Almost all medical schools require prospective students to take the the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT. The MCAT exam assesses students' readiness for medical school. The standardized, multiple-choice exam tests students on problem solving and writing skills, science concepts and critical thinking. Students receive scores for verbal reasoning, physical sciences, writing sample, and biological sciences. Medical schools typically accept scores that are not more than three years old. Students can register for the MCAT, find practice exams, study tips and score information at aamc.org/students/mcat/.
Coursework requirements differ at each school. However, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, most schools require one year each of biology, physics and English. Two years of chemistry--two semesters of general chemistry and two semesters of organic chemistry--are also required. Students are encouraged to take science classes that offer laboratory experience. A year in mathematics or calculus also is required by many schools, such as Harvard Medical School. Courses in the humanities and social sciences, including foreign languages, philosophy, sociology and the arts, also are required by many schools such as Harvard and Johns Hopkins University. Research, independent study, computer literacy and honors courses also are recommended by school officials.
Most medical schools use the American Medical College Application Service. The application service does not make admission decisions for the individual schools. They provide a centralized application process that allows applicants to submit just one application that can be forwarded to numerous schools. The service accepts transcripts and letters of recommendations, assembles and verifies students' application files and sends MCAT scores. Deadlines for application are set by individual schools. Also, check with each school to determine if they have secondary applications.
Letters of recommendation are another entry requirement for medical school. Letters of recommendation can be submitted through the American Medical College Application Service. People to consider asking for letters are science professors, academic advisers, research supervisors, doctors, community leaders and employers especially if you have been out of school for a long period of time. Schools have different requirements for the preparers and quantity of letters of recommendation, so it may be necessary to check school websites for more information. For example, Harvard requires two letters from science professors, one non-science professor, all research professors with a maximum of six letters. Also, be sure to give recommenders deadlines, even early deadlines, for when to submit your letter. You don't want late letters to delay your medical school application.
Interviews are not a guarantee for admission. According to The Princeton Review, they allow admissions officials to weed out the good from the great. Some schools have one-on-one interviews while others use panels that may include faculty members, admissions representatives, doctors and upper-level students. Interviews give you the opportunity to show admissions officials the real you beyond what they have read on paper. You may be asked questions about your classes, volunteer work, ethics or current health care trends. Interviews also are an opportunity for officials to see how you will respond to stressful situations and sometimes difficult questions. Many student health professions clubs offer mock interviews with community physicians or professors. These are opportunities to practice your interview skills.
Along with making good grades, students considering medical school should consider volunteering with a local hospital or clinic. They should also seek out leadership opportunities in a variety of extracurricular activities. Research work or other medical experience may aid a students' application.