What Should I Expect from Medical College Admissions?

Medical college admissions can be a confusing process. There are a lot of parts to a medical school application, and they may have different due dates. Most parts of an application process will be the same no matter where you are applying, but due dates will vary by school. It is helpful to keep a list of all materials needed and the dates that they are due.

An application is necessary for all medical college admissions. The application usually includes personal information about you, an essay, and information about any extracurricular activities you have been involved in. A background check may be required, depending on the local laws. Your pre-med adviser should be able to help you with any questions you have about the application.

Many medical schools require an admissions test, such as the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) in the United States. The MCAT covers verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences, and also a writing sample. Each section is given a score from one to fifteen, except for the writing sample, which is given a letter from J to T. You should have a score of at least seven for each section, with a writing evaluation of at least P. Medical college admissions programs usually require admissions exams be taken within a certain time frame before applying, generally about five years.

An interview is one of the most important parts of the medical college admissions process. You will probably need to go to your chosen medical school for this, although a phone interview may be possible under certain circumstances. A written report of your interview will become part of your application packet.

Letters of recommendation are also very important. The people you ask to write references for you should know you very well. They should offer insight into your educational and employment history. Information commonly looked for includes academic ability, personality, character, and personal drive to become a doctor. At least three letters of recommendation are commonly asked for.

Grade point average is another thing considered for medical college admissions. Most colleges require an average of at least 2.8. The higher your score, the more likely you are to get into the college of your choice.

European medical schools take students right out of high school. The program lasts six years. All programs require students to undergo testing in order to be admitted. Other requirements will depend upon the school.