Medical School: The Application Process

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Medical School The Application Process

• UCI Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)

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Overview
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AMCAS Logistics

• May 1st Application opens
• June 1st First day to submit
• Early July Suggested turn in
• Primary Application Deadlines November 1, 15 and
  December 1st (depends on school)

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1. Identifying Information
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2. Schools Attended
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3. Biographic Information
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4. Course Work
remember to check each school's course
requirements biochem statistics
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GPA and Majors

• Do I have to be a science major?
• What GPA do I need to have in order to apply?
• Which GPA is important?

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Do I have to be a science major? No! GPA? "Suggest
ed" Total gt 3.5 Science gt 3.5 (see MSAR)
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GPA Tips/Suggestions

• Demonstrate an upward trend
• Must have substance
• Medical schools look at Science GPA (BCPM).

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5. Work/Activities
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Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer and Work

• How many activities should I be involved in?
• Do they have to be medically or science related?
• What if I work and dont have time?

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Activities Tips/Suggestions

• Do what you love.
• Demonstrate commitment passion.
• Learn from your experiences.
• They will make you a well-rounded individual

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6. Letters of Evaluation/ Recommendation

• How can I get a STRONG letter?
• Who do I ask and How do I ask them?
• How many letters do I need?

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LOR Tips/Suggestions

• 3-5 letters (2-3 science, 1 non-science, 1-2
  other i.e. community service/extracurricular
  activities
• Visit professor Office Hours
• Provide Personal info sheet, CV/resume, personal
  statement, grade sheet with course highlighted,
  and self addressed stamped envelope.

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7. Medical Schools

• How many do I apply to?
• Which schools do I apply to?
• How can I learn more about the school and their
  particular requirements?

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Medical School Tips/Suggestions

• Refer to Medical School Admission Requirements
  (MSAR)
• You can apply to all 133 U.S. accredited medical
  schools.
• Realistically, apply to schools that meet
  personal eligibility and/or likings.

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8. Personal Statement

• This is your time to shine and show them who YOU
  ARE!
• Share your STORY.

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PS Tips/Suggestions

• No particular format or structure
• Tell an original story!
• Explain and support why you want to be a
  physician.
• Stand out from the other thousands of applicants!

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9. Standardized Tests (MCAT)
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MCAT Format

• Physical Science (PS) 70 minutes, 52 MC
  Questions
• Verbal Reasoning (VR) 60 minutes, 40 MC
  Questions
• Writing Sample (WS) 60 minutes, 2 essays
• Biological Science (BS) 70 minutes, 52 MC
  Questions

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MCAT Tips/Suggestions

• Tests knowledge, concepts, and critical thinking
• Allocate a significant amount of time for
  studying.
• Practice, practice, practice, practice!

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Fee Assistance Program

• MCAT 235--gt80
• Primary Application for each school 14 free
  30 each additional
• Free secondary applications for most schools
• Free MSAR

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Secondary Application

• AKA Supplementary Application
• Written responses will be more focused for the
  school and its curriculum
• Letters of recommendation are REQUIRED to
  complete the application
• Individual deadlines

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Interviews

• Review your application and know yourself
• Be up-to-date on current medical reform and
  relate issues
• Learn about the school
• Devise your own questions for the interviewer(s)
• Practice interview techniques/questions (mock
  interview)
• Relax and know you are great!

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Question Topics

• Personal views on certain issues
• Challenges
• Achievements
• Community Service
• Education
• Family/Community
• Ethics

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Ask Yourself

• Why do I want to be a doctor?
• What are my strengths/weaknesses?
• What makes me special and what can I contribute?
• What is the most pressing health problem in our
  community today?

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But Remember to be

• CONFIDENT
• PERSEVERANT
• PATIENT
• And to always
• BELIEVE in YOURSELF!!!