Blog Archives

Medical School Admissions: Apply Early

Because getting into medical school continues to get harder each year, the submission of a strong medical school application is critical. Following a timeline and getting your materials in early can assist you in improving your candidacy and thus, your chances of success.

Some medical schools use a rolling admissions process. These institutions will let applicants know about admissions decisions fairly soon after interviewing. Others – like Harvard Medical School – make final admissions decisions at the conclusion of interviews. Read more ›

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Getting Into Medical School: Medical School Interview Advice

Getting into medical school has become increasingly difficult, in part, because of the poor economy: Competitive candidates who used to target other graduate schools are turning toward medicine, a less volatile field. Consequently, stronger candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making the medical school interview critical.

But what are medical schools looking for during the interview process?

First, they are seeking someone distinctive. Your goal is to distinguish yourself from all of the other applicants by showcasing your accomplishments. Anyone can say s/he wants to help people or is hard working. Fewer candidates can prove it. Read more ›

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Getting into Medical School: Tips for Obtaining Optimal Letters of Recommendation

In part because of the failing economy, getting into medical school is becoming increasingly competitive. Top-notch candidates who used to target law or business school are turning their interest toward medicine, a more secure field. Consequently, more competitive candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making the submission of an excellent medical school application more important.

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) is a centralized application processing service for medical school applicants. AMCAS® accepts letters of recommendation (LOR) for participating medical schools, enabling institutions to receive letters electronically. It also allows the letter of recommendation writers to send their written materials to AMCAS® instead of to individual medical schools, saving time. Read more ›

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Medical School Personal Statement

Getting into medical school is becoming increasingly competitive, in part, because of the declining economy. Strong candidates who used to target law degrees or business school are turning their interest toward medicine, a less volatile field. Consequently, more competitive candidates are now pursuing a medical career, making the submission of an excellent medical school personal statement even more important.

The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®) is a centralized application processing service for medical school applicants. AMCAS® includes ample space for a candidate’s personal essay. The AMCAS® medical school personal statement (and institutions’ follow up secondary essays) allow the applicant to demonstrate his or her distinctiveness as a candidate. Read more ›

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The Medical School Interview: Writing Thank You Notes

Once your AMCAS and secondary essays have been submitted, getting into medical school kicks into high gear with the interview season. Because medical school admissions have become so competitive of late – especially in this weaker economy –
the medical school interview has become critical.

Thank you notes can be good ways to alert institutions of your interest. They can also serve as reminders to your candidacy. Read more ›

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About Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Michelle Finkel

Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more

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Listen to Dr. Finkel’s interview on the White Coat Investor podcast:

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