![]() ![]() ![]() If you choose this option, make sure to bank at least 100 hours before completing your application. ![]() Applicants who job-shadow often get a wider variety of clinical experience than applicants who work only one type of job. While this approach won’t pay you money, it does offer valuable first-hand experience. If you choose this route, aim to have at least six months of work under your belt before applying.Īnother way to gain clinical experience is by job-shadowing willing doctors. Applicants benefit because they can earn income and gain clinical experience at the same time. It’s common for candidates to have experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT), certified nursing assistant (CNA), or medical scribe. One way to gain clinical experience is to work in a healthcare profession before applying to medical school. That’s why admissions boards frequently choose applicants who’ve seen the environment first-hand and have realistic expectations of what the career will be like. After all, medical school is a long and challenging process. It’s now a fact-of-life that most successful med school candidates have experience in some healthcare setting. Maybe you had a role in student government? Perhaps you served as editor of your student newspaper? Whatever your moment, use it to explain how you’ll bring leadership qualities on your med school journey. Your application should highlight instances where you stepped into positions of greater responsibility and succeeded. In addition to being altruistic, good doctors are also leaders. As you’re completing your service, consider how this experience shaped your desire to become a physician, as well as your view of the world at large. Look specifically for roles in community health and wellness, as these may carry more weight with an admission committee. All it takes is a quick Google search, and you’ll find nearly endless opportunities to give back. One of the most effective ways of demonstrating your altruism is by serving your community. As a result, medical schools want to see that their applicants have an interest in serving other people. They dedicate their careers to helping patients live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Demonstrate Service and Leadershipĭoctors, by their nature, are altruistic people. If you can articulate that idea to an admissions committee, it will be another sign you’re prepared for the challenges inherent in medical school. Are you a writer or a fine artist? Did you excel in a sport? Did you earn an Eagle Scout badge? Are you an accomplished musician? Whatever your non-academic activities are, consider how they demonstrate your commitment to excellence, ongoing learning, and the long-term pursuit of a goal. So don’t hesitate to include areas of interest that fall outside of academics and the sciences. The best medical schools want to admit people with broad experience. As you prepare your application, pay special attention to the other qualities and activities that might make you stand out against the competition. If your grades fall below these averages, or your MCAT scores are a little low, there’s still a path forward to the career of your dreams. Of course, your undergraduate education doesn’t paint the entire picture. To demonstrate this, highlight research projects you participated in, study abroad opportunities you took advantage of, any TA or tutoring experience, or other activities that demonstrate your ability and eagerness to learn. Schools also seek out candidates with diverse educational experiences. By contrast, the average total MCAT score for 2019-2020 matriculants was 506.1. ![]() The same report found that the average total MCAT score for 2020-2021 medical school applicants was 506.4. In addition to your undergraduate academics, MCAT scores carry much weight in admission decisions. So, to stand out in front of admission committees, applicants should aim to outperform these GPAs in every category. However, the best applicants have significantly higher GPAs.Īccording to the American Association of Medical Colleges, for 2020-2021, the average GPA of admitted med school students breaks down like this: In most cases, medical schools require at least a 3.0 GPA even to consider your application. While good grades may not get you into medical school, bad grades can undoubtedly keep you out. With so much on the line, applicants look for every possible edge to make their application stand out.Īs you prepare your application, consider the following tips that can take your candidacy to the next level: Academics Matter As a result, the competition for those precious med school slots is fierce. This critical task represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Improve Your Med School Applications Using These TipsĪs the calendar turns from spring to summer, aspiring doctors take the final step of the premed journey by finalizing their medical school applications. ![]()
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