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What Coursework is Really Required for Medical School?

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While there is a core curriculum that is a prerequisite for medical school, certain schools require additional coursework or competencies (like the CASPer exam). The AAMC does a good job of keeping up a database of that information, listed by school. An applicant can sort through to see what each institution requires. You might have to do a little bit of digging once you open a school’s link, but the information is usually accessible.

Of note, if a course is required for admission, it’s probably best not to take the class on a pass/fail basis.

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Start Your Engines…

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The medical school application cycle is revving up soon, so it’s time to get started on your candidacy. Here’s an article I wrote for Student Doctor Network a few years back called “Ten Ways to Improve your Medical School Application.” The piece includes statistical truths, strategies for optimizing your approach, and philosophical guidance. It covers grades, clinical experience, letters of recommendation, where to apply, the MCAT, the personal statement, and your happiness, among other critical factors. Enjoy!

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What to Know about the AAMC Fee Assistance Program 

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Now that the 2022-23 medical school application process is on the horizon, I want to remind candidates about the Association of American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) Fee Assistance Program (FAP) and Insider Medical Admissions’ available discount for those with a current FAP. The FAP is designed to offer help to individuals with financial limitations who cannot pay the MCAT registration and/or AMCAS application fees without financial support. (Of note, there also exists an FAP for  dental school candidates through the American Dental Education Association.)

If you think you are eligible, it’s worth applying for an FAP grant early: When applicants submit their AMCASes prior to receiving decisions on their FAP applications, those candidates are ineligible to receive the FAP benefits for the AMCAS even if their FAP grants are approved. In other words, the FAP is not retroactive. You snooze, you lose.

For more information on the FAP, please click here. I offer a significant discount on one non-package service for any applicant who can demonstrate financial hardship through a current AAMC FAP grant. After researching the issue, I believe Insider Medical Admissions is the only medical consulting company that currently supports a discount for FAP grant recipients. (I apologize if I’m missing a company.) Once you have been granted the FAP and thus, can prove receipt, please feel free to contact me for more information.

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The Medical School Waitlist: Can Anything Be Done?

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Just when you’ve completed your interviews and feel that you can finally sit back and relax a little because – after all – the rest is out of your hands, you may be surprised by a medical school waitlist notification. What can you do?

1. Realize that getting into medical school has become increasingly competitive year by year. Being waitlisted is infinitely better than being rejected, and thus a positive, despite the anxiety it causes.

2. Send a letter of interest. Let the school know of your continued enthusiasm and your new accomplishments. Ensure the letter is well written, streamlined, and brief. If the school is absolutely, positively your first choice, let the admissions committee know that. Feel free to send more than one letter if you are on a medical school wait list for months.

3. Ask the school if you can set up a second look. A supplementary visit indicates to the institution that you are serious, and it offers you more data in making your decision if you’re later offered a spot.

4. Do not neglect your other options. Don’t focus all of your attention on this institution to the exclusion of others: Ensure you are well-prepared for any late interview invites at other medical schools.

5. Ask a well-positioned faculty member who knows your work to make a call or send an email on your behalf. This tactic is especially helpful if the supervisor has a connection to the institution. (I do not recommend that a family friend who hasn’t worked with you contacts the school.)

6. Plan for last minute notice. At some institutions, applicants are offered slots off the medical school wait list throughout the summer. I’ve even heard of acceptances being offered the day before school was to begin. Would you be able to change your living situation, move your personal belongings, and uproot if this were to happen? Be prepared. 

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Don’t Let Other People Freak You Out

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I started Insider Medical Admissions over 15 years ago, so I’m pretty good at spotting trends. Every year about now I start getting emails from premed clients saying they’re worried about their lack of (or minimal number of) interview invitations. Yes, even as early as late August folks are concerned. They say they have a classmate who says he’s gotten multiple interview invitations or they read online that others are being contacted with many invites.

Sure, it’s possible some people are getting tons of early interview invitations. But, it’s rare and should not affect your confidence. After all, according to Amy Cuddy, whom I’ve referenced before, confidence is the name of the game when it comes to interviews.

So, simply stop checking online and minimize conversations about interviews with others. If you are in the thick of the season and you still haven’t gotten any interviews, then you’ll need to reassess and act. But for now, put in ear plugs. This process is so very stressful; you certainly don’t need to seek out more anxiety-provoking information (and who even knows if it’s accurate anyway!).

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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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