To hell with the numbering... I don't think it matters anymore.
a) Write a personal statement that touches on each one of your strengths and how each strength will tie into making you a good doctor (if you have patience, reflect on how that will help you as a physician, specfically). Also, try to sound like you have your future relatively mapped out.
Avoid words like "probably", "perhaps", "maybe", etc.. Schools usually don't want to hear that you have no idea what you want to do or that you're ambivalent; they want to see that you have at least some goals for the future. Even if you have no idea what speciality you want to do, make sure you include at least something.... for example: mention you want to go into a field like internal med or family practice because you love humanity or a field like psychiatry because the workings of the mind absolutely fascinate you. But remember, if you're going to say you have an interest in a particular specialty or two, make sure you have the extracurricular activities (shadowing a doctor in that field, pertinent research, internships) to back them up. It always helps to have plans, and remember you can always change your mind as soon as you get accepted!!
b) Study hard for the MCAT but do
NOT let it stress you out. The MCAT is a terrible exam and most people will feel that way coming out of it. (I've effectively repressed it). As long as you score at least somewhere in the mid 20s, you should be on steady ground. Don't forget that the MCAT is only part of your application; you can always use the rest of your application to sell yourself.
c) Be sure to set up a mock interview with either the meanest, rudest, butthole-est professor on your college campus or the one who has had the most interview training. If you like to use "um, like, and uh" a lot, or you just like to fidget with your clothes, rub your nose, or scratch your neck, ask them to help you eliminate the nervous tics. The interview should be an enjoyable experience, not some arduous courtroom trial.
d) Make sure you can answer questions such as "Why do you want to become a doctor", "If you enjoy caring for people so much, why did you choose medicine instead of a more patient-care field like nursing" (most surprising question I've ever been asked), "Describe a meaningful volunteer/work experience", and "What will you do if you do not get accepted here?"
That last question caught me off guard at my interview, and I ended up saying "I'm impressed with this school and I really want to go here. If I don't get accepted, I'll just try again next year." My interviewer (a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon) said in response, "So you're just going to put all your eggs in one basket? That's what I did. Good for you." I about passed out.
Sorry for the length..
Best of luck to the 2008 applicant class.
