Applying to medical school is a two-step process. First, all applicants file an application through the American Medical College Application Service, the "Princeton Review" reports. If the applicant’s chosen schools choose to pursue the candidate, they will send them a secondary application. Specific academic requirements vary, but a strong grade point average and overall academic success are generally required. Although all college courses will be taken into consideration, science and math grades are given extra examination. According to Swarthmore College, an approximate Medical College Admission Test score of 30 is a general baseline to qualify for most medical schools. The more rigorous medical schools often only accept students with a minimum A- average.
The substantial cost of medical school is a cause of concern for many applicants. Their concerns are justifiable, as the Association of American Medical Colleges reports recent medical school graduates often owe more than $130,000 in student loans. Some schools might offer tuition freezes, which guarantee that the price of medical school will not increase for a set number of years. In addition to student loans, many medical students rely on family support and scholarships to fund their education, "U.S. News and World Report" states. Military scholarships are also available for those who agree to practice medicine for the military or in under-served areas in need of medical personnel.
Tuition rates, style of teaching, admission requirements and the general atmosphere of a university vary significantly among medical schools. Applicants might consider public schools first because they are generally more affordable, although private schools might have competitive financial aid packages or scholarships available. Prospective students may apply to as many schools as possible to find the best fit and to increase their odds of being accepted to a medical school. Amherst College strongly recommends that prospective students apply in their home state because many states have residency requirements for prospective medical students. The University of Massachusetts Medical School requires applicants to have proof of taxes filed within the state to prove residency.
Medical schools generally admit highly motivated students with strong communication and interpersonal skills, according to Swarthmore College. Volunteer work or other positions of leadership improve a candidate’s application. According to the "Princeton Review," many medical schools require an interview, essays, letters of recommendation and a personal statement from candidates as part of their admissions process. Candidates should consider the teaching environment and general atmosphere of a medical school as well, to ensure they find the best fit for their personal goals, personality and learning style.