I remember when it was time for me to apply to medical school—I worried if I would be competitive enough, if I deserved a spot, what my MCAT score would be, and so much more. It can be a stressful time especially when your future career depends on it.
I’ve known ever since I was a little girl that I wanted to become a physician. Throughout my time in grade school and even in college, I tried to be as organized and hardworking as I could be. So here are some pearls I learned throughout the application process:
Personal Statement: This is your chance to prove why you deserve a spot in medical school. Share your story, and capture the hearts of everyone who reads it. Showcase your experience and why you are ready to take on the challenge of medical school. This is your chance to leave a memorable impression. Don’t be afraid to let others proofread and give you constructive criticism. I asked professors and friends already in medical school to give me their input. It was really helpful, and I couldn’t have been happier with the final product.
AMCAS: I realize that every school looks for different things, but I think it’s important to be a well-rounded individual. I had a mixture of things that I really cared about (volunteering, shadowing, research, leadership, etc.), and I wrote about them in my 15 activities. Just make sure they’re meaningful. It’s very apparent when you’re writing about something you don’t really care about. Also, medical school is a marathon—a true commitment. Admissions committees want to see that you can commit to something for a long while, and your 15 activities are the perfect space to tell them about it.
Deadlines: I have always been a big believer in NOT waiting until the last minute. As soon as AMCAS came out, I was on top of it. The submission date was sometime in early June. As soon as submission was open, I was ready to submit my AMCAS application. I’m not saying every one of you needs to do that, but I found it served me well. Since I submitted my application in the morning on the very first day, my AMCAS was processed in 45 minutes and sent to the school I applied to (I only applied to one, since I applied as an early decision applicant). At that point, I knew that UMMC had everything they needed on my end.
