A Word of Encouragement for Premeds

Confidence begins by understanding the medical school admissions process. Read about the different medical schools which interest you. Check their websites, email them (Directory of US Medical Schools ). Clarify any outstanding issues. Note the difference in importance placed on academic aspects like GPA or MCAT results or on non-academic aspects like letters of reference, autobiographical materials or interviews. Be sure you are aware of the regional considerations (for this you should consider getting the AAMC's Medical School Admissions Requirements ).

When you know the grades and/or MCAT scores you need - prepare, study, attain your goals with some to spare (Average MCAT Scores and GPAs in US and in Canada ). Along the route, bend your thoughts to the non-academic part of the application: prepare, learn, read, and practice. All these things you do as if your future career depends on it, because it does.

This blog is designed to address the entire admissions process to medical school. We have already discussed your choice of premed studies and how to improve your grades in the first blog. The MCAT will be dissected, necessary scores discussed and a clear plan to excel is presented. We will also turn to the non-academic aspect of admissions. The interview is explored followed by sample questions and answers. A discussion on autobiographical materials, personal statements and letters of reference are each followed by sample successful submissions. You will also find current changes and trends in medical school admissions and education, lists of medical schools from across the country including average GPA and MCAT scores, The Hippocratic Oath, financing medical school, doctor's salaries, humor and much more.

The admissions process is imperfect and as such will continue to undergo change. The objective of this blog is simple: to underline the fact that the greatest factor affecting your chances of being accepted to medical school is you. The quality of your application does not depend on anyone else. There is no perfect candidate but you must strive to excel in the various aspects of the application. There are more than 15 000 positions in the US and Canadian medical schools available each year. There is enough room for both sexes, all religions, all races and for great diversity in culture and experience. Use your unique experiences to clarify your decision to pursue medicine as a career. Once this is done, buckle up and get ready for the ride...

By the way, you're driving.