As we enter a new application season, you have a chance to step back, take a deep breath, and evaluate your medical admissions, extracurricular and academic strategies.
So remember:
It is important for everyone, regardless of your stage in the application process, to regroup after the holiday season and devise a strategy for the new year.
Where should you begin?
Below, see the category that applies to you for suggestions regarding what you should consider for the new year:
Table of Contents
Premedical students applying in 2020 or beyond:
Assess your coursework and grades, research, clinical, volunteer and teaching experiences and identify any gaps in your background. Plan valuable activities for your summers and gap year(s). Think about when you will study for and take the MCAT.
- If you don’t have access to a reputable premed advisor, make that happen. Interested in working with us during your premedical years? Click Here.
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Premedical students applying in 2020/2021:
- If you haven’t already taken or registered for the MCAT, consider when you will take it. Ideally, you should take the MCAT as early as possible.
- Consider who will write your letters of reference and begin requesting them.
- Start brainstorming about personal statement and application entry topics.
- Formulate a preliminary school list.
- Submit your application as early as possible.
- Need help? Sign up for a FREE 15 minute consultation.
Premedical students applying this year who haven’t yet received any interviews:
- Evaluate your candidacy objectively and identify the reasons why you have not received any interview invitations.
- Contact medical schools and send update letters if you haven’t yet received rejections.
- Start thinking about your reapplication strategy NOW in the event that you need to reapply.
- Consider having a FREE 15 consultation with us. We have worked with many students in your situation.
- Evaluate your candidacy objectively and identify the reasons why you have not received any interview invitations.
- Contact medical schools and send update letters if you haven’t yet received rejections.
- Start thinking about your reapplication strategy NOW in the event that you need to reapply.
- Consider having a FREE 15 consultation with us. We have worked with many students in your situation.
Premedical students applying this year who have interviews but no acceptances:
- Send a letter of intent to your top choice school.
- Consider sending update letters to all medical schools except those from which you have been rejected.
- It is still early in the season and with the new AAMC traffic rules we observe that more students are getting waitlisted than in past years, but, start thinking about a strategy if you are not accepted to medical school this year.
- Continue to refine your interview skills for any upcoming interviews. To prepare for upcoming interviews, read The MedEdits Guide to the Medical School Interview.
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Premedical students applying this year with medical school acceptances:
- Think about which medical school would be the best fit for you. Evaluate medical schools based on curriculum, educational environment, facilities, reputation, residency placement success and location.
- Consider writing a letter of intent to your top choice school.
- Send update letters to schools from which you have not been rejected that are “higher on your list.”
- Congratulations on your acceptance!!!!
First and second year medical students:
- Study, study, study for the USMLE Step 1. Your USMLE Step 1 score is a crucial ingredient for your future success.
- Explore different specialties in a variety of settings.
- Identify who will be your pre residency advisor at your medical school. Don’t have one? Consider working with us.
Third year medical students and anyone applying for residency in 2020/2021 or later:
- Start thinking about your specialty choice.
- Begin to seek out away electives.
- Think about who you will ask to write letters of reference.
- If you have chosen your specialty, consider getting involved in a research project or joining a national organization/committee in your chosen specialty.
- Identify your pre residency advisor at school. Don’t have one? Consider working with us.
RELATED: How To Master The Residency Interview
Fourth year medical students and anyone applying for residency and fellowship this year:
- Evaluate programs objectively and rank programs based on your personal preference. Consider programs’ teaching curriculum, faculty, reputation, job placement success and geography. Also think about your future plans (are you interested in community or academic practice, for example) and which program(s) will help you succeed.
- Stay energized for the remainder of the season and make sure your answers don’t start to sound “canned.” Give programs at least 2 weeks notice if you cancel.
- Plan second looks and write a letter of intent to your top choice program.
The bottom line? We’ve got you covered.
MedEdits offers guidance and mentorship for all aspects of the medical admissions process. The earlier you start working with us, the greater the impact we will have on your success.
