Medical schools are highly competitive. The national acceptance rate is 43 percent, according to data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Students often ask, "How do I get into medical school?" Use these top 10 tips from doctors and medical students to help you prepare for your pre-health professions program.
Tips for Med School
- Get Some Medical Experience on Your Résumé
- Do Research Projects
- Put in Time Serving Others
- Choose a Major You Will Excel In
- Apply to Multiple Medical Schools
- Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT
- Learn Another Language
- Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities
- Be Polite and Be Yourself at Medical School Interviews
- Be Ready to Explain Why You Want to be a Doctor
1. Get Some Medical Experience on Your Résumé
Although it may not be a medical school requirement, pre-med students should consider job shadowing with doctors and other medical professionals. Admissions committees don't expect applicants to have real experience actually treating patients. After all, you're not a doctor yet. But they do want to know that you've spent time getting to know what your future job would be like. Job shadowing is a great way to get some medical experience, and there are other non-shadowing opportunities that may be available to you, as well.
"Med school admissions committees want students to have realistic expectations for what a career in medicine will be like,” says Dr. Sarah Carlson, an associate chief of surgery with the VA Boston Health Care System and an assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine. Carlson earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Michigan Technological University in 2003 before applying to medical school. As an undergraduate, she volunteered to file X-rays at a local hospital, then parlayed that into an opportunity to talk with the radiologist. He explained both how to read X-ray films and why he chose his profession. "It's those types of interactions that are important to have under your belt," she says. "Quite frankly, medicine isn't for everyone, so it's best if you do some soul-searching and spend some time with the people who have the job you want. Most doctors are happy to sit down with students who are considering a career in medicine."
Former pre-med student and current medical school student Karmyn Polakowski served with Michigan Tech's Emergency Medical Services team of campus first responders for a couple of years. "It was definitely the highlight of my undergraduate career," she says. "I was not only able to deploy my patient interaction and care skills, but I found the EMS family that created bonds to last a lifetime. EMS brings out special qualities in everyone, and learning how to utilize everyone’s strengths is really quite eye-opening. This lesson in itself makes me confident in my ability to work well as a physician amongst a group of other healthcare workers someday soon." Polakowski is now attending the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
Other ways to get medical experience prior to medical school include becoming an emergency medical technician, volunteering at a hospice or another medical facility, or working as a hospital scribe doing data entry. Some applicants are able to gain clinical experience by helping to care for family members.
2. Do Research Projects
Research experience is a great way to demonstrate your hands-on science knowledge. "Undergraduate research experience really shines through on medical school applications. Most medical schools want students who are interested in research, and the best way to show that interest is to come in having already gotten your feet wet," says Carlson. She did pipetting and ran assays in a lab run by Pushpalatha Murthy, professor of chemistry and former dean of the Graduate School at Michigan Tech. It was a small part of the research, but she conveyed the overall impact. "I had to explain at my interviews that the larger scope of the research was about inositol phosphate metabolism."
Medical student Carly Joseph did long-term research in engineered biomaterials. "Sticking with it gave me time to learn how to think critically and ignited my passion for science," she says. "I started off simply learning about biomaterials from older students in the lab, then gradually worked up to doing my own experiments and eventually presenting at conferences." By choosing to make research a main priority each semester, she was able to form close relationships with faculty mentors and accomplish more during her undergrad studies than she ever imagined.
In addition to college-based research programs, you can investigate summer offerings, including those through the National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program. You can also check out the Association of American Medical Colleges database for summer undergrad research programs that will set you up for getting into medical school.
3. Put in Time Serving Others
Carlson and Joseph volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization. Raking leaves, building an accessibility ramp, cleaning up trash left on the beach, and walking a dog are all non-clinical options for volunteering that demonstrate your willingness to pay it forward and give back. Volunteering shows admissions committees you have built resilience and interpersonal skills in preparation for medical school, while helping someone else in the process.
"They have many different programs and services," says Joseph. Before being accepted into Central Michigan University's College of Medicine, she was part of the Forever Friends program, matched with an elderly woman she visited a few times each month. "I've formed a great friendship with her, and hopefully, helped alleviate some loneliness. It's a win-win!"
"Doctors are generally pretty altruistic people, and med schools want to see that you care about your community or have some drive to contribute to the greater good," says Carlson. "Community service comes in many forms, and really anything qualifies, from trash cleanup and mentorship programs to working the concession stand at a fundraiser for a charity—anything that requires some unpaid time for a good cause."
Ask your pre-health professions advisor about volunteering opportunities on campus or in your community, which could include helping at local food banks, blood drives, and local shelters for the homeless, or assisting those dealing with domestic violence. You could tutor, deliver good companionship and Meals on Wheels, or walk the dogs at a local animal shelter. Take an alternative spring break and work with Habitat for Humanity or on developing clean water sources for developing nations. Check with your school for a list of community and global partners it works with who can use your time and talents. The mentors you develop will come in handy when it's time to gather recommendation letters—most medical schools ask for at least three—and the friendships you develop will last a lifetime.
Medical volunteer programs abroad are another option to gain both life and healthcare-related experiences. Students are placed in hospitals and clinics in both rural and urban settings where staffing is inadequate. Work, with professional guidance, can include giving vaccinations and other tasks interacting directly with patients, as well as helping to make facilities cleaner and more accessible. Programs are normally for people ages 18 and older.
4. Choose a Major You Will Excel In
Grades aren't everything, but they're extremely important. Choose an undergraduate field of study that will yield a competitive GPA while fulfilling medical school prerequisites. The recommended GPA for medical school applicants is 3.7 for medical doctors (MDs), 3.5 for doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), and 3.4 for naturopathic doctors (NDs). While many students who are planning careers in medicine decide to major in biology, Carlson earned her bachelor's in chemistry. Many of her colleagues majored in even more unexpected fields, including engineering, English, music, and classics.
"It 's OK if you 're not on the pre-med track right away when you start college; pursue experiences that genuinely interest you and rely on guidance from your faculty mentors to navigate your path"
There is no such thing as a pre-med major, says pre-health professions advisor Dr. Kemmy Taylor, who works with students preparing for medical careers at Michigan Technological University. "There is no specific major requirement for getting into medical school. You can major in whatever degree program you want," she says. You will still need to do well in both your cumulative GPA and your science classes, like biology, physics, chemistry, and math, that are requirements for medical school admission. If you are struggling in any classes, get help right away.
During her fourth year, Joseph had to take many of the medical school prerequisite classes that were not part of her engineering curriculum and build a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) study plan into her schedule.
5. Apply to Multiple Medical Schools
Improve your odds by not placing all your hopes on one school. Taylor advises doing individual research on each school, because application requirements can vary from school to school and from year to year.
She also notes that you can reach out to admission committees with specific questions about the program and expectations. And, she says, don't be bummed if at first you don't succeed. Try again. "If you don't get accepted into the school of your dreams, it's okay! Schools have many applicants and can't take everyone," says Erin McKenzie, a biology major at Michigan Tech who was accepted into the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. "My dad, who has been a family physician for 29 years, often tells me, ‘An MD is an MD, it doesn't matter where you go to school.’"
"Don't take it personally when you get some rejections—they happen at every stage of the game. If you cast a wide net, you'll increase your likelihood of getting an acceptance."
Other ways to get noticed among the hundreds or even thousands of medical school applications submitted each year: send supplemental materials beyond your application. For example, if you've published a paper, consider sending a copy of the publication with a handwritten note to a med school’s director of admissions indicating you really hope to be considered for acceptance.
6. Study Early and Often for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT
MCAT scores range from 472-528. Accepted medical students average around 508. The total recommended study time for students looking to get into medical school is 300-350 hours.
Take a course and buy books and study on your own. Find the method that works for you. Take practice tests many times and don't let your practice scores spook you, says McKenzie. "I used the Kaplan book series, and studied by reading, highlighting, and taking notes,” she says. “The real MCAT was not as hard as the Kaplan test, in my opinion." Your pre-health professions advisor can help you find the resources you need.
You can also join a pre-health professions club or association at your school, including Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national honor society for health pre-professionals. At Michigan Tech, members help each other get ready for tests, along with hosting speakers and events to help gain knowledge and experience.
7. Learn Another Language
"I speak Spanish almost every day at work," says Carlson. "It's what I use the most from my pre-med education."
Joseph spent a semester in Chile. "Focusing on language, culture, and people challenged me in ways that technical classes couldn't and was critical in my preparation for medical school. If you're thinking about studying abroad, do it. Communication and understanding different cultures are crucial skills for anyone entering the medical field, and medical schools look for applicants who make the effort to broaden their horizons culturally."
8. Don't Skimp on Extracurricular Activities
Show that you're interested in other things besides schoolwork. Carlson says having outside interests makes you stand out (she plays violin in an orchestra). "It's okay to indicate some of these personal interests on your med school applications—they give the interviewers something to relate to you with," she says. "I interviewed one applicant who only got a C in biochemistry, but he wrote lots of letters to the admissions committee highlighting his other strengths. We accepted him, and he turned out to be a star."
"Medical schools like to see commitment in their applicants, be it to sports, work, or extracurricular activities," says McKenzie. "It's easier to not join clubs and just do homework and relax, but devoting time now to extracurricular commitments is worth it in the long run. These experiences also give you good opportunities to get to know people who can write letters of recommendation."
Joseph says to choose activities based on what works best for you. Aim for quality rather than quantity.
"There's a lot of pressure to have as many leadership roles as possible and be involved in tons of student organizations. For me though, having a few deep and lasting experiences was the way to go. I chose to invest my time in research, improving my Spanish, and volunteering," she says.
9. Be Polite and Be Yourself at Medical School Interviews
Research the schools you're interested in and look at mission statements, so you know something about the institution that you can share at the interview. Practice answering interview questions. When you arrive, be courteous to everyone you meet at the interview, including the receptionist.
"Schools are interested in learning what kind of student and person you are," says McKenzie. Schools invest in students and are looking for a good fit.
If you need help with effective body language, knowing how to dress professionally or for other tips, check out your school's Career Services office, which may offer mock interview opportunities and other techniques to help you present your best self.
10. Be Ready to Explain Why You Want to be a Doctor
Avoid generic answers, like "I want to help people." Aside from that, there's no one right answer. Be specific and tell your story.
McKenzie's dream centers on helping people close to home, in an underserved area that suffers from chronic physician shortages. "I have always wanted to return to the Houghton-Hancock area, where I grew up, and to serve my rural community," she says.
For Joseph, the dream centers on combining a passion for science with helping others in a direct way.
Carlson's dream started when she was five years old and her sister was born with cystic fibrosis. She reminds applicants to go beyond that initial inspiration during application interviews and explain how you've prepared for a grueling process that is not for everyone. "After medical school comes residency, and then—for some—fellowship, academic track positions, publications, and navigating an ever-evolving healthcare system," says Carlson.
When telling your story, showcase how the other experiences you have chosen are part of that story beyond the typical medical school requirements. Explain why you chose the volunteer opportunities and extracurriculars on your resume. Share how your research and study abroad experiences uniquely prepared you for medical school. Dive into how your undergraduate major and the languages you learned support your “why.” You may not be able to provide detail about every experience you chose. However, having an understanding of how they fit into your big picture will show you have a strong foundation and are committed to the long path ahead of you.
Bonus Tips for Getting into Medical School
Carlson has two more important suggestions to help you successfully apply to medical school:
Ask a Mentor or Advisor to Pick Up the Phone and Make a Call for You
"This is an unwritten rule that everyone does and nobody ever told me until I was several years into my training," says Carlson. "If you want to go to a particular school, find a way to have one of your mentors or advisors reach out to the admissions committee on your behalf."
For example, if you want to go to the University of Michigan, ask your advisor or another mentor to call the director of admissions or any other person they know and advocate for you. Email can also be effective, she says. "It's a bonus if your mentor/advisor actually has a personal contact at the medical school you're interested in. There is a culture of 'I can vouch for this person' that goes very far in the medical world. A phone call won't get you in if your application is terrible, but if you're on the cusp of acceptance and someone makes a call on your behalf, it can give you the push you need to be accepted."
Don't Be Afraid to Self-Promote (In a Humble Way).
"It's okay to highlight the accomplishments you're proud of; put these in your required personal statement or find a way to work them into conversation during interviews. The key is to do it humbly but confidently: 'I was fortunate enough to win a teaching award from my time as a chemistry lab TA, and that's something I'm really proud of.' It's okay to be proud of your own achievements! Selectively highlighting a few make your application stand out from the rest."
Do you have the personal skills it takes for a career in medicine?
Medical students must be dedicated and focused. "A significant amount of personal sacrifice comes along with the training, and if you don't have a great motivation, you won't find the sacrifice worth the reward," says Carlson. If you can answer yes to these questions, or you're willing to find the resources to work to develop any of these vital skills you could improve, you increase your chances of being able to accomplish what it takes to be accepted into medical school.
Are you compassionate, mature, and emotionally intelligent?
Compassionate people are kind. They are aware of suffering in the self and other living things, and they want to help alleviate suffering. Mature people are able to accept responsibility. They are considerate of others, patient, and supportive of others, among other qualities. Emotionally intelligent people are aware of their emotions. They can harness and apply their emotions to problem-solving and other tasks and manage emotions—like being able to cheer up yourself, or other people, or to infuse calm into a situation.
Are you hardworking?
Hardworking people are conscientious about correctly performing duties and tasks on time. They are willing to put in the hours necessary to achieve goals.
Are you a high achiever?
High-achieving people are motivated to set and complete ambitious goals. They have a passion to excel in the field they choose to work in and are not daunted by obstacles.
Are you socially conscious?
Socially conscious people strive to stay informed and aware about the world around them, including how people interact with the economy, education, and both physical and social environments.
Do you have excellent quantitative and qualitative skills?
People with quantitative skills can perform analyses and other concrete and measurable tasks. Two examples of quantitative skills are data interpretation and math. People with qualitative skills are able to perform broad skills. Resilience and creativity are two examples of qualitative skills.