Apply to Black Universities with Biomedical and Biomedical Science majors. Applications can be obtained online by going to websites for Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Stillman College, Miles College, Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University and Oakwood College. It is imperative to maintain a good grade-point average while working on your undergraduate degree.
Apply to medical schools with good dermatology departments. According to the National Institutes of Health, the top 10 dermatology departments in the United States include University of California's San Francisco School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, New York School of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Emory University School of Medicine and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Schedule your dermatology elective in the third year. During this time, meet with your faculty advisor to discuss research or clinical projects that would demonstrate your interest in dermatology. These projects can also help to build a relationship with the faculty member, who can offer a strong letter of recommendation for dermatology residency programs.
Take Step 1 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (MLE). Information on examinations can be found at USMLE.org. It is imperative that you prepare well in advance for this exam. Dermatology programs will generally accept only those applicants who score over 230 on Step 1 of the MLE.
A one-year residency with a general practitioner is required. Apply to dermatology residencies with a goal of scheduling 10 interviews. This field is very competitive; be prepared to answer questions on why dermatology is your program of choice, any research done in the field, your relationships with professors and faculty members and follow up the interview with a short thank you note expressing your continued interest in the residency.