Tips for Applying and Interviewing for Medical School

As a scribe, you are already one-step ahead of the competition when it comes to getting into medical school. However, understanding what admissions boards are looking for is a crucial element of success. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing medical school application and interview process:

TIPS FOR APPLYING:

• Apply Broadly
  • Do not limit yourself, and give yourself many options. Very few people get into every school and it is best to cast a wide net when applying
• Apply Early!
  • Collect your materials, unofficial transcripts, documents, etc., before the applications open to help enter information on the application
  • Research the varying submission deadlines, secondary applications, and any differing requirements for each school
• Budget Your Time Wisely
  • School transcripts can take up to 2-3 weeks to arrive
  • Recommendation letters – give your writers around 2 months if possible
  • Essays and Secondary Essays
    • Write your essays in advance
    • Allow plenty of time for others to review your work and give you feedback

TIPS FOR INTERVIEWING:

• Be Professional
  • Dress to impress, wear business attire
  • Shake hands with your interviewer(s) when you meet and again after the interview
  • Be aware of your body language in the interview and maintain eye contact
• Research the Program
  • Review information before going into the interview and know specifics about the program
  • Be sure you know your schedule and where your interviews are being held to prevent any stress on the day of your interview
• Be Honest
  • Don’t shy away from flaws in your application – openly discuss them and talk about how you’ve recognized these weakness and worked to improve them
• Ask Questions
  • Be prepared to ask your interviewer questions, but be creative (don’t just ask about the strengths and weaknesses of the program)
• Follow-Up
  • Thank your interviewers with follow-up communication
    • Mention one thing you discussed/learned during the interview
    • Hand-written notes are much more impressive than emails

FINAL WORDS OF ADVICE:

• Take it one-step at a time. If you look at everything you have to do, it can get very overwhelming. Break up your tasks into manageable pieces and set realistic goals
• Budget for the expense. Applying can get pricey between regular applications and fees for secondary applications. This doesn’t even include any costs associated with official transcripts or other processing fees, so plan out as best as you can
• Do not give up! You have gained great experience as a scribe, and will be one-step ahead of your competition!