What It Takes to Get into Medical School
Medical schools look closely at your MCAT score when evaluating your application package. However, they also consider other things that show them that you’re passionate about being a doctor. Let’s cover how to get into medical school.
They want to be sure that you can handle all the work that’s coming your way. So, they examine:
- GPA and Prerequisites
- Volunteer Work
- Personal Statement
- Background
- MCAT Score
Let’s examine each of these in-depth, so you can continue your dream of becoming a doctor in the US:
GPA & Prerequisites
GPA – A medical school will look into your college GPA. They specifically calculate your GPA for science and math classes because these are the classes related to the medical field.
Prerequisites – Medical schools require that you take certain classes when you are pre-med. These classes give you general science knowledge of particular topics. They check that you did these classes and evaluate based on the grades you received in those courses.
Volunteer Work
You have to show the med school that you have a passion for working in medicine. What better way than volunteering in different medical programs, science and research projects, summer medical internships, etc…
This qualification won’t be graded higher than your class performance. But the school will be impressed by your passion for helping others.
Personal Statement
Your narrative is what tells the med school whether you really have a passion for medicine. This is a personal statement that gives you the opportunity to tell why you want to go to med school.
Do not worry if you mess it up. You will have a chance to redeem yourself at the interview.
Background
The school’s administrators may decide to look into your background… how you were raised… your culture… and how all this has driven you to pursue a career in medicine.
Your different life experiences are what shape you into who you are… and they want to know who that is.
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The MCAT
This is a standardized computer exam that is used to determine how prepared you are for med school. The MCAT test is made and conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Medical schools consider your MCAT score in your application to help determine if they will accept you. They use this score and the rest of your academic and non-academic qualifications to decide if you have what it takes to build a strong medical career.
What is Tested on the MCAT?
The MCAT exam mainly tests your ability to apply your knowledge to different situations and solve problems. Topics to be tested include:
- Biochemistry
- Physics
- Organic chemistry
- Psychology
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Sociology
MCAT Sections
The MCAT exam is divided into four sections, including:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
MCAT Scoring
Each section of the MCAT is scored from 118-132. And the median is at 125. This makes the whole test to be scored at a range of 472-528. With the median being 500.
How to Score 525+ on Your MCAT Exam
Your MCAT test results are very important to get into medical school. But your other qualifications will help get you there too. So, as you focus on getting a good MCAT score, make sure your other areas are also perfected.
One of the best ways to score high on the MCAT is through review and test prep. MedSmarter offers MCAT prep courses both online and on our Suwanee, GA campus. We also provide MCAT 1:1 tutoring services that come with a money-back guarantee.
Let our board-certified physician instructors help you learn how to get 525+ on your MCAT exam. Learn in small class sizes in a clinical-like environment. Become a member of a network that’s here for you for every one of your US medical licensing exams and board certifications.
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