Over the last ten years, the medical school admission process has become increasingly competitive. We have all heard stories of "the perfect applicant" with a 44 on the MCAT and 4.0 GPA who didn't get into medical school. After interviewing many applicants over the last year, I can definitely see how this is possible. Those of you who think that it's all about getting the numbers obviously don't really get it.
Activities Matter
The application process isn't arbitrary. The top schools are looking to build a class of future leaders that bring something different to the table. As a "regular" applicant, how does this even help you? Well, there is no such thing as a regular applicant! It's how you tell your story. I have yet to meet an applicant who didn't frame their lives as a series of events that culminated into a life in medicine. So, how do you do this effectively?
You start introspectively. Ask yourself a few questions:
1. List the personal events that have occurred in your life that have shaped who you are
Example: If you grew up in a bad neighborhood or your parents were divorced.
2. Look for organizations that help people going through the same problems and join the one
you're most passionate about.
Example: Big Brother Big Sister
3. Get involved in few activities but assume a leadership role in them.
The whole concept is to bring your personal life and your extracurricular life together so that you can talk about your passions effectively. Also, people tend to be able to talk about things they deeply care about.
If you have questions or comments feel free!
TheMentalNerve
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
TotallyTheFirst
Who am I you ask? Well, who the hell are you?
Okay, now that introductions are out of the way, I'll let you catch a glimpse of my world. I'm a med student at Penn, and I'm totally psyched about what life has to offer. This blog is both about my life at school and an outlet of my "other side". No, I am not part of a cult or a porno. I'm just looking for a creative outlet and a place where I can just talk to anyone that's willing to listen.
Wow, that was totally easy. So, how can this blog be useful to you?
1. Learn about the life of a med student who is totally unsure about his future
2. Take a shot every time I use the word "totally"
3. Ask me questions, so I can use your creativity to make me look better
Okay, intro post is over. Wasn't that "totally" a waste of your time?
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