Medical School:
The Application
Process
UCI Latino Medical Student
Association (LMSA)
Overview
AMCAS Logistics
 May 1st: Application opens
 June 1st: First day to submit
 Early July: Suggested turn in
 Primary Application
Deadlines: November 1, 15 and
December 1st (depends on
school)
1. Identifying Information
2. Schools Attended
3. Biographic Information
SOCIAL
ECONOMIC
EDUCATIONAL
CULTURAL
GEOGRAPHICAL
4. Course Work
* remember to check each
school's course requirements:
biochem & statistics
GPA and Majors
 Do I have to be a
science major?
 What GPA do I
need to have in
order to apply?
 Which GPA is
important?
Do I have to be a science major?
No!
GPA?
"Suggested"
Total > 3.5
**Science >= 3.5
(see MSAR)
GPA Tips/Suggestions
 Demonstrate an
upward trend
 Must have
substance
 Medical schools
look at Science
GPA (BCPM).
5. Work/Activities
Extracurricular Activities, Volunteer and Work
 How many
activities should I
be involved in?
 Do they have to be
medically or
science related?
 What if I work and
don’t have time?
Activities Tips/Suggestions
 Do what you love.
 Demonstrate commitment &
passion.
 Learn from your experiences.
 They will make you a wellrounded individual
6. Letters of Evaluation/ Recommendation
 How can I get a STRONG
letter?
 Who do I ask and How do I
ask them?
 How many letters do I
need?
LOR: Tips/Suggestions
 3-5 letters (2-3 science, 1 nonscience, 1-2 other i.e. community
service/extracurricular activities
 Visit professor Office Hours
 Provide: Personal info sheet,
CV/resume, personal statement,
grade sheet with course highlighted,
and self addressed stamped
envelope.
7. Medical Schools
 How many do I apply to?
 Which schools do I apply
to?
 How can I learn more
about the school and their
particular requirements?
Medical School Tips/Suggestions
 Refer to Medical
School Admission
Requirements (MSAR)
 You can apply to all
133 U.S. accredited
medical schools.
 Realistically, apply to
schools that meet
personal eligibility
and/or likings.
8. Personal Statement
 This is your time to shine and
show them who YOU ARE!
 Share your STORY.
PS Tips/Suggestions
 No particular format or
structure
 Tell an original story!
 Explain and support why you
want to be a physician.
 Stand out from the other
thousands of applicants!
9. Standardized Tests (MCAT)
MCAT Format
 Physical Science (PS): 70 minutes,
52 MC Questions
 Verbal Reasoning (VR): 60 minutes,
40 MC Questions
 Writing Sample (WS): 60 minutes, 2
essays
 Biological Science (BS): 70 minutes,
52 MC Questions
MCAT Tips/Suggestions
 Tests knowledge, concepts,
and critical thinking
 Allocate a significant amount
of time for studying.
 Practice, practice, practice,
practice!
Fee Assistance Program
 MCAT: $235-->$80
 Primary Application for
each school: 14 free + $30
each additional
 Free secondary applications
for most schools
 Free MSAR
Secondary Application
AKA: Supplementary Application
Written responses will be more focused
for the school and its curriculum
Letters of recommendation are
REQUIRED to complete the
application
Individual deadlines
Interviews
Review your application and know
yourself
Be up-to-date on current medical
reform and relate issues
Learn about the school
Devise your own questions for the
interviewer(s)
Practice interview techniques/questions
(mock interview)
Relax and know you are great!
Question Topics
Personal views on certain
issues
Challenges
Achievements
Community Service
Education
Family/Community
Ethics
Ask Yourself…
Why do I want to be a doctor?
What are my
strengths/weaknesses?
What makes me special and
what can I contribute?
What is the most pressing health
problem in our community
today?
But Remember to be:
CONFIDENT
PERSEVERANT
PATIENT
And to always…
BELIEVE in
YOURSELF!!!