Medical School: The Application Process
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Transcript Medical School: The Application Process
Medical School:
The Application
Process
UCI Latino Medical Student
Association (LMSA)
Overview
AMCAS Logistics
May 1st: Application opens
June 1st: First day to submit
Early July: Suggested turn in
Primary Application
Deadlines: November 1, 15 and
December 1st (depends on
school)
1. Identifying Information
2. Schools Attended
3. Biographic Information
SOCIAL
ECONOMIC
EDUCATIONAL
CULTURAL
GEOGRAPHICAL
4. Course Work
* remember to check each
school's course requirements:
biochem & statistics
GPA and Majors
Do I have to be a
science major?
What GPA do I
need to have in
order to apply?
Which GPA is
important?
Do I have to be a science major?
No!
GPA?
"Suggested"
Total > 3.5
**Science >= 3.5
(see MSAR)
GPA Tips/Suggestions
Demonstrate an
upward trend
Must have
substance
Medical schools
look at Science
GPA (BCPM).
5. Work/Activities
Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer and Work
How many
activities should I
be involved in?
Do they have to be
medically or
science related?
What if I work and
don’t have time?
Activities Tips/Suggestions
Do what you love.
Demonstrate commitment &
passion.
Learn from your experiences.
They will make you a wellrounded individual
6. Letters of Evaluation/ Recommendation
How can I get a STRONG
letter?
Who do I ask and How do I
ask them?
How many letters do I
need?
LOR: Tips/Suggestions
3-5 letters (2-3 science, 1 nonscience, 1-2 other i.e. community
service/extracurricular activities
Visit professor Office Hours
Provide: Personal info sheet,
CV/resume, personal statement,
grade sheet with course highlighted,
and self addressed stamped
envelope.
7. Medical Schools
How many do I apply to?
Which schools do I apply
to?
How can I learn more
about the school and their
particular requirements?
Medical School Tips/Suggestions
Refer to Medical
School Admission
Requirements (MSAR)
You can apply to all
133 U.S. accredited
medical schools.
Realistically, apply to
schools that meet
personal eligibility
and/or likings.
8. Personal Statement
This is your time to shine and
show them who YOU ARE!
Share your STORY.
PS Tips/Suggestions
No particular format or
structure
Tell an original story!
Explain and support why you
want to be a physician.
Stand out from the other
thousands of applicants!
9. Standardized Tests (MCAT)
MCAT Format
Physical Science (PS): 70 minutes,
52 MC Questions
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 60 minutes,
40 MC Questions
Writing Sample (WS): 60 minutes, 2
essays
Biological Science (BS): 70 minutes,
52 MC Questions
MCAT Tips/Suggestions
Tests knowledge, concepts,
and critical thinking
Allocate a significant amount
of time for studying.
Practice, practice, practice,
practice!
Fee Assistance Program
MCAT: $235-->$80
Primary Application for
each school: 14 free + $30
each additional
Free secondary applications
for most schools
Free MSAR
Secondary Application
AKA: Supplementary Application
Written responses will be more focused
for the school and its curriculum
Letters of recommendation are
REQUIRED to complete the
application
Individual deadlines
Interviews
Review your application and know
yourself
Be up-to-date on current medical
reform and relate issues
Learn about the school
Devise your own questions for the
interviewer(s)
Practice interview techniques/questions
(mock interview)
Relax and know you are great!
Question Topics
Personal views on certain
issues
Challenges
Achievements
Community Service
Education
Family/Community
Ethics
Ask Yourself…
Why do I want to be a doctor?
What are my
strengths/weaknesses?
What makes me special and
what can I contribute?
What is the most pressing health
problem in our community
today?
But Remember to be:
CONFIDENT
PERSEVERANT
PATIENT
And to always…
BELIEVE in
YOURSELF!!!