Thinking about Medical Schools

[BellaWriterChic]

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So I am a junior going for a biochemistry degree, getting ready to get started on the application for medical schools on the AMCAS system. I take the MCAT May 22, and I have pretty much always thought about going to Indiana University School of Medicine. It is a great school, close to home, but I haven't really explored much else. Anyone have any suggestions about where else I could look into?

 

[Wolfpack93]

Hard to make suggestions without any information about you at all except you plan to take the MCAT and are majoring in Biochemistry.

 

[DrHart]

Buy access to the MSAR and look around! See what schools have a class profile similar to your GPA (and MCAT after you take it). I made a big list and am now going on google earth tours. On a related note... USC-Keck is beautiful 😍 (I'm from the midwest so I'm used to 9 months of overcast and temperamental weather)

 

[Hospitalized]

Have you shadowed? Explored clinical experience? Volunteered? These are all important things to consider before committing to medical school. It will show in your application if you are uncertain about your choice. I recommend finding a shadowing opportunity ASAP if you are planning on submitting you application this year. Make sure you really want to be a physician before committing!

 

[Holmwood]

Feel free to explore outside of Indiana, because it really is a competitive process and you don't want to pin your hopes on just 1 school. Might I suggest not only looking for stuff in your gpa/mcat range, but also consider the average indebtedness of students that apply there. Big financial aid just might make it worth leaving your home state.

Additionally, apply based on the school's mission. Is it big on teaching? Apply if you've got some teaching experience. Is it big on research? Apply if you've got some research experience. Is it big on community involvement? Apply if you have experience working with the disadvantaged.

Remember to also check out your DO options if you're not comfortable with your MCAT score. Have a look at Marian University College of Osteopathic medicine matey.

 

[BellaWriterChic]

Buy access to the MSAR and look around! See what schools have a class profile similar to your GPA (and MCAT after you take it). I made a big list and am now going on google earth tours. On a related note... USC-Keck is beautiful 😍 (I'm from the midwest so I'm used to 9 months of overcast and temperamental weather)

I've lived most of my life in the Midwest, I know how it is!

Have you shadowed? Explored clinical experience? Volunteered? These are all important things to consider before committing to medical school. It will show in your application if you are uncertain about your choice. I recommend finding a shadowing opportunity ASAP if you are planning on submitting you application this year. Make sure you really want to be a physician before committing!

I've done lots of shadowing. My dad is a surgeon and I have some family in medicine. I have always wanted to be in medicine. I in a B/MD program at my school, but I know many have not gone on to IU, and I just want to make sure that I am at the school that is best for me.

Feel free to explore outside of Indiana, because it really is a competitive process and you don't want to pin your hopes on just 1 school. Might I suggest not only looking for stuff in your gpa/mcat range, but also consider the average indebtedness of students that apply there. Big financial aid just might make it worth leaving your home state.

Additionally, apply based on the school's mission. Is it big on teaching? Apply if you've got some teaching experience. Is it big on research? Apply if you've got some research experience. Is it big on community involvement? Apply if you have experience working with the disadvantaged.

Remember to also check out your DO options if you're not comfortable with your MCAT score. Have a look at Marian University College of Osteopathic medicine matey.

I have the B/MD at my school, so as long as my MCAT is good and my grades are maintained where they are, I am good. I've looked into Marian and DO, but I do not think it is something for me. I have always wanted to go MD. But you bring up good points. I know I do not want to do research.

 

[WedgeDawg]

Wait, if you are at a BS/MD program with guaranteed acceptance, why apply elsewhere? Do you really want to go through a rigorous and soul-crushing application cycle for a shot at what you already have?

 

[NeuResurgens]

Where you apply is as personal as how you study for the MCAT and how you choose an undergraduate school. It depends on where you want to be geographically, what specialties you're considering, interest/disinterest in research, MCAT score and GPA, ECs, school mission, etc. Once you take the MCAT, you can post in the "What are my chances" thread and ask for suggestions for a list of schools to apply to. Many here are familiar with the different entrance requirements, general stats and missions of the schools and will be able to give you good suggestions. Until that time, you're best off to focus on doing well in classes and on the MCAT, as well as gaining valuable ECs in the clinical and non-clinical arenas.

 

[Goro]

Have you done any volunteering to see if you really want to be around sick people for the next 40 years?

Done anything else to show off your altruism and humanism?

 

[massmocha]

1) Do you want to live in a new place? If so, branch out and apply to more programs
2) Do you have family / significant others at home? If so, it might make sense to stay in the same area. If you go to a decent med school and do well you can go to residency anywhere. It is nice to be near family loved ones during medical school so you have people to see in your minimal free time. Good luck!