Different medical schools offer students a specific medical and educational experience. It is important for you to find a school that is the right fit for you, and offers the area of medicine you are interested in practicing. Narrow your choices so that you are comparing medical schools that are of equal consideration. Students should look up their prospective medical schools with the American Association of Medical Colleges, which is an organization that maintains information on every accredited medical school in the United States. Use the AAMC website as a resource while you make a decision about which med colleges to apply to.
Many prospective med school students panic when they think about having to take the Medical College Assessment Test (MCAT), but when students know what to expect, they can prepare for the challenge accordingly. The MCAT is a standardized test used by med schools to measure your level of competency in medical sciences. As a student who wants entry into a medical college, you must pass this exam with good scores. Medical schools set score standards and may not take you if your scores are below that standard.
Send out your applications early and to all of the medical schools that interest you. Applying to different schools gives you fallback options in case your first choice does not accept your application. Follow the application process exactly, and be prepared to schedule a formal interview with the med school's admission committee if they approve your written application. The formal interview gives you a chance to meet the faculty and offer them a professional and memorable first impression, which helps your chances of being accepted.
Once you have been accepted into medical school, it is time to prepare for the intense coursework. Freshen up on (or enhance) some important skills for school success, such as time management skills, organizational skills, self-discipline and effective study habits. You can survive medical school if you stay organized and do not let your assignments and studies fall through the cracks.
Build rapport with your medical school instructors so that you develop a working relationship with them. Instructors are there to help students succeed, so take advantage of it when they offer additional help or to host study group sessions for students.