Each year, I talk to applicants who say they don’t want their ethnic or racial identity to be part of their medical school application. Their hesitation usually stems from a desire to be judged purely on their merits. This is a noble principle that I respect. However, from the general perspective of the medical profession,…
The Diversity Essay: How to Write an Excellent Diversity Essay
What is a diversity essay in a school application? And why does it matter when applying to leading programs and universities? Most importantly, how should you go about writing such an essay? Diversity is of supreme value in higher education, and schools want to know how every student will contribute to the diversity on their…
How to Apply Successfully to Med School from Postbac Programs [Episode 526]
In this episode, the founder and former Director of San Francisco State University Postbac Programs and Accepted consultant since 2015 explains why the fastest way to medical school is slowly and carefully, and explores the advantages and disadvantages of applying to med school from a postbac program. [SHOW SUMMARY] Are you in a postbac program…
7 To-Dos for Canadians Applying to U.S. Med Schools
Each year, Canadian medical school hopefuls look across the border for their medical education. While there are obvious challenges (adapting to a different health care system, returning to a Canadian residency, and much higher education costs), the higher acceptance rates at U.S. programs (about 36.2% overall per AAMC, as compared to around 19.6% in Canada)…
10 Reasons Why You Should Consider Participating in a Special Masters Program (SMP)
You’ve completed your undergraduate degree and are looking forward to attending medical school, but are looking for a way to set your application apart. If you have a strong undergrad science GPA, pursuing an SMP can be a fantastic way to do just that. There are currently more than 75 different science-based SMPs nationwide. There…
Temple University’s Postbac Programs: A Plethora of Possibilities [Episode 435]
Learn how to increase your chances of acceptance to medical school or another health professions school. [Show summary] Caleb Marsh, Admissions Director of Temple University’s CST many postbac programs explores the robust opportunities available to students preparing for medical educations and careers. How can Temple University’s postbac programs help you reach your career goals, and…
How to Write the Statement of Disadvantage
If you have experienced any form of social, economic or educational disadvantage—at any time in your life—you can apply to medical school as a disadvantaged applicant. To receive this designation means that you will need to complete an additional essay on the AMCAS application. The character limit for this short essay is 1,325. Examples of…
What Life at Icahn Is Like as a Med Student, Parent, and More [Episode 399]
How this non-traditional medical student transitioned into medicine as a second career [Show summary] Efrat Bruck is an M4 at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, as well as a parent and MCAT video creator for Khan Academy with a nontraditional path to medicine. She shares how the program has given her the flexibility…
Facing Adversity as a Med School Applicant [Episode 390]
M2 Sotonye Douglas shares how she never lost sight of her dream to become a doctor. [Show summary] Sotonye Douglas describes herself as an “imperfect” medical school applicant who nevertheless became a student at Quinnipiac Netter School of Medicine, overcoming tremendous barriers in the process. An “imperfect” applicant discusses her path to medical school. [Show…
From Engineering PhD to Med Student [Episode 364]
A career-changer’s path to med school [Show summary] Valerie Fuchs holds a PhD in environmental engineering and spent eight years as a water resources engineer. This summer, however, she’ll start medical school. Hear how Valerie navigated med school admissions as an older, nontraditional applicant and got into her first-choice school. From engineering PhD to med…
A Physician’s Nontraditional Path from Law Enforcement to Medical School [Episode 363]
Dr. Joe Bardinelli shares his journey from cop to doc [Show summary] Not everyone follows a traditional path to a career in medicine. Today’s guest, emergency physician Dr. Joe Bardinelli, was a police officer for six years before deciding to enter medical school. In this episode, he shares how and why he went from being…
5 Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying to Medical School as an Older Applicant
The average age for medical students has been steadily increasing over the years for several reasons. For one, medical schools cannot legally discriminate against applicants based on age. Furthermore, applicants with more life experience can be some of the best medical students as they are already established in their identity, maturity levels, and career goals….