medical school: the application process uci latino medical student association (lmsa)

Medical School: The Application

ProcessUCI Latino Medical Student

Association (LMSA)

OverviewOverview

AMCAS LogisticsAMCAS 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)

1. Identifying Information1. Identifying Information

2. Schools Attended 2. Schools Attended

3. Biographic Information3. Biographic Information

SOCIALECONOMIC

EDUCATIONALCULTURAL

GEOGRAPHICAL

4. Course Work4. Course Work

* remember to check each school's course requirements: biochem & statistics

GPA and MajorsGPA 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?

Do I have to be a science major?No!

GPA?"Suggested" Total > 3.5

**Science >= 3.5(see MSAR)

GPA Tips/SuggestionsGPA Tips/Suggestions

Demonstrate an upward trend

Must have substance

Medical schools look at Science GPA (BCPM).

5. Work/Activities5. Work/Activities

Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer and WorkExtracurricular 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 don’t have time?

Activities Tips/SuggestionsActivities Tips/Suggestions

Do what you love.Demonstrate commitment &

passion.Learn from your experiences.They will make you a well-

rounded individual

6. Letters of Evaluation/ Recommendation6. 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?

LOR: Tips/SuggestionsLOR: Tips/Suggestions

3-5 letters (2-3 science, 1 non-science, 1-2 other i.e. community service/extracurricular activities

Visit professor Office HoursProvide: Personal info sheet,

CV/resume, personal statement, grade sheet with course highlighted, and self addressed stamped envelope.

7. Medical Schools7. 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?

Medical School Tips/Suggestions 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.

8. Personal Statement8. Personal StatementThis is your time to shine and

show them who YOU ARE! Share your STORY.

PS Tips/SuggestionsPS 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!

9. Standardized Tests (MCAT)9. Standardized Tests (MCAT)

MCAT FormatMCAT 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

MCAT Tips/SuggestionsMCAT Tips/Suggestions

Tests knowledge, concepts, and critical thinking

Allocate a significant amount of time for studying.

Practice, practice, practice, practice!

Fee Assistance ProgramFee Assistance Program

MCAT: $235-->$80 Primary Application for

each school: 14 free + $30 each additional

Free secondary applications for most schools

Free MSAR

Secondary ApplicationSecondary Application

AKA: Supplementary ApplicationWritten responses will be more focused

for the school and its curriculumLetters of recommendation are

REQUIRED to complete the application

Individual deadlines

InterviewsInterviews

Review your application and know yourself

Be up-to-date on current medical reform and relate issues

Learn about the schoolDevise your own questions for the

interviewer(s)Practice interview techniques/questions

(mock interview)Relax and know you are great!

Question TopicsQuestion Topics

Personal views on certain issues

ChallengesAchievementsCommunity ServiceEducationFamily/CommunityEthics

Ask Yourself…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?

But Remember to be:But Remember to be:

CONFIDENTPERSEVERANTPATIENTAnd to always…

BELIEVE in YOURSELF!!!