How do I get into Med School? Tips? (college sophomore)?

Question

I need tips to get into med school. I'm a college student (recent immigrant) at a community college, and I have studied 1 year in BS Biology and I'm planning to pursue it here in NY. What tips do you have for me since I really want to get into med school. I hear competition is tough. I'm wondering what I can do to increase my chances of getting into a good med school.

Btw, is it true that some schools don't look at you if you studied a a community college?

I need help.

Answer 1

The competition to get into medical school is truly intense. However, there is a sure way to get in. Attain a perfect GPA while maintaining strong extracurricular activities, pull a 45T on the MCAT, nail the interviews, and you're a shoe-in. Easy, right?

Now for reality.

The perfect GPA is attainable. Go as high as you can- every hundreth of a percentage point counts, especially in the sciences. Take as many high-level science courses as you can, and performing research is a major plus. Keeping above a 3.5 is almost a necessity, though you can get into some schools of osteopathic medicine with less. A weak GPA can be made up for with a Master's degree.

Extracurriculars are widely varied. Some choose to devote all their time to one or two, some take a shotgunning approach and go after a large number. Do what you do well- just because there are 15 spaces for extracurricular activities on the AMCAS application doesn't mean you have to fill them all. They'd rather see 4 years at one solid activity than 1 semester each at 8. Shadowing physicians is a near-must, as it exposes you to the medical field and provides good insight.

The MCAT is tricky. 4 sections, 3 graded with numbers 1-15, one writing sample graded J-T. A 45T would be perfect, and there are entire years where no students earn it. 30O or better is a must nowadays, with 35+ being competitive for the really premium schools. Study early and often, though doing well in normal coursework is a major help.

As for the interviews, outside help is the key. Ask advice on what questions interviewers like, practice answers, learn to think on your feet.

I don't know any schools who automatically screen out community college students, though you do have to disclose those courses with the regular classes.

Add-on...

ECs are hard to really say. They're such a personal touch. Academic honor societies are good, but make sure that it is at least a little exclusive- you don't want the kind where you pay $10 and everyone gets in. Volunteer work is king- tutoring, working in hospitals, anything that shows altruism.

Find a group you're passionate about and go for it.