Hanna Renaldi's Blog: The BEST Advice for New Med School Applicants

We asked some of our consultants for the top piece of advice they would give to applicants just starting the med school admissions process. Here’s what they said…

Dr. Rebecca Blustein: Stay on top of the process – don’t leave your apps until the last minute (secondaries included).

Cydney Foote: I often hear applicants say “I thought the admissions committee would want to hear about _____” (fill in the blank with research, a medical mission, or a leadership role). But those are not what the admissions committee wants to hear – they want to hear about you. You are the topic, and your experiences are simply ways to demonstrate that you have the qualities that medical schools want.

Dr. Herman Gordon: Appreciate your audience. Admissions reviewers use your personal statement to get to know you as a person. They want to hear your voice. So talk to them. Craft your statement carefully so that admissions reviewers understand the arc of your life: where you’ve come from, who you are now, and who you want to be.

Alicia Nimonkar: Journal every day to increase your writing stamina. The application process involves more writing than most students expect and it catches them off guard. Writing a little more every day can make the process flow more smoothly but also give you an opportunity to self reflect and celebrate the process.

Jessica Pishko: Med schools don’t need you; you need them. Tell the school why they should want you, not what you want the school to give you.

Dr. Barry Rothman: The fastest way to med school is slowly. Many students feel an urgency to apply, and wind up applying prematurely. You’ll be a stronger applicant if you take your time and live a balanced life, even if that means applying a year later.

Have you started the med school application process yet? What’s your top piece of advice for fellow applicants? We’d love to hear your tips!