Balancing school, clinical and community service work and research is difficult enough. Throw in the MCAT, med school applications and interviews and the task can be truly overwhelming. A year spent working, volunteering or doing community service prior to applying to medical school, known as a “gap year,” can be a good option for some […]
What to do during a “Gap Year” Prior to Medical School Read More »
Applicants who have been waitlisted for medical school have two main questions: What are my chances of acceptance from the waitlist? What should I do now? The answer to the first varies widely depending upon the school. Some schools fill much of their class with applicants from the waitlist, while for other schools, the chances
Waitlisted for Medical School Read More »
The application process for osteopathic (D.O.) medical schools is in many ways similar to the application process for allopathic (M.D.) schools. However, D.O. schools use a separate application service (AACOMAS) and look for applicants who have demonstrated interest in osteopathic medicine. If you are planning to apply to D.O. schools, you can begin preparing by
Applying to Osteopathic Medical Schools Read More »
As a premedical student you know that the MCAT is essential to med school admission: without a solid score admission is very unlikely, while a stellar score may place a top program within your grasp. When confronted with the sometimes daunting task of preparing for the MCAT, students have a difficult time choosing among the
Should I Take an MCAT Review Course? Read More »
Preparing for an interview at any medical school requires certain steps: familiarizing yourself with the school, honing your general interview skills and making sure that you can discuss any aspect of your application in depth. However, to be successful at an osteopathic medical school interview, you need to also ensure that you are ready for
Preparing for an Osteopathic Medical School Interview Read More »
In recent years, some medical and dental schools have switched to the Multiple Mini Interview format in lieu of traditional interviews. This approach was used initially by medical schools in Canada and Australia and has been adopted by a number of medical and dental schools in the U.S. in recent years. During an MMI, the
The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) for Medical School or Dental School Read More »
Once your medical school interview is behind you, you may think that all you need to do is wait to hear the committee’s decision. However, there is another step you can take before you leave the decision in the hands of the admissions committee. Your next task, and perhaps the last one you’ll have before
After the Medical School Interview: Thank-You Letters Read More »
What do you do if your decision to become a physician, dentist or veterinarian was made after you completed college? How do you obtain the science courses necessary to apply? Or, perhaps you made the decision early on, but your grades in college are not competitive for admissions into med or dental school. Then what?
Post-bac Programs for Premedical, Predental and Preveterinary Students Read More »
One of the most significant differences between types of interviews is whether they are open or closed file. In an open file interview, the interviewer has access to your application materials. Prior to the interview, he or she will already be familiar with your GPA, test scores, extracurricular and work activities and personal statement. By
Open File versus Closed File Interviews: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Your chance of admission to med school ranges from about 25% to 60% once you’ve made it to the interview stage. At this point, the committee knows that you are academically prepared for medical school and have the background and experiences to succeed. However, in a profession where you will spend your days communicating with patients
Getting the Most from a Mock Interview Read More »