Best "How to Get Into Med School Book"

[gogreenx123]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hello,

I am a college freshman at Michigan State University with one semester under my belt. The summer after high school graduation, I felt extremely anxious about college. A friend of mine suggested that I read these two books to maybe help with my anxiety: "How to Win at College" (provided 75 do's and don'ts of college) and "How to be a Straight A Student" (explained how to time manage, study smart and not hard, and write essays). The books truly helped me with my first semester and get a better picture of college. However, I'm having trouble finding GOOD books about how to get into med school. Hopefully I can find one that will provide me with tips on how to be a standout applicant or maybe a step by step process on what to do and how to do it. It has to be a book that doesnt state the obvious like "be yourself" or "do well in your classes."

Thank you so much for your reply,
gogreenx123

 

[alamo4]

I thought Suzanne Miller's guide was really good and right to the point with clear time tables. Even applying as a nontrad, it was very helpful to me.

 

[drshark]

SDN is better than any book in my opinion, what it comes down to is getting good grades, mcat, volunteering, maybe some research, shadowing, a good personal statement, and getting to know your professors so that they will write you great LOR 🙂

 

[coolingglasses]

SDN is better than any book in my opinion, what it comes down to is getting good grades, mcat, volunteering, maybe some research, shadowing, a good personal statement, and getting to know your professors so that they will write you great LOR 🙂

this

mostly because SDN is constantly keeping up. my brother gave me his copy of med school confidential... I never finished it though. I got most of my info from my advisor, faculty, peers, and SDN (mostly at application time).

 

[gogreenx123]

So SDN vs Med School Confidential? Is SDN the same as this website? Do any of these books perhaps have a timeline on what you should be doing throughout your undergraduate career?

Sincerely,
Confused Freshman

 

[NeuroLAX]

If you're really looking for a book then go to the bookstore, I remember having a copy of Kaplan's guide, but I can't remember the exact title.

But I also agree that SDN is amazing.

 

[coolingglasses]

By SDN I mean only this website. I got a general timeline from my advisor/pre-med office.

 

[phikapdoctor]

Just use SDN, talk to seniors who have been accepted, your advisor, ext. a book is a waste of money IMO.

 

[Iliketoytles]

SDN is better than any medschool guide book/premed advisor there is. You'll get genuine, up-to-date answers and experiences here. You just have to filter out the legitimate posts from the nonsense. 🙄

But yeah, don't waste your money on anything. SDN is the best. 👍

 

[MedPR]

I'll print screen shots of SDN, have them bound at Kinkos, and sell it to you if you want.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Temperature101]

I'll print screen shots of SDN, have them bound at Kinkos, and sell it to you if you want.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

Welcome back...

 

[MedPR]

Welcome back...

Gracias tomodachi.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Goro]

Shill alert: Walter Hartwig is an old pal of mine, on Faculty at TUCOM-CA. He now Chairs their AdCom so he ought to know his stuff. Check out his book:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1607140624

Hello,

I am a college freshman at Michigan State University with one semester under my belt. The summer after high school graduation, I felt extremely anxious about college. A friend of mine suggested that I read these two books to maybe help with my anxiety: "How to Win at College" (provided 75 do's and don'ts of college) and "How to be a Straight A Student" (explained how to time manage, study smart and not hard, and write essays). The books truly helped me with my first semester and get a better picture of college. However, I'm having trouble finding GOOD books about how to get into med school. Hopefully I can find one that will provide me with tips on how to be a standout applicant or maybe a step by step process on what to do and how to do it. It has to be a book that doesnt state the obvious like "be yourself" or "do well in your classes."

Thank you so much for your reply,
gogreenx123

 

[Ost3oclast]

sdn is better than any book in my opinion, what it comes down to is getting good grades, mcat, volunteering, maybe some research, shadowing, a good personal statement, and getting to know your professors so that they will write you great lor 🙂

+1

 

[alamo4]

Spending too much time on SDN might turn you into a neurotic basket case, and you will get conflicting information. You can use SDN to search for answers for particular questions, or learn something about particular schools, programs, resources. It is an invaluable resource for that. However, IMHO, it is not the best resource for a comprehensive strategy.

This book has a great timetable and a single overall plan:

http://www.amazon.com/Medical-School-Admissions-Guide-Week/dp/1936633779

There are others, but this is the best one for a typical undergrad applying. There are some others with a bigger focus on nontrads, etc. It goes through the whole process with real, practical advice.

Good luck!

 

[ACOM2017]

Hello,

I am a college freshman at Michigan State University with one semester under my belt. The summer after high school graduation, I felt extremely anxious about college. A friend of mine suggested that I read these two books to maybe help with my anxiety: "How to Win at College" (provided 75 do's and don'ts of college) and "How to be a Straight A Student" (explained how to time manage, study smart and not hard, and write essays). The books truly helped me with my first semester and get a better picture of college. However, I'm having trouble finding GOOD books about how to get into med school. Hopefully I can find one that will provide me with tips on how to be a standout applicant or maybe a step by step process on what to do and how to do it. It has to be a book that doesnt state the obvious like "be yourself" or "do well in your classes."

Thank you so much for your reply,
gogreenx123

I enjoyed "Med School Confidential" but go to your college bookstore and checkout the books that they offer. A lot of the advice will be the similar. Grades and MCAT are most important, but shadowing, and volunteering is crucial for your CV but also for the valuable/rewarding experience that it will offer outside of hitting the books.

Use the forums here with caution. A lot of bad advice is spewed. That goes for any advice that you receive, always be critical. I was told by many people that I had no shot at medical school(fellow pre-meds, pre-medical advisors etc..) and I am matriculating in 6 months!

The website itself, outside of the forums has a lot of great information.

Best of luck.