This page contains basic information for the individual applying to medical school. I highly suggest you visit individual posts for more in-depth explanation. I'll even link them for you.
Couple stats (2011)
Number of applications: 609,312
Number of applicants: 43,919
Average applications per applicant: 14
Number of matriculants: 19,230
Source: AAMC Applicants and Matriculants Data, Table 1
MCAT (Coming soon!)
AMCAS (Primary application)
Secondaries
Interviews
Liam's Tips
Tip #1: Use common sense. If you are completely unsure, ask for help.
Tip #2 :Be honest. Be yourself.
Tip #3: Don't sell yourself short!
Tip #4: Read everything thoroughly.
Tip #5: Don't Panic
Tip #6: Be polite at all times.
Tip #7: Be/(Appear) passionate.
Primary Application
- Be systematic when filling in information.
- Consult the manual early and often to avoid mistakes.
- Enter courses exactly as they appear. Consult the manual for a couple special cases.
- Work/Activities: Max 15; 3 most important with longer word count; explain everything clearly; stressing the most important details.
- LoR: Max 10; investigate individual schools' requirements; application can be submitted before all letters are sent in; ask early (March or April if possible); make sure your letter writer can be substantial about you.
- Personal statement: 5300 characters (little over a page single spaced); tell a story, don't simply restate your activities; demonstrate why you would make an excellent doctor using your experiences as examples; have a central theme; be memorable; have people read it; avoid passive voice; avoid focusing on negatives; write how you would normally write (big, fancy words don't help unless you use them regularly).
- You cannot change your application after you submit it.
- It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to process the application.
- Submit as early as possible, but don't rush.
- Only apply to schools you actually want to go to; apply to approximately 10-20 if you can (gives you a better chance of getting in); include a couple reach and safety schools; include state schools (for tuition and preference benefits).
Secondaries
- Again, submit as early as possible, but don't rush.
- Spend plenty of time on the essays, they are important.
- Complete all secondaries you receive (you shouldn't have applied to any you weren't serious about attending).
- The optional essay is, in fact, optional. Only use it if you have something significant that isn't addressed elsewhere.
- Be aware of the final deadlines.
- Keep contact information updated.
- You can submit before LORs are received, but it won't be completed and reviewed until all materials are received.
- Be polite with admissions staff. Avoid calling to check on the status of your application unless absolutely necessary.
- Check out the school website for more information.
Interviews
- August/September to March/April
- Suit preferred, but just be professionally dressed; dress conservatively (black, gray, blue, brown suits okay).
- Be polite and friendly to everyone including staff, interviewers, students, and other interviewees.
- Show up 15-20 minutes early just in case.
- Be positive and upbeat.
- Review your application materials beforehand, but don't over-prepare.
- Try not to get too nervous.
- Typically interviews are in the afternoon, but that's not always the case.
- Bring a pen and pad of paper to take notes. (Some people carry a portfolio with a resume/CV and their application materials. This is more personal preference than anything).
- Try to stay with a student host if it's an option.
- Check the weather before you leave.
- If flying, pack a bag that will fit in the overhead compartment.
- Sometimes schools will give you an interview if you let them know you'll be in the area for another interview (don't lie).
- Interview settings differ greatly (1 on 1, 2 on 1, panel, MMI, etc).
General
- Be prepared for lots of waiting.
- Schools that have rolling admissions will periodically release acceptances throughout the year, starting after the EDP date.
- You can only hold 1 acceptance offer after May 15 (April 15 for July start schools) but as many waitlists as you want.
- Complete your FAFSA and send it to all prospective schools as early as possible.
Disclaimer: These are my personal recommendations. Your experience will differ. Defer to the official materials, because they are the final authority. I'm just trying to give you the essentials.
