MED SCHOOL
Go for your MD and succeed.
Medical school, the “big destination,” is highly competitive and includes a daunting application process as well as scoring well on the Medical College Admission Test ( MCAT). Though acceptance statistics aren’t friendly, according to www.PreMedLife.com in its article, “What Successful Premeds Have Figured Out
About Applying to Medical School,” knowing — and taking — the appropriate steps can make it a bit easier.
Advice there includes a multifaceted approach, from being realistic to acceptance statistics for certain types of schools; to being open, timely and unique in your presentation as well as application. Persistence also is emphasized when rejection letters arrive. The key is reapplying. What are the steps to get someone headed in the right direction for an application? First, take the required medical school prerequisites, no matter what the degree may be.
Dr. Karen Johnson, associate professor of pediatrics and associate dean of admissions at
Baylor College of Medicine, said most students will focus on majors in the sciences, but medical schools don’t recommend a specific undergraduate degree to apply.
“Students should pursue undergraduate degrees that spark their interest and are challenging to them,” Johnson said. “They do need a strong foundation in the sciences; however they can major in biochemistry, history, psychology, anthropology, kinesiology, economics or whatever they choose.”
Next would for a student would be preparing for and taking the MCAT, which is a standardized, multiple-choice examination that helps medical school admissions offices assess prob- lem solving; critical thinking; and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts, and principles that are prerequisite to the study of medicine.
LaTanya Love, M.D., associate dean for admissions and student affairs at McGovern Medical
School at UTHealth, said the best time to take the MCAT is when a student feels prepared to do so, but early enough to retake the test if necessary.
“Most students will plan to take the MCAT around January to May of the same year they are planning to submit their application. I advise students to take it early enough that they are able to retake the exam if they are not happy with their score,” Love said.
Choosing where and when to send applications and MCAT scores begins with some research.
Dr. Jesus Vallejo, professor of pediatrics and medicine and assistant dean of admissions at Baylor College of Medicine, referred prospective medical school applicants to the Association of
American Medical Colleges website at www.aamc.org.
It is one of the best resources of information for all issues related to applying to medical school.
For those students who are Texans, to apply to the other Texas medical schools, there is the Texas Medical School and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). Finding the right medical school for future goals is as easy as having a discussion with an academic advisor and investigating options.
“Do your research on the different medical schools you are interested in applying to,” Love said. “It is always a good idea to talk to medical students and faculty at different schools. Look for a school that you think will be a good ‘fit’ personally and professionally.”