medical school application essays

Med school statements explain your motivations for pursuing a medical degree and contain information about you, which are not normally reflected by your GPA. While good writing skills are definitely an advantage, the admissions board looks for something more when reading medical school application essays: passion and dedication for the field. For this reason, a good way to examine your goals is to look into relevant childhood experiences.

Good sources of topics for medical school application essays

The lack of focus and solid framework is among the common flaws of medical school application essays. To achieve clarity and coherence in your personal statement, it is important to choose a central theme that allows you to articulate your goals best, including what influenced you to pursue these goals and how you intend to achieve them. Writing an effective application essay requires self-evaluation and recollection of life-changing experiences. What better way to bring all these elements together than discussing significant childhood experiences? Motivations that stem from childhood experiences are deeply rooted and have greater weight in shaping the totality of a person. Telling a story about how an event during your formative years affected your attitude and choices will make an interesting topic.

Medical personal statements samples that use childhood experiences as topics

Reading sample essays discussing childhood experiences will give you a better grasp of the competencies considered essential for a candidate to thrive, and not just survive, medical school. Based on these general medical competencies, recall activities or personal experiences that reflect your compassionate and philanthropic nature as well as knowledge-based expertise. It could be an award you received for a science project or something as simple as giving your brown-bagged lunch to a homeless person. Aside from these, make sure that you are able to express how well you adapt to diversity.

Childhood experiences provide a good means for you to show why your personal goals are a good fit to the pursuits of the academic program and of medicine. Find out the competencies needed in med school and highlight personal qualities that match those competencies. Read sample essays using childhood experiences as a topic to help you recall your own experiences, which can back up claims that you make in your essay. Be creative but honest with your application.

Related questions:

1. What should you write about in your medical school application essay?

2. Why do childhood experiences make good topics for application essays?

3. How can you recall childhood experiences which can be relevant for your application?

Hofstra School of Education and Allied Health Services

Hofstra’s School of Education and Allied Services or SOEAHS has produced various medical professionals who have become notable figures in the field of health and human services. Hofstra’s SOEAHS produces graduates who have become notable personalities in the field of community health, occupational and school health, counseling, and therapy. In partnership with the North Shore LIJ Health System, Hofstra School of Medicine will open in 2011 to aspiring med students. Check out the official site of the school for admission information.

Penn State College of Medicine

Since the late 1960s, the Penn State college of Medicine has been producing medical professionals. This academic institution has nurtured outstanding medical professionals specializing in core areas such as neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, and pharmacology. This college is also known for producing medical practitioners who pioneered in the study of childhood health and allied health services, among others. Aside from the excellent training students can get from the Penn State College of Medicine, students can also have a fun time studying in this institution because of various social and cultural activities around Penn State. Visit the school site for application information.

A.T. Still University

The prestigious A.T. Still University or ATSU has  produced medical professionals who have established their names in the field of medicine, specifically in osteopathy. ATSU was founded by Andrew Taylor Still who broke away from the traditional medical practice in the 1850s. Today, ATSU continues to be an academic institution that does not just nurture the medical skill of its students, but also instill compassion in them. ATSU has campuses in Missouri and Mesa, Arizona, and Kirksville where students are provided with theoretical and practical knowledge in osteopathy, in allied health, and in various branches of medicine. For information on admissions, visit the school site.

For students who are interested to study in any of these academic institutions, passing the exams and submitting medical school application essays are among the requirements.

With the promise of high salary and better career opportunity, many people opt to finish college. Even those who are already married may pursue higher education to build a better career and seek personal recognition. But when it comes to medical school, expect the challenge to be tougher. Aside from sleepless nights that you have to devote for reading textbooks and brushing up on your studies, you also have to think about spending quality time with your spouse. Often, this is where the conflict comes from. The demand for your time can put too much pressure on you. To pull this off, you need excellent time management skills. Below are some tips on how you can pursue a career in medicine while being the good spouse or parent that you should be.

Keeping the household in order

For women, their responsibilities doesn’t end with caring for their husbands; they also need to take good care of the household. Doing household chores is not an easy task to accomplish, especially when you still have to review for a final exam. To help you through with this, why not get help from others if you can afford it? This way, you can have free time for yourself and other more important tasks to accomplish. If you can’t hire one, at least prepare a schedule of the household chores that you have to do. Manage day-to-day activities with ease by allotting specific time for everything.

Balancing medical school work and family life

With the addition of a new member of the family, expect things to be a lot harder for you. Still, being a parent should not keep you from reaching your dreams. All you need is time management, motivation, and perseverance. Have a schedule of activities. Know which comes first with a list of your priorities. Ideally, you should focus on your studies when in med school and on your spouse and child when spending time at home. Do things one step at a time. Best of all, give yourself some time to relax. Even a warm bath can soothe your mind and body. Focus on your goal and find your own motivation.

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It is a common notion that one who applies and gets accepted in medical school should always be a science major, with an undergraduate course in the field of biology or chemistry. But what if you have taken up linguistics or arts related major in college? Would you still qualify for admission in a medical school?

The answer is yes, you can still qualify for admission in a medical school. There may be additional course units, however, that you still have to take. Like other medical school students, you also need to fulfill the requirements for admission in a medical school. These include letters of recommendation, personal statements, and the entrance exam. For non-science majors, here are some tips that could help you go by:

* Even if you have a non-science major back in college, chances are, you still have science subjects that you have attended. Make sure that you have passing marks in all of them to increase your chances of getting admitted.

* Before you apply to a medical school, make sure you have taken these science courses: biology, chemistry, physics, and maths. Some medical schools would require you to have units in basic psychology. If you haven’t taken these courses yet, then you have to take at least units of these to qualify for admission in a medical school.

* There are also certain non-science courses that serve as prerequisites for medical school. These are English, humanities, and some social sciences.

* Write your personal statement really well. In the typical personal statements of medical school applicants, they usually detail their experiences in dissection, mixing chemicals, naming organic compounds, and other lab work. Without a solid scientific background, what you ought to do is to establish the link between the medical field and your own non-science endeavors. Also discus traits or skills that you have developed through your non-science major.

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A career in the medical field does not simply mean attending medical school, poring through medical books, or wearing scrubs. You also have to consider which specific medical specialization you are going to build a career on. After all, you also have to help yourself survive and make a living.

Need help in choosing your own medical specialization? You may get your cue from the most competitive medical specializations listed below:

* Neurosurgery – This is medical specialization deals with the nervous system or the brain in particular. It is a highly competitive medical specialization because it is so meticulous. There is no room for mistakes in neurosurgery, as you deal mainly with the central organ of the human body. If you commit even just a single mistake during a surgery, patients on the operating table may suffer from paralysis, coma, psychosis, brain damage, or even death.  Despite the risks, some med students still choose to specialize in neurosurgery because of the challenge and excitement it brings.

* Dermatology – This medical field is mostly concerned with skin care. It is competitive basically because people have been so concerned about their physical looks, especially the condition of their skins. Dermatology is otherwise known as the science of skin care, which covers skin conditions that range from purely cosmetic (skin whitening, skin tanning, wart removal, acne removal) to treatment of skin diseases (melanoma, impetigo, dermatitis, Hodgkin’s lymphoma). Pay is also competitive in the field of dermatology. Aside from numerous skin problems dermatologists have to deal with, they also have to be updated with the latest techniques and technology used in the field of skin care.

Applying to med school

When applying to med school, you may submit medical school application essays that also include the medical specialization you wish to take. State good reasons for your choice and how the field may benefit you or serve a particular interest. Just make sure that your  medical school application essays are brief but engaging enough to hook readers from top to end.  Ideally,  medical school application essays should let readers know more about you through your personal interest, traits, and experiences.

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Choosing the field of specializations is one big decision to make in the career of a medical practitioner. Medical specializations are the specific line of expertise of a medical practitioner. If you are a medical practitioner, you might be needing some help in choosing your medical specialization. Here are some tips to guide you through:

* Never let salary be the sole reason in choosing the field of specialization that you would like to take. Look for a specialization that will help you gain personal satisfaction and professional recognition by doing what you love most.
* Focus on a medical specialization that you are passionate about, one which is aligned with your skill set. That way, you will be able to do your duties effectively, so all else will follow.

Below is a shortlist of popular medical specializations:

* Pediatrics – This is a medical field that is most concerned with the health and welfare of infants and children. Pediatricians check for the young patient’s vital signs, as well as ensure the kid’s physical, mental, and social health. They also give tips and appropriate medication to avoid chronic illnesses and maintain proper nutrition in children. This medical specialization is quite popular because pediatrics generally have many patients to care for.

* Plastic Surgery – This medical specialization is most concerned with the reconstruction of physical deformities as well as the enhancement of physical features. In other words, plastic surgeons are called the doctors of beauty, because they are the ones who are known to deal with appearances. They perform surgeries on patients who need to improve a part of their body.

* Obstetrics and Gynecology – This medical specialization deals with the female reproductive health. Pregnant or not, women should schedule regular check-ups with their OB Gynes. This way, they can treat any hormonal imbalance or abnormality.  OB Gynes also help ensure safer delivery for pregnant women.

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A teaching hospital is a medical institution that provides two-tiered service. Aside from medical care and services, its facilities are also used for the practice of medical interns and other medical professionals. Looking for the best teaching hospital in the United States? Following is a list of the top three teaching hospitals in the USA:

* Johns Hopkins Hospital –  Named as one of the best medical institutions and teaching hospitals in the country for 18 years, Johns Hopkins Hospital is also known for specialized services in the field of neurosurgery, pediatrics, endocrinology, and urology. Be an expert in one of these many fields when you practice at John Hopkins Hospital. This teaching hospital also gained recognition for the the first ever operation on a blue baby, the identification of the three types of polio viruses, and the discovery of restriction enzymes. This medical institution offers good training and education for its in-house medical practitioners.

* Massachusetts General Hospital – This teaching hospital is one of the oldest medical institutions in the country. Massachusetts General Hospital has been known to be a highly innovative medical institution. This teaching hospital constantly seeks out new ways to improve medical and clinical practices through its affiliation with Harvard Medical School. This institution has also one of the biggest funding for a hospital-based research program, which is up to $400 million every year.

* Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center – All its medical services and programs are consistently getting recognition due to the top-notch medical services and programs it offer. The Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center is also highly regarded for its low mortality rate, advanced medical equipment, and quality of its medical practitioners. What keeps the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center afloat on the list of top teaching hospitals in US is its investments on the field of education and training.

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What does it mean when a medical school has the lowest student-teacher ratio? How does student-teacher ratio affect the quality of education? Read on to find out.

* A medical school with low student-teacher ratio is concerned on building an interactive relationship with its students more than on being the biggest medical institution in the country or in the world.
* This kind of medical school may be more concerned on the quality of education and the training it provides rather than the number of its students
* A medical school with one of the lowest student-teacher ratio screens its applicants so carefully that not many students actually get the chance to make it to admission.

In short, medical schools that maintain a low student-teacher ratio may offer quality education because of the close interaction it offers between teachers and students. By maintaining a more open communication line and ensuring that each student can cope with the learning pace, these medical schools are known for the professional training and academic excellence they offer students.

So, which medical schools right now have the lowest student-teacher ratio? Here’s a shortlist:

* Harvard Medical School
The secret to Harvard Medical School’s success is the quality of education it provides. With over 10,000 esteemed members of the faculty, this med school strives for academic excellence. By focusing on the education of each student, Harvard Medical has  built a solid reputation as one of the top med schools in the country.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Like other reputable med schools, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine offers high quality education and training to students with low student-teacher ratio. This med school is also known for its method of teaching, combining  intensive clinical mentoring with  basic science education. This is what they call the “Hopkins Model.”

* Washington University School of Medicine
This St. Louis, Missouri medical school is known for having a low admission rate. This is because the administration wants to rigidly screen applicants in able to preserve the quality of its graduates and integrity of the med school.. With low student-teacher ratio, this medical school is able to provide equal opportunity and quality education to each student.

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There are many requirements in applying for a medical school. Among the most important requirements are the medical school application essays. Another important thing that matters greatly in the admissions process aside from the medical school application essays is the interview. The following are some tips on how to create a good impression during the admissions interview.

* Come to the interview wearing the proper attire

It is very important that you wear proper attire for the interview. You don’t have to wear a designer suit or dress to impress the interviewer. Just wear clothes that would give you a professional-looking aura. If you are a guy, wear a carefully ironed suit and if you are a girl, choose a slightly conservative dress. It is advisable that you should not wear accessories, heavy makeup, and cologne or perfume to avoid distracting the interviewer.

* Sit properly during the interview

During the interview, you have to sit straight to appear as a no-nonsense individual. Sitting straight also gives the impression that you are professional and attentive. This is very important because your behavior greatly matters in an interview.

* Be sincere in answering the questions

You have to be honest in answering questions. You should not exaggerate in your answers just to impress the interviewer. You have to remember that the interviewer is experienced in what he or she is doing, so that person can easily tell if you are lying.

* Be polite during the interview

Some interviewers will really make you nervous. Stay cool and calm, this is just a trap. The interviewer is just testing your temper. So be cool all the time. Always show your respect. You should also remember to say thank you after your interview is done.

Bearing these tips in mind will help you survive the medical school interview. Always remember that the admissions interview is as precious as your medical school application essays, so you have to take both seriously.

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There are various requirements in applying for college. One of these is your letters of recommendation. Through the letters of recommendation, the admissions committee will be able to know you through the eyes of other people. The letters of recommendation are also beneficial in case you forgot to mention something very important in your resume, application form or medical school application essay. Because of these, it is very important that you select the people to write your letters of recommendation. You can go to the following persons for your recommendation letters:

* Professors

You have to make familiarity the primary factor in choosing for the professors who will write your letters of recommendation. You have to make sure that the professors personally know you to ensure that they can give information about your personality and study habits. It is also an advantage if the professors have impressive backgrounds.

* Leaders of organizations

If you are a member of an organization or if you are a community volunteer, you may request letters of recommendation from the high-ranking officials in your organization. Through the letters of recommendation from these individuals, the admissions committee will know that you are active in various community projects. This will establish your reputation as a motivated, goal-oriented, and good-hearted individual. These factors will broaden your chances of gaining admssions to the college of your choice.

* Professionals (licensed medical doctors)

Professionals are great persons where you can get impressive letters of recommendation. Professionals have relevant experience, so they will know if you have the skills and motivations that would be necessary to succeed in the field you choose. If you want for example to study in a medical school, letters from practicing physicians can impress the admissions committee. You just have to ensure that the physicians know you so that they can answer honestly when asked about your talent, skills, and personality.

Aside from your letters of recommendation, you should also make excellent medical school application essays. Through your medical school application essays, you can reveal your personality and potential to the admissions committee.

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