Medical schools in the US, Canada, UK and Australia have low acceptance rates. Due to increased interest amongst applicants, the requirements for admission are extremely demanding.
Here is a medical school application checklist that you should keep in mind if you want to apply to medical schools while seeking a fulfilling career in medicine:
1. MCAT results
The majority of medical schools in the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada favour applicants with high MCAT scores. Give yourself enough time to take the exam at least two times. If you are dissatisfied with the results, talk to your adviser about how to strengthen the areas you’re weak in before retaking the exam.
2. Letter of recommendations
Letters of recommendation are crucial to your medical school application. They showcase your outstanding accomplishments, including your academic standing, volunteer work, research endeavors, professional experience, and extracurricular activities. Make a list of the people who will be writing letters for you right away. Request letters from people who know you well or with whom you have worked closely with, such as professors, research advisors, employers, and volunteer officials.
3. Personal statement
Convincing the admissions committees that you are the best candidate and possess all the qualities and characteristics that make you a wonderful fit for the medical school is intimidating and difficult. Spend the time and effort necessary to write your personal essay perfectly. Include some specific examples that demonstrate your potential to become a doctor.
4. Clinical shadowing experience
You may learn about and see what doctors perform while shadowing them, and you’ll also get a solid understanding of the surroundings and specialties of the medical field. Medical schools would question if you actually know if a profession in medicine could be the correct choice for you if you didn’t have shadowing experience. Ask your lecturers, mentors, and teachers if they are aware of any opportunities for shadowing.
5. Volunteer work
Many admissions specialists for medical schools today are on the lookout for applicants who have volunteered. Before deciding to enrol in medical school, admissions committees can see that you have a strong interest in medicine and are familiar with the area by looking at your volunteer experience in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, or NGOs working in the healthcare industry.
6. Research work
Even while it is not a requirement for admission to medical school, research experience can surely be beneficial. Check the websites or bulletin boards at your college frequently for opportunities to help with academic research initiatives. You can demonstrate your interest, skill, and commitment to advance your academic and clinical understanding by gaining some research experience.
Apply to medical schools with Rostrum Education:
Rostrum Education has a team of dedicated counsellors who only help students with admissions to medical schools. We help students prepare for the MCAT and BMAT. During high school, our students undergo tutoring to maintain scores while building outstanding co-curriculars. We also help you prepare for college interviews. Contact us for a free consultation!