Medical School Application Tips

Overview

This lecture is a detailed walkthrough of Maggie's successful AMCAS (medical school) application, highlighting strategies, lessons learned, and key tips for pre-med students.

Application Timeline & Process

• Applying early increases your chances; Maggie submitted on June 3, 2020, and verification took under three weeks.
• Verification may take 4-6 weeks if you apply later in the cycle.
• You can submit your application before MCAT scores and letters of recommendation are uploaded.

Academic History & Improvement

• Early college (dual enrollment) grades, even from high school, count towards your AMCAS GPA.
• Lower early grades can negatively impact your application; work-life balance is crucial.
• Reducing work hours improved academic performance significantly.
• A post-bac program can boost GPA, even if not completed fully.

MCAT Experience

• Maggie took the MCAT twice due to the first score expiring; improved her score the second time.
• Key to MCAT improvement: more full-length practice exams, better timing, ample study time while working.
• Retaking the MCAT, though daunting, can improve competitiveness, especially if earlier scores are lower or expired.

Extracurricular Activities & Clinical Experience

• Diverse experiences (EMT, caregiving, nannying, research, volunteering) strengthen an application.
• EMT experience is highly recommended for clinical exposure if possible.
• Shadowing physicians is essential; cold-email/call many practices to secure a spot.
• Volunteering at hospitals is accessible—check hospital websites for opportunities.

Letters of Recommendation

• Secure letters early and follow up if there are delays.
• Aim for a mix: science professors, employers, and possibly non-science professors as required by some schools.
• Strong relationships with letter writers are important, even if time has passed since classes.

School Applications & Outcomes

• Apply broadly and early for best chances; Maggie applied to 28 schools.
• Missing specific required letters can prevent you from completing some applications.
• Maggie received 15 interview invites and 10 acceptances (6 MD, 4 DO).
• Decision factors included location, financial aid, and personal considerations.

Key Terms & Definitions

• AMCAS — American Medical College Application Service, the primary application system for MD programs in the U.S.
• Post-bac Program — Additional undergraduate coursework taken after earning a bachelor's degree to improve GPA or fulfill prerequisites.
• MCAT — Medical College Admission Test, a standardized exam for prospective medical students.
• DO — Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, an alternative to MD (Doctor of Medicine) degrees in the U.S.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Begin AMCAS application materials early, ideally before MCAT scores arrive.
• Reduce extracurricular overload to improve academic performance.
• Gather a diverse and early set of letters of recommendation, including non-science if needed.
• Seek out clinical and volunteering opportunities via local hospitals and cold contacts for shadowing.
• Review school-specific application requirements (especially letters) before submitting.