It's been ages since I have written a pre-medical blog post. Here is one - finally!
I've noticed a lot of related blog posts and YouTube videos talk about what to do if you are a pre-med with low scores; one of their first advice is to re-consider Medicine as your career path.
I'm just telling you right away - I am not gonna be that person. Long story short, if you work hard - you'll get in. Let's now discuss some advice:
Medical school's admission process is very clever. And you have probably heard that they don't only stress GPA and MCAT anymore. The breakdown of this blog is the following:
1. numbers
2. extracurriculars
3. special characteristics
4. what I've personally heard
5. where do I start
1. Let's talk about your numbers first:
- If you are the one with a low GPA, focus on MCAT to pull you through.
- If you have a good GPA, but low MCAT - redo the MCAT! Keep in mind, some med schools take the average, some look at the trend, and some only take the highest score. Best bet - don't take it over 3 times, and don't do all 3 times in one year.
- If you are the one with both scores on a low side, consider redoing some courses, pursuing graduate studies first, or completing a post-bac degree.
Now, please note, that a "good GPA" or a "good MCAT score" depends solely on the med schools you are applying to. For instance, if a med school's competitive score (which they usually mention somewhere in their stats) is 3.7, then a 3.6 isn't low. But for those, the average of which is around 3.95, 3.6 is on a lower side.
If 3.6 sounds like a lot for you now, don't worry. Like I said, you can stay an extra year to improve your statistics, or to get as high as you possibly can on the MCAT.
2. I'm not going to say a lot here - extracurricular are very-very important.
Make sure you have the majority of activities listed below before applying:
- leadership position
- shadowing
- volunteering (hospital or community center)
- sports
- hobbies
- research position
Also, be very consistent with these things. Spend a sufficient amount of time on each - quality is better than quality. Remember, you (and individuals you've worked with) have to be able to reflect on that experience!
3. Special characteristics
This is very valuable to have if you lack the "numbers". It includes one or more, but not limited to one of the following:
- publication(s)
- project with the Faculty
- special personal story/circumstances
- military service
- special talents/skills
This is probably going to be what actually makes your application stand out. Please, consider these! It is very important to be able to communicate these special characteristics to the admission's office, since some of them may not be directly answering any question - represent it in your personal statement!
4. A few things I've heard about med school admissions:
- they don't look at how low your GPA is, as much as they look at the improving trend!
- med schools highly value the interview, so be sure to know your ethics, the med school you are interviewing with, and the health care system of your country!
- consider med schools with different admission criteria (MCAT no considered; only look at the last 2 years of university; take away 4 lowest grades, etc.)]
- med schools actually want to see you enjoying yourself! If you are all worked up and tired, that will be very obvious in your personal statement or on the interview. You also might be reapplying for the 3rd time and be, it seems like, frustrated. Med schools feel that! Make sure you always reflect on the past and show your positive attitude!
5. So what now?
1. Firstly, I understand that you are probably still stressed from a number of people who seem more competitive. Well, healthy competition is good! But on the other hand, remember that you have your distinct path to med school, and you might end up getting accepted a year later; or they might change their mind about pursuing Medicine (happens more often than you think). That being said - don't let the amount of competition stop you.
2. Go visit your academic advisor. You might just be taking the wrong courses, or lacking study skills, or really - anything else that might influence your performance.
3. Take steps outlined by you and your academic advisor. Consider working on criteria mentioned in the blog!
4. Understand that each admission process is unique! If you feel like you are in "non-standard, non-ideal" conditions, make it play for your own advantage by making it one of your application's "special characteristics"
5. Work on improving personal qualities such as resilience, leadership, positivity, etc.
5. Take your time and enjoy yourself while working on med school's admissions!
Good luck <3
