You have decided that you want to be a doctor.In order to get the most out of the next four years of your life, you must choose which medical school is most appropriate for you.It is important to consider the acceptance requirements, as well as the academic style of different programs, and other factors such as location, finances and proximity to your loved ones.
Step 1: Consider the courses that are required.
It is possible for a medical school to have different courses that are required upon admission.If you take a close look at these, you can determine if you are a good fit for a certain medical school.Students who have studied the biological or health sciences are more likely to have met the requirements for most medical schools.It can be difficult to find medical schools where you meet the acceptance requirements if you have completed a Bachelor of Arts, studied math or physics, or a subject other than the traditional biological and health sciences.You might want to take more classes to meet these requirements.There are medical schools with less strict requirements.If you don't have a traditional biological and health sciences undergraduate background, you may be able to find a medical school that is less strict with the courses they expect you to have upon admission.If you purchase access to the Medical School Admission Requirements website, you will be able to see the requirements for individual schools in the U.S. and Canada.It will give you acceptance statistics.
Step 2: There are strengths different medical schools look for in students.
Some schools will emphasize your grades, some will focus on prerequisite courses, and others will put a heavy emphasis on volunteer work.It is important to know what medical schools are looking for, as well as your own strengths and weaknesses, to improve your chances of being accepted.When considering you for admission, some medical schools put a higher emphasis on your MCAT scores.The Medical College Admission Test is called the MCAT.For those who are academically inclined and score very well on the MCAT, this could be to their advantage; however, for those will less stellar grades but excellent contributions to the community, it may be beneficial to look for a medical school that values students with extensive volunteer experiences.
Step 3: Do you need a completed Bachelor's Degree?
After two or three years of undergraduate study, some medical schools are open for application.If you are interested in applying to a medical school that offers early admission, you should consider whether or not you have a full undergraduate degree.It may help to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor sooner rather than later, because this could save you time and money.You can talk to the pre-health advisor at your school.They can help you figure out which school is right for you.
Step 4: You can make a choice based on the school you are accepted into.
To apply to as many schools as possible, and to then make a choice based on the one you are accepted into, is what it comes down to for most prospective medical students.It is always a good idea to apply to multiple schools because of the high competition for medical school.Secondary costs of applying to schools include travel to interviews and campus visits, as well as application fees.The average number of schools that students apply to is 15.Do not give up hope.Many students try to get into a medical school more than one time.The good news is that the medical schools usually choose their selection dates to be on the same day so that if you get multiple offers into different medical school you will be able to choose between them and pick the one that is your preference.
Step 5: Do you want a medical school that uses problem based learning or traditional teaching?
In traditional teaching, all of your training in the pre-clinical years is lecture and laboratory based, where you learn the concepts in great detail but don't spend a lot of time applying them until you start working in a hospital.Problem based learning, on the other hand, is more of a case-based approach where you are given one "sample patient" each week, and the patient relates to the week's learning theme.In the week you are studying the heart, it would be a patient with a complex heart problem.In order to get students together in small groups, the goal is to apply the knowledge they are learning in the lecture to the featured patient case.There are less total lecture hours when compared to traditional medical school teaching.Students need to read on their own about the fact-based information they are required to know.
Step 6: You can find out how much teaching and educational guidance you will get during your clinical years.
The last two years of medical school are devoted to in-hospital work.You work hospital shifts alongside a qualified physician and practice seeing patients and coming up with diagnoses and treatment plans.The quality of education can vary a lot depending on your instructors.Ask other students in the medical school what they thought of the doctors they worked with during their "clinical years."Having a physician who is interested in teaching students can make a huge difference in your learning, as opposed to working with doctors who are frustrated with having students on their service.
Step 7: Do you have the ability to get a residency in your specialty after graduating?
Before becoming a fully qualified physician, you must continue your training as a medical resident.The stage of training where you can become a family doctor or specialize in any medical specialty is called residency.It is very difficult to get into many medical specialties after medical school.It is wise to consider which medical schools offer the best opportunities for you to get additional experience in your area of interest if you have your heart set on doing a particular residency.You might want to look at medical schools that have experts in the field on staff.There are schools that do a lot of research in your field of interest.
Step 8: Think about where you want to attend medical school.
Do you want to stay in your hometown?Are you willing to study abroad?Do you know if going away for medical school will affect your ability to practice medicine in your hometown once you graduate?Before choosing a medical school, you should consider these questions.
Step 9: It is important to prioritize relationships and family.
If you have a significant other or children with you when you apply to medical school, consider the impact it will have on your relationship and family life.When choosing a medical school to attend, consider factors such as the location of the school, how long the program would last, and whether it is a win-win for you and your family.
Step 10: Be smart with your money.
Studying abroad is more expensive than studying in your home country.If you are living far away from your family, consider living expenses, tuition fees, and the cost of traveling back home to visit.
Step 11: If you're interested in researching, consider it.
Some schools have more of a focus on research, and some may have MD/PHD programs that will allow you to get a PHD degree along with an MD degree.Some schools offer MD/MBA programs for those interested in the business of healthcare or administration.
Step 12: Don't be vague on your priorities.
Medical school is a lot of work.If you want to become a doctor, you should ask yourself what sacrifice you are willing to make.Before selecting a medical school, make sure your heart is set on it.