So, you are heading to college and have the plan to pursue an MD degree after graduating. Transitioning from college to medical school is a challenge for premedical students. However, you can increase your chances of becoming a successful medical school candidate by avoiding some premed mistakes. If you are gearing up for becoming a medical student and working on your medical school application or completing admission prerequisites, here is a list of common premed mistakes to avoid When Applying to Medical School. Let’s check them out.
Don’t go for Non-Science Majors
Having a science background for getting into medical school is a must. But it doesn’t mean to go for only biology majors. There are a number of students who take biology majors just to become competent medical school candidates regardless of their interests. However, you can also take other majors such as humanities, English, and social science majors if you are interested in these subjects.
Taking a science major is not a mandatory requirement to get into a medical school, you just have to complete the prerequisite coursework of medical schools you are interested in applying to. While most medical school applicants major in the sciences, others choose humanities, math, statistics, and social science. Don’t take too many science courses, especially if you don’t have an interest.
Many students who major in humanities, math, statistics, and social science also got the opportunity to get a slot in medical school. Furthermore, medical school admission committees also prefer candidates with non-science majors.
Having a science background is important to get good marks in MCAT and understand complex concepts in medical school. You have an opportunity to explore other subjects during your undergraduate years and explore science subjects in medical school.
Not Collecting Letters of Recommendation
When it comes to applying to medical school and fulfilling admission requirements, you have to submit letters of recommendation, no matter which you apply to. Building a strong and meaningful connection with your professors will help you collect a strong letter of recommendation. You have to show the medical school admission committees that you have a strong academic background and are the best candidate for their school.
You can collect recommendation letters from your science professors, non-science professors, research supervisors, lab advisors, and doctors you shadowed. Choose the right person for your recommendation who has actually taught you and knows you well. These letters portray a true reflection of your presence in class, lab, or work settings.
Asking a person to write you letters of recommendation who don’t know you, they will not be able to write something valuable about your personality. If you want to get into medical school, you need to pinpoint professors who know you well. Take some time to go to their office, talk to them, discuss your goals and interests and build a meaningful relationship with them.
It is a very worthwhile strategy to strengthen your medical school application and become a successful medical school candidate and fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor.
Not Getting Impressive College GPA
Securing an impressive GPA will make your medical school application strong. Unfortunately, many students don’t take it seriously and don’t perform well especially in the first year in college. If you really want to pursue a career in medicine, then you need to study well and improve your grades. Medical school admissions committees will look at your grades to decide whether to accept you for their school or not.
They will thoroughly observe your transcript to check how many science courses you completed, the number of courses taken per semester, course levels, and your overall academic performance. Getting impressive marks will make you a strong candidate and increase your chances of getting into medical school.
Not Meeting with Premedical Advisors
Many prospective medical students don’t know the exact requirements of getting accepted into medical school. They don’t know the exact process and challenges they need to face. Meeting with a premedical advisor is a sensible decision as he/she will guide you on how to become a competent medical school candidate and a great physician.
Your advisor can help you how to successfully complete prerequisite coursework to become an eligible medical school candidate, how to get volunteer experience, research opportunities, and shadow a doctor. If you are an undergraduate student and want to pursue medicine, meet with your school’s advisor and start discussing your academic and career goals.
Final Thoughts
Carefully reviewing all these premedical mistakes will help aspiring doctors craft a successful medical school application and become the perfect choice for the medical school you are applying to. Keep in mind that getting into medical school and pursuing a rewarding career in medicine is no easy feat. By avoiding these premed mistakes, you will stand out from the crowded pool of applicants and easily get accepted.
