To get into a U.S. medical school, you need a high grade point average (GPA), and you must have the correct undergraduate degree. Your GPA should be a minimum of 3.5, and the higher it is, the better your chances. You also need to have an appropriate degree. Pre-med is the most appropriate degree, but if you have a degree in nursing or in another, related medical field, then you still may be considered.
"MCAT" is the acronym for the Medical College Admission Test, and your scores on it are a big consideration when medical schools are looking at potential students. This test is meant to provide insight into the students' areas of knowledge; it consists of four separate parts: physical sciences, verbal reasoning, biological sciences and writing samples. The first three sections are multiple choice, and they're each scored on a 15 point scale. The two writing samples are graded with a letter from the low score of "J" to the high score of "T." Your results are a combination of the letter and a number from 0 to 45. According to The Eduers.com, you should have a minimum score of 30 for consideration.
Your efforts beyond the classroom can have a big impact on your attempts to get into medical school. Volunteering in clinics, helping as a research assistant on projects, and even conducting projects and research of your own -- all count when a medical school is considering your acceptance. Doing this kind of work indicates that your determination and desire are about more than just making a grade, and it offers a mix of real-world knowledge and experience to balance your textbook knowledge. Additionally, publication in a reputable medical journal is another achievement to add to your med school application.
Each med school sets its own criteria and rules for application. Applications have to be turned in by a certain date, and all of the information the school requires must be in the packet. Required information includes your personal information, your application essay(s), the answers to any questions, along with copies of your transcripts. Always check the requirements of each medical school before you apply since you might meet the requirements for one school but not for another. Many applications come with administrative fees, so don't apply to a school for which you don't meet the criteria.