Are you planning to apply to med school this cycle? At Accepted, we always advise medical school applicants to apply as early as possible, and have a significant head start on their competition by beginning the application process now. Below are a few easy tips that you can do now to help ensure acceptance.
Easy & Early Tip #1: Volunteer!
Med schools are definitely looking for students who will take advantage of the resources available to give back to their communities. Look for opportunities where you can spend a considerable amount of time with people and have a measurable impact. This is an important part of the AMCAS application.
Easy & Early Tip #2: Don’t give up on your grades.
Even if you have made some mistakes early in your college career, schools are looking for people with an upward trend. Those grades still matter! You can always point out to the admissions committee that you took care to address and improve on your academic weaknesses.
Easy & Early Tip #3: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses.
A great deal of the med school application process requires you to think about where you are strong and where you can improve. Take a look at the AMCAS application and begin cataloging your accomplishments.
Easy & Early Tip #4: Reach out to people who will be good recommenders.
The best letters of recommendation come from people who know you well. Take some time to get to know your professors who teach classes where you are excelling. Ask them about their current research. Spend some time getting to know them and letting them get to know you.
Easy & Early Tip #5: Do your research.
Start researching schools, their requirements and profiles. Reach out to current and former students and speak with them. Get a good idea of which schools are the best fit for you.
The earlier you can start preparing, the better. Once the whirlwind of MCAT and application season begins, you’ll be glad that you took some time to take stock of your profile ahead of time.
Will you Get Accepted to Medical School in 2019? Register for our upcoming webinar, and learn a strategy for each part of the application process.
Jessica Pishko graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School and received an M.F.A. from Columbia University. She spent two years guiding students through the medical school application process at Columbia’s Postbacc Program and teaches writing at all levels. She is happy to assist you with your medical school applications.
This article was originally posted on Accepted Admissions Blog.
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