Questions please!

[decidedonmdphd]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone,
I have actually have 2 questions:
1- I am graduating from undergrad in spring 2012, when do i need to start filling my AMCAS
2- Would it help to know a second language (French?) in my application for MD PhD? and do I really need a year of English? I've only taken a semester of English comp...

Thanks for reading me let me know what you think please.

 

[dragonbush]

If you aren't going to take a year off so that you will matriculate in 2012, you would start filling it out in May of 2011 and submit in June of 2011 (assuming you are submitting as early as possible, but that is when it is open).

I think a foreign language makes you a more rounded applicant (I am proficient in one and have basic knowledge in another) but unless you make it an important part of your application, they won't necessarily know. For example, the only reason they would know that I am at least proficient in one is because I took classes at a local university in a non-english speaking country. They don't really have any way to know those classes were in another language, and I didn't talk a whole lot about it.

I would take the side of caution and just take another semester long english class. In all reality, it is probably better for your well roundedness anyway.

 

[Remuneration]

Unless you already know that your schools of interest do not require it, I would take the additional semester of English. Most MD/PhD programs expect you to meet all the MD program requirements, and many MD programs expect a year of English (some specifically require English department classes, most allow University-approved interdisciplinary, intensive writing courses).