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AMCAS tips

On June 7, you can submit your AMCAS. In preparation for that rapidly upcoming date, here are a few quick tips for writing your AMCAS activities:

1. Use full sentences. It’s a formal application, and you want to make your written materials as readable as possible.
2. Avoid abbreviations. Again, you want to be formal, and abbreviations you think are common might not be familiar to the reader.
3. Make sure you spell out your accomplishments clearly. If your reader doesn’t understand an activity, you will not get “full credit” for what you’ve done.
4. Choose “most meaningful” activities that show a breadth of experience, e.g. one that is related to research, another that is clinical, and a final that is volunteer.
5. Write about yourself and your role – not an organization. For example, don’t use the space to discuss Habitat for Humanity. Use it to discuss the specifics of your role at Habitat for Humanity.
6. Use numbers to be persuasive. Saying that the conference you organized had 300 participants says it all.
7. Get help. Do not submit your application without having it reviewed. Don’t submit suboptimal materials for a process that is this important and competitive.

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Secondary Essays: Why Our School?

I receive a lot of questions from medical school applicants regarding the “why our school” secondary essay prompt. Although it’s work, the goal is to research each institution and then link your qualities and interests with the school’s.

Be very specific. Look into what makes the institution distinctive, including electives, curriculum, awards, international opportunities, and research.

The mistake I see is that candidates tend to use generalities, a tactic which doesn’t afford the admissions committee members a sense that the applicant is really interested in their institution.

If your interests and accomplishments are linked to the underserved, for example, look into the school’s commitment to that community (a free clinic at which students volunteer, a medical student program to teach sex ed in a struggling high school). Then, in your essay, specifically review your achievements and the school’s associated opportunities.

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AMCAS Tips

AMCAS Tips

As many of you know, the 2015 AMCAS application opened for submission June 3.

Here are a few quick tips for writing your AMCAS (and ERAS) activities:

1. Use full sentences. Some applicants erroneously use phrases in their activity descriptors. You’re submitting a formal application, and full sentences are appropriate.
2. Avoid abbreviations. Again, we’re talking about a formal application here, so let’s treat it as such :). Also, abbreviations you think are common might be unintelligible to the reader.
3. Do a spell and grammar check. Don’t submit only to be embarrassed by a simple error.
4. Although you are very familiar with your accomplishments you need to spell them out in your application as though you are speaking to a lay person. If your reader does not understand an activity (or activities) on your application you will not get “credit” for what you’ve done.
5. Ensure the email address you offer has a spam detector that is set low. You don’t want to miss important emails.
6. Get help. Do not send your application without having it reviewed. You cannot afford to submit suboptimal materials.

For professional, individually-tailored assistance with your AMCAS or ERAS please contact me.

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2015 AMCAS Application

Just a reminder that tomorrow, June 3 is when the 2015 AMCAS opens for submission. It’s advantageous to submit as early in the season as you can while maintaining high standards for your written materials.

Contact me for help.

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The AMCAS Verification Process – Longer than Expected

I’m getting feedback from some medical school applicants that this year’s AMCAS verification process is taking longer than many candidates had hoped. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), applicants should expect a wait of up to six weeks from the initial “Ready to Review” status post-submission to complete processing. To check on your AMCAS status, you can go to the Main screen of the application and click on the “Status” link on the left hand side.

You can send questions to AMCAS@aamc.org. I’ve found the response time to be quite fast.

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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