Undergraduate students are required to complete several important classes prior to medical school admission. According to bestpremed.com, entrants need a year of both introductory and organic chemistry along with their laboratory classes, as well as a year of biology and physics including labs. In addition to these science-based classes, one year of English and one year of advanced math are also required. Medical schools place much importance on your undergraduate GPA and the higher your GPA, the more competitive you are with other applicants.
Along with submitting your transcripts and GPA, you must also sit for the MCAT. Your MCAT scores will be a significant factor in being accepted to medical schools. Some students choose to take MCAT test preparation courses in order to heighten their possibility of success. Some test prep courses can help increase your scores. Take as many practice exams as possible prior to taking the MCAT.
Medical schools look beyond MCAT scores and GPAs and are also interested in seeing applicants who have experience working or volunteering in a health care-related setting. Medical schools look for applicants who have demonstrated a sincere desire to serve their community and a genuine interest in caring for others.
Medical schools vary in regard to the number of required letters of recommendation. Some ask for as little as two letters, while others prefer up to five. Letters of recommendation should be written by college professors, doctors with whom you have worked or shadowed and any other professional acquaintance who can speak directly to the type of person you are as well as your abilities as a student and a future doctor. Having several letters from both professors and medical professionals will be crucial to your application.
After submitting your medical school applications, there will be another series of steps that will take you through the application process and hopefully, to medical school. Secondary applications are required by most schools, and the specifics for those applications will either be posted online or sent to you individually upon a successful review of your initial application. After the second application, schools interested will contact you for an interview. Occasionally more than one interview will be required, depending on the school. After reviewing your applications and interviews, medical schools will either accept or deny your application.