Some schools won’t mind an average GPA or low MCAT score if you have a letter of recommendation from the right people.

Key Takeaway

Given the rising number of applicants in medical schools, you should find a way to stand out. Aside from a good academic record, having high MCAT scores, a strong personal statement, recommendations from the right people, work experience, and passion can get your foot in the door toward a fulfilling medical career.