Because getting into medical school continues to get harder each year, the submission of a strong medical school application is critical. It’s important too, to ensure you create a realistic list of medical schools to target. When I review re-applicants’ candidacies to see what went wrong the year before, I oftentimes note that the students did not have enough schools on their lists and that they did not have realistic expectations.
I recommend starting with the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) book, a guide to United States and Canadian medical schools created by the Association for American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This book offers you hard data about mean grade point averages and average MCAT scores, so that you can ensure you are a competitive candidate before you apply.
After reviewing the MSAR, spend some time making a list of a) “reach” schools, b) likely schools and c) lower or “safety” schools. If your numbers are low enough that you do not have safety schools, it’s time to consider options in addition to U.S and Canadian medical institutions.
Making this list with a medical school admissions consultant can make a big difference. Good consultants can help you create a robust list; if you don’t have optimal numbers, these advisors can review other options with you.
Because applicants can unknowingly undermine their chances of success with poorly considered decisions, inadequately compiled application materials and underdeveloped AMCAS, a qualified, personalized medical school admissions consultant provides a great advantage. The bottom line: Consider working with a professional to get medical school admissions help.
Medical school admissions consulting companies come in a variety of forms. Some are bigger businesses that focus on admissions to several types of graduate programs – not just medicine. Others are smaller and provide a medical focus, but have a pool of consultants of varying quality. Finally, elite companies offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients. These professionals are ex-admissions officers from highly respected medical institutions. They have the inside knowledge of how medical school admissions work, providing individualized guidance to optimize applicants’ personal essays, AMCAS and interview skills.
When choosing a medical school admissions consulting company, a candidate should verify the company’s references and research its consultants. It is best if the company does not assign written materials to outside editors who cannot be evaluated. Elite companies that offer both the medical focus and a highly experienced consultant who works one-on-one with clients offer a large advantage in providing medical school admissions help, especially during these competitive times.
