Get Into Medical School: A Strategic Admissions Guide

Get Into
Medical School
A Strategic Approach
Third Edition
Selection • Admissions • Financial
by Maria Lofftus, Thomas C. Taylor, and Houman Hemmati
with a nationwide team
of medical school admissions advisers

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part One: IS MEDICAL SCHOOL FOR YOU?
Chapter 1: Making the Decision
Why Go? Good Reasons…
Reasons to Reconsider
The Reality of Med School
The Qualities Schools Look For
Your Premed Adviser
Part Two: PLANNING FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL
Chapter 2: Planning Your Undergraduate Curriculum
Undergraduate Basics
Basic Course Requirements
Postbaccalaureate Programs
Chapter 3: Extracurricular Activities
Clinical Experience
Research Experience
Teaching Experience
Employment
Other Activities
Part Three: SELECTING A PROGRAM
Chapter 4: Your Basic Choices
The Basics
Narrowing Down Your List
Early Decision Program (EDP)
Foreign Medical Schools
Osteopathic Medical Schools
Chapter 5: Researching Medical Schools
Milk the MSAR
Read the Rankings
Ask On-Campus Sources
AMSA

Websites
The Internet
Making Your List and Checking It Twice…
Part Four: GETTING IN
Chapter 6: Meeting Admissions Requirements:
Course Requirements
The MCAT
Health Care Experience
Joint Degree Programs
Chapter 7: Letters of Recommendation
Premedical Committee Letters
Individual Letters
How to Solicit Letters
Nontraditional Applicants
Confidential or Nonconfidential Letters?
What Makes a Great Recommendation?
Timing It All
Chapter 8: Completing Your Application
AMCAS Schools
Non-AMCAS Schools
Deadlines
Application Do’s and Don’ts
Secondary Applications
Managing Your Campaign
Osteopathic Medical Schools
Chapter 9: The Personal Statement
What to Write
Real Essays, Real Responses
In Summary
Chapter 10: The Interview
The Interview and Admissions
Interview Day
Preparing for the Interview
Typical Areas of Assessment
Types of Interviews