Application Process

 

            The application process is a time-consuming and arduous investment. Care should be taken to meet all deadlines and begin to complete the application as early as possible. Many medical schools offer acceptance on a first-come, first-serve basis. The earlier you complete and submit the application, the better your chances of getting accepted.

            It is a good idea to get to know your pre-medical advisor, who can keep you up to date on deadlines and other information vital to your completing the application. Advisors often have insider information about specific medical schools and usually maintain helpful connections with area schools.

Initial Application

When?

Most students begin applying shortly after taking the MCAT during the spring semester of their junior year. You should aim to have application ready within a week of receiving your MCAT scores.  Additional suggested timelines. 

How?

            Most schools require applicants to fill out an online application through either the AAMC website for allopathic schools or the AACOM website for osteopathic schools. For allopathic (MD) schools, the AMCAS application is used, while for osteopathic schools use the AACOMAS application.

            These applications serve to disseminate your information to the schools you plan to apply to. Schools interested in learning more about you will send out a secondary application after you complete either the AMCAS or AACOMAS.

            It should be noted that some allopathic schools do not utilize AMCAS; instead, applicants must send an application directly to the school. Most schools in Missouri and Illinois use this service. Presently, the only exception is University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.

 

What should I include in my application?

            The online portion of the application includes:

-         Personal and contact information

-         Education Background (High School and College)

-         Completed college courses (name, course number, type, grade)

-         Completed tests (MCAT, SAT, ACT etc.)

-         Work, extracurricular activities

-         Personal statement

-         Schools you wish to apply to (You can find a complete list of schools here)

Note:

MCAT scores are automatically released to AMCAS, but not to AACOMAS. You can release your scores to AACOMAS through the MCAT Testing History System.

How much does it cost?

            Both application services charge on a per-school basis. There is a base charge for the first school plus an additional charge for each additional school. A discussion of fees can be found here for AMCAS. The fees for AACOMAS are similar, though slightly lower.

How many schools should I consider?

            There is no magic number.  Obviously the more schools in your application pool, the greater your chances are of getting into at least one of them. An average applicant will apply to about 12-15 schools, but you may consider applying for more or less depending upon the strength of your application.

Personal Statement

            The personal statement is a great opportunity to distinguish yourself from the rest of the applicant pool. It is your chance to describe some of the events in your life that have shaped you and have given you the qualities that you possess.  Although there are many ways to do this, many students relate their information through stories that illustrate their qualities and experiences.  In other words, illustrations can be used to paint a picture that allows the reader to draw conclusions about the type of person you are. Certainly tie in your motivations for becoming a doctor, but try not to rely on “it’s been my dream” types of arguments.

            You may wish to purchase a book that contains personal statements from past medical school applicants in order to get a feel for what will be successful. The personal statement is discussed in greater detail at other sites.

Secondary Application

            The secondary application is sent out by schools after they have received your online AMCAS or AACOMAS application. One of the biggest pieces of advice that many students echo is to complete these secondary applications as quickly as possible. Your chances of getting an interview are much better if you submit them early. Often, many of the questions are similar to what you might see on the initial application, with the addition of some specific questions about the school (e.g. what do you like about the school? Why do you want to attend the school?). A quick response can serve to demonstrate your interest.  Try to get them back in a few days or a week at the most.

Interview

            This is the capstone of the application process. After receiving your secondary application, interested schools will notify you and usually allow you to choose from several interview dates. If possible, you should try to reserve the earliest spot when the school has not yet admitted many students (your chances of acceptance are better at this point). The purpose of the interview is for the admission panel to evaluate your character, personality, communication skills, and other attributes that may contribute to your success as a physician. Be yourself.  Additional tips for success include: 

-         Dress professionally

-         Be on time; give yourself plenty of time to make it to the interview

-         Arrive in town the night before to allow for relaxation before the big day

-         Be familiar with the school and the city/town itself (be prepared to talk about why you think it would be a good place for you)

-         Be familiar with current medical issues (stem cell, healthcare programs and costs, insurance, antibiotic resistance, life support, etc.

-         Mock interviews (great interview feedback resource at Student Doctor Network)

Format of Interview Day

-         Can last from 8 a.m. to possibly 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.

-         Usually consists of one to three interviews; either panel or one-to-one

-         Panel made up of faculty and sometimes upper level medical students

-         Tour of school and facilities.  This gives you the opportunity to assess the facilities, students, feel and culture of the school.  Remember you may have a choice in medical schools and you should take time to assess which school would fit best into your professional plans and philosophy)

Much of this information can be credited to http://medschoolready.com/app/default.asp , along with the AAMC and AACOM websites.

 

-J Lefler