Hi everyone, I took the MCAT this year and ever sense have been having some difficulty figuring out what it would take to get into a top medical school. Before taking the MCAT, I was thinking grades and MCAT score are so important and I need to do well on the MCAT...but after taking it and getting a decent score im starting to feel like maybe these two variables aren't as important as other activities. I mean, what else does one need to do...obviously emphasis is placed on leadership, volunteering, and research, but how much does one actually have to do in any of these areas. Is it about standing out, like majoring in an area that few other premeds major in or doing research in a medically related area that not many premeds are involved in? Of course theres no formula for getting in to a great school, but some input from anyone who's been there or has an idea about these things would be greatly appreciated.
the numbers matter, but a sustained interest in health and helping people are necessary. they want to know that you aren't in it for the money, and you don't have some skewed view that doctors make bank for no reason. see the real side of medicine, work with people, help in the community, show you have an interest in helping others.
Spelling. Besides that... Get involved in something that you love. Work your way up the ladder. If you are volunteering for a particular cause after a few years you can become an organizer of other volunteers or lead a group project. The same applies to work or research. Work your way up from the basic tasks to roles requiring less supervision and more independence, perhaps even a supervisory role over others. Besides volunteer (and /or paid) work & research, find time and ways to have fun. You will be asked what you do for fun: the most recent book you've read, movie you've seen, CD you've listened to. Be able to show off that side of your personality. If you are doing what you love, it will show in your essays and in your interviews
Not to hijack, but I'm wondering what was red-pen-worthy about "decent" in that post? Dictionary.com: de·cent (dsnt) adj. 1. Characterized by conformity to recognized standards of propriety or morality. 2. Free from indelicacy; modest. 3. Meeting accepted standards; adequate: a decent salary. Morally upright; respectable. Kind or obliging: very decent of them to lend you money. Informal. Properly or modestly dressed.
Listen to Lizzy! Talk about "from the horse's mouth"! If you're like most pre-meds, though, you're thinking shorter term. If you've got the numbers, get at least some of the things you mentioned. If you're focusing on top schools, you might worry about research. If you want in anywhere, get some substantial medical volunteer experience and/or shadowing. Then concentrate on your app. Be sure your PS is rock solid. Be sure your LORs are ready in August. Submit your app on the first day on or around June 1. They should already have your transcripts by then. Apply to a range of schools using this strategy and you'll get in somewhere. If you want to boost yourself up a tier, listen to Lizzy. If you want in somewhere for 2007 entering class, you've got 6 months to get yourself in gear.
In this instance PS = personal statement. You have one PS on the AMCAS app that goes to all schools considering you. In other realms PS = Physical Science Section on MCAT.
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