Medical College Admission Tips

 

Each medical school applicant, must write a brief (5,300 characters or less) statement about why they want to be a physician.  In addition to demonstrating writing ability, the essay must reveal unique qualities you possess that will make you a terrific physician.  Let your personality shine through the words you write.  Here are some tips:

 

-Hook your reader with an attention grabbing opening.
-Make the essay flow from one paragraph to the next with creative bridges to connect your thoughts.
-Strive to demonstrate your personal attributes through the details you include.
– Remove passive verbs such as is, be or am.  Passive verbs make the writing seem lifeless.  Use active verbs to make your essay vibrant.  Here is an example of a sentence written in a passive voice.  “The pediatrician was bitten by the child.”  See how wordy it is.  Now, compare it to the next sentence written with an active voice.  “The child bit the pediatrician.”  This technique is vital to successful writers.
– Close your essay with a strong statement about your desire to become a physician.
-Above all, tell the truth!  Do not embellish or exaggerate.

The next step in the process is an interview. More and more schools are conducting behavioral interviews in order to select individuals with a specific personality type. Here are some tips to help you with the most important interview of your life.

-Practice answering questions with friends and mentors.
-Be prepared to address any weak areas in your credentials.
-Use your normal vocabulary. Don’t try to impress the interviewers with big words.
-Breath properly to control the ah’s and um’s.
-When asked about personal experiences, choose stories that demonstrate your ability to solve problems and work with others.

If you want further information about Dr. Nelson’s guide for writing your personal comments essay click HERE. For information on the interview guide for click HERE.