Missteps to Avoid in Medical School Admissions

Between standardized test scores, undergraduate grades and extracurricular activities, there are many opportunities to strengthen — or weaken — medical school applications.

Here are 10 mistakes to avoid when seeking admission to an M.D. or D.O. program.

1. Not Knowing How Many Applications Are Required

Unlike most graduate school programs, medical school admissions include two sets of applications. Primary applications usually ask for test scores, undergraduate grades and letters of recommendation; secondary applications tend to ask applicants for multiple essays.

If their primary applications pass muster, applicants must be ready to also submit a secondary application to continue in the admissions process.

2. Overestimating Your Competitiveness

Some premeds are too confident about their competitiveness as applicants and apply to schools that are out of reach.

Reviewing the average MCAT scores and GPAs for students accepted at the institutions on an applicant’s radar is one way for applicants to lessen their chances of rejection, experts say.

3. Applying Too Soon

Submitting medical school applications following junior year of college may be a mistake for some premeds, especially if waiting would give them more time to improve an MCAT score or undergraduate grades.

Applying after the fourth year of undergrad may be a better option for some.

4. Slacking on MCAT Preparation

An applicant’s score on the Medical College Admission Test is one of the most important parts of an admissions package. Allotting just a few days for studying likely won’t cut it, experts say.

Instead, applicants should plan to study for at least three months.

5. Neglecting Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is one way applicants can demonstrate their interest in health care and community service.

Applicants should be careful not to spend too little time doing an activity, such as one day helping at a nursing home, or assume an overseas opportunity is better than volunteering locally. Sticking with the same activity for a few months is best, experts say.

6. Discounting Postbaccalaureate Programs

While it’s common for students to go straight from college to medical school, a postbaccalaureate program may be a better option for students whose science grades don’t represent their passion for medicine.

Premeds looking to improve their understanding of chemistry or physics, or simply boost their MCAT score, can consider a postbaccalaureate program, which often helps candidates get into medical school.

7. Writing a Lackluster Personal Statement

In between studying for premed classes, applicants should also devote a few days or weeks to crafting a personal statement.

A poorly written essay may show a lack of self-reflection or focus too much on a candidate’s past achievements, one expert says. A well-written statement will tell a story that details an applicant’s specific goals and accomplishments.

8. Stumbling Through an Interview

The interview is usually the last step of the admissions process, and an ill-prepared candidate can botch it by not having a memorable response to a question like “Why do you want to be a physician?”

Applicants should be prepared to discuss their unique qualities that will help them contribute to the medical school community and the medical field. They should also have a handful of questions they’d like to ask.

9. Choosing the Wrong Letter-Writers

Every applicant needs letters of recommendation, and it’s easy to choose the wrong people to write them.

A well-known professor or school administrator who doesn’t know an applicant personally is an example of a poor choice, one expert says. Applicants should instead choose recommenders whom they know well and can speak to their potential as medical school students.

10. Pushing Off Research Opportunities

Applicants can join a variety of extracurricular activities when pursing medical school admissions, but those who participate in scientific research opportunities may have a leg up on other premeds.

Aspiring doctors should try to spend one or more summers in a research program, and, if possible, get some of their work published, one expert says.

More on Medical School Admissions

Find more tips on how to be a strong medical school applicant on the Medical School Admissions Doctor blog, and get our complete rankings of the 2017 Best Medical Schools.

For additional advice and information on how to navigate medical school admissions, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook.

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10 Mistakes That Can Keep You Out of Medical School originally appeared on usnews.com