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Explore the comprehensive guide to finding and applying to medical schools, including GPA expectations, course requirements, interview tips, and necessary documents. Learn about the MCAT, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and financial aid options for aspiring medical students.
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They should tell you that… Laura Berg MS IV University of North Dakota School of Medicine
Finding a medical school • American Association of Medical Colleges • http://www.aamc.org • Link to Medical Schools, then “Find a Medical School: US and Canadian Medical Schools” • 126 Programs registered with the AAMC
AMCAS • American Medical College Application Service • http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm • 116 medical schools utilize AMCAS • Not all medical schools use AMCAS services! • Demographics • Detailed description of grades and coursework • Work and volunteer information • Additional applications will be required with added fee for many programs
What are they looking for? • Grade-point average • Breadth and difficulty of undergraduate coursework • Letters of recommendation • AMCAS form • Extracurricular activities such as student government and community service • Involvement in and quality of health-related work and research • Participation in activities demonstrating motivation, responsibility, maturity, integrity, resourcefulness, tolerance, perseverance, dedication to service • Knowledge of health care issues and commitment to health care • Interview • State of legal residence
Undergrad • The best major is one that interests you • Be sure to take Pre-med courses including: • Biology • ANATOMY • Biochemistry • Classes of interest • SPEECH • Art • Music
Biology – 2 semesters Inorganic – 2 sem Organic* - 2 sem * A student may substitute a semester or quarter of biochemistry for the final semester/quarter of organic chemistry Physics – 2 semesters College Algebra Psychology/Sociology Language Arts (English, Speech, etc.) – at least 2 courses A minimum cumulative and science (chemistry, physics, biology, psychology and math) grade point average of 3.0 is expected. Average GPA- 3.69 in my class Biology (w/lab) – 2 sem General or inorganic chemistry (w/lab) – 2 sem Organic chem (w/lab) – 2 sem Biochem – 1 sem Physics (w/lab) – 2 sem Calculus – 1 sem English composition and literature – 2 sem Social, Behavioral sciences, and humanities – 4 sem Psychology and at least 2 of the following (history, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, comparative studies, music or art) COURSE REQUIREMENTS University of North Dakota University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
The Application • Typed application form • Locate a typewriter or resume service company • Personal statement • Letters of recommendation • Most require 3 • Medical College Admissions Test scores • Official academic transcripts • Non-refundable application fee
Personal Statement • Attributes • Unique characteristics • Interest in medicine • Participation in research projects • Hobbies • Medicine-related employment • Motivation and commitment to a medical career • Demonstrate ability to work with people • Show compassion and empathy • PROOFREAD
Letters of Recommendation • Appraisals by persons who know the applicant well: • College advisors • Instructors • Employers • Clergy • Peer, roommate, spouse or friend • Should address • Relationship with applicant • Applicant's personality • Reliability • Motivation
MCAT • http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ • 9 ½ hour test • 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. • Two 10-minute breaks • One-hour lunch break
2004 MCAT Test Date Schedule • Test Dates • April 17, 2004 • August 14, 2004 • Regular Registration Deadlines ($190 fee) • March 12, 2004 • July 9, 2004 • Late Registration Deadlines ($190 + $50 late fee) • March 26, 2004 • July 23, 2004
Personal Interview • Applicants may be invited to interview • Usually 20-30 minutes • Team interviewing you • Team interviewing you and other candidates simultaneously • One-on-one interview • Applicants should prepare questions about the program • Be prepared to answer questions • Why did you decide on a career in medicine? • Where do you see yourself in 10 years? • What are your strengths/weaknesses? • How do you feel about healthcare in the US? • Do you feel that healthcare is a right or a privilege? • Who is your role model and why? • Ethical questions
What happens if you are not accepted… • Don’t give up! • Waiting list • Talk to admissions advisor about how to improve your application • Keep busy: work, volunteer, travel, peace corps, Americorps • Reapply
Financial Aid • Loans to cover: • Tuition (~ 10,000 to 45,000 per year) • Living expenses • Textbooks • Many scholarships available • Many medical schools do not allow outside employment
CURRICULUM • Year 1 • Physiology • Introduction to patient care • Year 2 • Pathology • Continued clinical experience • Year 3 – Core clinical clerkships • Year 4 – Elective clinical clerkships
USMLE Step 1 • United States Medical Licensing Exam • http://www.usmle.org/step1/ • Physiology and Pathology • Taken following the second year of medical school
Year 3 • Internal Medicine • OB/GYN • Psychiatry • Family Practice • Pediatrics • Surgery
USMLE Step 2 • http://www.usmle.org • More clinically oriented
Year 4 • All electives • Out of state/country rotations available
Year 4 example • Psychiatry --- Mayo • Internal Medicine • General surgery • Radiology • Eating disorders • 2 months off for interviews • Family Medicine --- Australia • Neurology • Medical genetics
Graduation • You are a Doctor! • The education continues…
Applying to Residency • ERAS – electronic residency application service • http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/start.htm • National Residency Match Program • http://www.nrmp.org/
There is still time for fun… Karaoke
Malpractice Bowl Medical School vs. Law School
Questions? • Please feel free to contact me with any questions • lberg@medicine.nodak.edu