Applying for medical school is not for the faint of heart. After all, securing a spot in at a reputable school is highly competitive and the number of hopeful applicants grows each year. To help boost your chances of success, be mindful of these five common mistakes:
- Not knowing the process: Most graduate school applications are a one-step process. Not so when it comes to medical school. First up is the primary application, which asks for test scores, undergraduate course grades and letters of recommendation. But if you primary application is accepted, you’ll also be asked to submit a secondary application, which focuses heavily on essays.
- Applying too soon: Students anxious to get started toward their medical careers oftenh apply to med school fresh out of their junior year of college. A primary problem with this move, however, is that too many find they’re not yet ready to ace the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Don’t fall victim to impatience. Take the time necessary to study and fully prepare for the test, even if it means taking a post-baccalaureate program to improve skills and knowledge in important areas.
- Skipping volunteer and research opportunities: Both will significantly boost your attractiveness to medical school admissions professionals.
- Crafting a less-than-stellar personal statement: Your personal statement is perhaps the most critical portion of your application because it lets admissions professionals know just how serious you are about your future in medicine. An effective personal statement clearly outlines your goals and accomplishments, and conveys your passion.
- Choosing the wrong letter writers: Too often, students ask administrators whom they may not personally know to write letters of recommendation, typically based on students’ course and test scores. A far more effective approach is to seek recommendations only from those whom you know firsthand and can speak about your particular strengths, talents and potential.
To better assure your success in applying to and acing medical school, consider enrolling at St. Augustine, FL-based WOLFPACC, an internationally renowned preparatory course provider. Call 904-209-3140 to learn more.
