Understanding American medical school applications

Advantages: More choice of medical schools More residency options Many of the best schools consider Canadians “non- international” Why consider the US for medical school?

Disadvantages: Most schools no better than Canadian ones Canadian-specific disadvantages Discrimination at public schools Bad finances Financial aid Escrow Private loans Why consider the US for medical school?

Academic excellence (grades and MCAT) Research excellence Service Leadership Direct medical experience Enormous applicant surplus (30-50 applicants for EACH spot) What these medical schools want MD

Bird’s-eye view: application timeline Premedical years Pre-application Application Post-application

Premedical years (Usually 1 st -2 nd year univ.) Premedical years Pre-application Application Post-application Academic preparation Grades Clinical experience Research Service and leadership

Plan required coursework When to take classes? Meet premedical advisor Make a friend Discuss future goals Grades (a.k.a. “marks”) MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR All grades matter Cutoff GPAs? Premedical years (Academic preparation and grades)

Clinical experiences: shadowing/volunteering Research experiences Independence Service & leadership Depth > breadth Being memorable is half the battle Mid-college crisis Premedical years (Clinical experiences, research, service)

Get letters IMMEDIATELY Need 4-6 (> Canada) MUST have science faculty MUST have all research advisors Avoid overlap Optional: physicians shadowed, non-science professors Premedical years (Letters of recommendation)

Must be outstanding to matter "Do you think you know me well enough to write me a strong letter of recommendation for medical school?" Yes  schedule meeting, discuss content Provide: Cover letter (why you?) 1 page CV Waiver form, if applicable Writer list Envelopes Premedical committee letters Premedical years (Asking for a letter of recommendation)

Pre-application (Year before you apply) Premedical years Pre-application Application Post-application Taking the MCAT Determining the application year

Background and format Preparation Target date: summer after 2 nd year Last possible date: June of 3 rd year Valid for 3 years Target score? Retaking the test Pre-application (MCAT)

3 rd year vs. 4 th year Applying after 2 nd year is impossible ( ≠ Canada) Gap years Can use to strengthen application Very common in US Median age of entering medical class is usually in the mid-20’s Pre-application (When do I apply??)

Application (Usually 3 rd –4 th year of university) Premedical years Pre-application Application Post-application Personal statement and schools list Primary application Secondary applications Interviews

March-April of 3 rd year Write personal statement Make list How many schools total? Apply to schools with early acceptances Avoid single-choice early decision Rankings Finances Schools worth noting Application (Personal statement, schools list)

Early June Submit AMCAS (a.k.a. “primary”) July-August Submit secondary applications IMMEDIATELY upon receipt “Deadlines”? October Interviews begin Application (Primary and secondaries)

Schedule immediately, be strategic Prepare ALL common questions Student Doctor interview feedback Interview formats Be especially prepared: why US? Length Application (Interviews)

Post-application Premedical years Pre-application Application Post-application Decisions Waitlist movement

November-April Rolling decisions Accept everyone March Fixed-date decisions May 15 Multiple acceptance deadline May-July Do waitlists August-September Start medical school! Post-application (Decisions)

Interview feedback Applicant profiles AMCAS official site MCAT official site US News and World Report medical school rankings MSAR Important Resources

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