- Joined
- Aug 6, 2011
- Messages
- 72
- Reaction score
- 9
Here is the just of it. Second year applicant. URM. 27 years old. EMT with no experience. A total of about 40 hrs shadowing. Good volunteer history. NCAA athlete. My GPA is in the title. MCAT VR:8; P:9; B:12.
I am pretty sure the first try would have been successful had I known what I know now.
Rule 1: Apply early. Really early, as in opening day. If you are in the preliminary stages then get moving. Your app should be ready to submit a week before. You may think it is just another app but unless you have applied for a seriously high security job then you have no idea. Just putting on the finishing touches will take a few weeks. Especially if you have multiple transcripts etc.
Rule 2: Write an uplifting and inspiring PS. Do not judge your own work, get several others to evaluate it. Every paragraph should have a message. It took me several tries to write a satisfactory PS and now when I read it I still get inspired (really). I have seen the same reaction from interviewers who read it prior to the interview. I wrote my PS in an unorthodox way but it seemed to work (more on that later).
My PS
Rule 3: Apply in state. Not always possible but if it is then do it. If you have any opportunity to switch residency to a state with a lower level of competition then do so. I did as my home state is CA. I'm not sure if it really helped me as my first acceptance was OOS but I can definitely see the benefit.
Heading home from work to be continued...
Rule 4: Shadow docs with connections to the school of interest. Chose who you have represent you. Sharp docs who express an interest in helping you. MD's for MD schools (Even if DO LORs are allowed). Present yourself with confidence and build value by your actions. Bring yourself up to their level. Do not fear them. I'm not saying be a no it all but don't be afraid to carry a dialogue with them. A doc that will intimidate you isn't going to help you anyway so given that situation... move on down the road.
Rule 5: Apply Early. "Day of" early.
Rule 6: Become an EMT, CNA, etc. I became a registered EMT. It cost me $2000 and a month of full-time class. I impressed the teacher, killed every test, and made friends with everybody. By the time I was done I had a huge plus on my app, some experiences to reflect on just from the ride-alongs I did, and a killer LOR from someone in the field. It was very educational as well.
Rule 7: Self talk. By the time you get to your interview you had better had about 1000 self discussions about why you want to be a doc. It should flow out of you like poetry and with conviction. Rewriting your PS will be good practice. Find some passion to tap into.
Tips:
-With enough googling you can find a few docs who are on the admissions boards. I didn't get the opportunity to shadow any but I think it would have been a major plus.
-Shadow a doc at a physician owned hospital or clinic. Your more likely to get some hands on that way. I shadowed in a physician owned hospital and assisted the surgeon in some major surgeries. I shadowed in a major hospital and I got chewed for walking past a sterile cart. (Someone will always have a chip on their shoulder there)
-Get a panel letter in addition to all other LORs. Have plenty but be selective and make sure they are all strong.
IF YOU ARE IN THIS POSITION AND SERIOUSLY WANT TO GET INTO MED SCHOOL, YOU BETTER STEP YOUR GAME UP. From here on out A's only, impress everyone, never fear a doc or the process, apply early, and make up you mind that you will be a doctor.
This is not for those who are struggling to be capable. This is for those who know they are capable but just need some help showing everyone else what they already know.
I am pretty sure the first try would have been successful had I known what I know now.
Rule 1: Apply early. Really early, as in opening day. If you are in the preliminary stages then get moving. Your app should be ready to submit a week before. You may think it is just another app but unless you have applied for a seriously high security job then you have no idea. Just putting on the finishing touches will take a few weeks. Especially if you have multiple transcripts etc.
Rule 2: Write an uplifting and inspiring PS. Do not judge your own work, get several others to evaluate it. Every paragraph should have a message. It took me several tries to write a satisfactory PS and now when I read it I still get inspired (really). I have seen the same reaction from interviewers who read it prior to the interview. I wrote my PS in an unorthodox way but it seemed to work (more on that later).
My PS
Rule 3: Apply in state. Not always possible but if it is then do it. If you have any opportunity to switch residency to a state with a lower level of competition then do so. I did as my home state is CA. I'm not sure if it really helped me as my first acceptance was OOS but I can definitely see the benefit.
Heading home from work to be continued...
Rule 4: Shadow docs with connections to the school of interest. Chose who you have represent you. Sharp docs who express an interest in helping you. MD's for MD schools (Even if DO LORs are allowed). Present yourself with confidence and build value by your actions. Bring yourself up to their level. Do not fear them. I'm not saying be a no it all but don't be afraid to carry a dialogue with them. A doc that will intimidate you isn't going to help you anyway so given that situation... move on down the road.
Rule 5: Apply Early. "Day of" early.
Rule 6: Become an EMT, CNA, etc. I became a registered EMT. It cost me $2000 and a month of full-time class. I impressed the teacher, killed every test, and made friends with everybody. By the time I was done I had a huge plus on my app, some experiences to reflect on just from the ride-alongs I did, and a killer LOR from someone in the field. It was very educational as well.
Rule 7: Self talk. By the time you get to your interview you had better had about 1000 self discussions about why you want to be a doc. It should flow out of you like poetry and with conviction. Rewriting your PS will be good practice. Find some passion to tap into.
Tips:
-With enough googling you can find a few docs who are on the admissions boards. I didn't get the opportunity to shadow any but I think it would have been a major plus.
-Shadow a doc at a physician owned hospital or clinic. Your more likely to get some hands on that way. I shadowed in a physician owned hospital and assisted the surgeon in some major surgeries. I shadowed in a major hospital and I got chewed for walking past a sterile cart. (Someone will always have a chip on their shoulder there)
-Get a panel letter in addition to all other LORs. Have plenty but be selective and make sure they are all strong.
IF YOU ARE IN THIS POSITION AND SERIOUSLY WANT TO GET INTO MED SCHOOL, YOU BETTER STEP YOUR GAME UP. From here on out A's only, impress everyone, never fear a doc or the process, apply early, and make up you mind that you will be a doctor.
This is not for those who are struggling to be capable. This is for those who know they are capable but just need some help showing everyone else what they already know.
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