You’re applying to med school and need to juggle numerous things at once to stay afloat – school and/or a job, volunteer activities, MCAT prep, and family obligations…and that’s before we even talk about the complicated and time-consuming medical school application process.
How can a consultant help you, and how can you get the most out of the experience?
Here are three major ways a consultant can help you:
1. Provide guidance on strategy
From advising you on which schools to apply to all the way to helping you decide which school to attend, an advisor can help you identify and implement an individualized approach to each part of the application process that will work best for you.
Maybe your undergrad institution is very large and it’s hard to get sufficient time with the pre-professional advising office; maybe you have unique challenges to overcome in your application; or maybe you’re just looking for an experienced, knowledgeable expert to bounce ideas off of. A consultant can help you!
2. Help you reduce your stress levels
A consultant will help you focus your attention on the sections of the application that you have control over and encourage you to do your best in these areas, so that you can relax when it comes to the parts of the process over which you don’t have any control. This type of coaching and emotional support can also help you increase and enrich your coping mechanisms – so that you will not only get into medical school, but will be successful in your training and career.
3. Give you the confidence to present yourself effectively in writing and in interviews
By reviewing essays with clients and pointing out how you can improve your writing, admissions consultants empower you to make your dream of medicine a reality. You can write your way into medical school.
Through mock interviews, consultants help students by evaluating the rhetoric of their responses, facial expressions, and posture. Understanding how you come across in an interview setting gives you the tools to be more authentic and comfortable in your interviews. This preparation helps take the stress out of an anxiety-laden process, enabling you to apply confidently – knowing you represented yourself to the very best of your abilities.
To get the most out of your experience working with a consultant:
• Be aware that this is a collaborative process, and take advantage of that fact. Work with your consultant to set a schedule that works for you, and stay on track.
• Ask for help when you need it! Don’t wait until you’re stressed or confused or feeling frustrated. Consultants have been through this process before – benefit from that experience.
• Stay organized. It can be helpful to create a spreadsheet to track all of your deadlines (and the dates that you submit materials) – but whatever system works best for you is the best choice. If you’re stuck, ask for ideas – your consultant can help.
• When you and your consultant agree on internal deadlines, stick to that schedule!
• Be ready for scheduled appointments, and don’t miss appointments.
• Talk to your consultant about any questions, worries, or concerns that you have.
• Enjoy the process. Applying to med school isn’t easy, but it’s a process that can help you learn a lot about yourself, your skills, and your motivations. Working with a consultant can give you insights and skills that help you right now – with your applications – and in the long term.
Working with a consultant can give you not only the expertise that will lead to an acceptance, but a mentor and a cheerleader to help you thrive in the application process. Your consultant will be at your side throughout the process, so that you can apply confidently. Our expert medical school consultants are standing by ready to guide you through all parts of the med school application process – from strategy, to assistance with application components, to interview prep, to decision counseling. Contact us today!
Alicia McNease Nimonkar is an Accepted advisor and editor specializing in healthcare admissions. Prior to joining Accepted, Alicia worked for five years as Student Advisor at UC Davis’ postbac program where she both evaluated applications and advised students applying successfully to med school and related programs. Want Alicia to help you get accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
• How to Nail Your Med School Interviews, a free webinar
• Put the Med School Application Puzzle Together, a podcast episode
• What do the Medical School Admissions Teams Say About Admissions?
