Non-Traditional Med Student 101: Let’s Apply to Med School!

Happy Application Season! Congratulations on making it this far! Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for getting your academic and extracurricular record in order for med school apps. There are so many who don’t make it to this point and you really should be proud of yourself. YES! Even getting to the point of application is absolutely an accomplishment, so Brava! Ok, now that you’re ready to open that AMCAS, here are a few tips that really helped me along the way:

Ensure your letter of recommendation writers all have your letters ready in ADVANCE advance! I like to give letter writers a due date at least 2 weeks before the date I actually need it lol. Nothing like a letter being the only thing keeping you from pressing submit! I had to stalk one of my letter writers. My early due date trick didn’t work and I had to literally show up to his office weekly…and then daily. He submitted that letter, though (and made the deadline)!😂

Work on your application bit by bit. No need to complete it all in one sitting unless you absolutely want to. Give yourself time and avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Ensure your application is completely complete by the time med schools can see AMCAS apps! AMCAS will notify you of this date. You really want your app to be visible as soon as med schools start seeing them so you can have your best chance at getting interviews.

Save your pennies! I really wish I knew in advance how expensive applying to med school is. Definitely apply for the fee waiving opportunities. Unfortunately (fortunately?), my family and I did not qualify. It’s based on parental income. I definitely spent 4 figures…both application cycles I applied. The amount is based on the number of schools to which you apply. It’s an investment. Know that you WILL get a return!💪🏾

When schools send you secondary applications, complete them ASAP! Again, you want to ensure your best chances at interviewing. These come with a separate fee, folks. (*sigh) I know…I know. Try to to make these applications as specific to the school as possible without creating too much work for yourself. Read the school’s mission statement. Remember why you applied and include it in your essays. Keep ALL essays in a folder on your computer so you can copy, cut, and paste away!

That personal statement: Make it FIRE🔥Tell a story. Walk readers through why you want to become a physician and perhaps even what population you want to serve. Make it a cohesive story of the evolution of this choice. And none of the usual “I was inspired to become a doctor because…” No. Try, “A constantly ringing monitor, a blood pressure bottoming out. This memory constantly reminds me of my desire to heal…” Get it?

I hope these tips really help! Rooting for everyone…pre-med! Let me know if you have any questions!

xoxo,

Anya

Hey future Doc! Go on ahead and shop a few of my med school essentials here:

Photos by Tina Smith