Foreign Students’ Guide to Applying to US Medical Schools

The good news is that foreign students like you have an equal chance to qualify for a US medical school. American medical schools are more interested in the student’s medical and academic potential, than in their religion and ethnicity. If you are an excellent student, especially in the sciences, you have a strong chance in getting into a US medical school. However, you need to read the following points to know what can further strengthen your application.

Speak the language

While race is not an issue, not being able to speak English can be a big problem. Even if you are gifted with a brilliant mind, you cannot learn in a US medical school if you do not speak or understand English. English is the language used for instruction, medical oral reports and written case studies. So, you have to practice your written and spoken English first before applying into medical school. Your English courses prior to medical school must be quite advanced. Note that you have to learn more technical terms; not knowing English in general will heighten your confusion. Even in practical exercises, such as dissections, you will deal with English instructions from your professor.  You will be needing the language not only in keeping up with your lessons but also with socialization. Life in the US can be very lonely if you cannot communicate with its people.

State your case

Even your medical application essay requires proper understanding of English. Remember that you will be competing against American candidates who have the benefit of having English as their first language and of being used to an American education. Foreign students, on the other hand, have the advantage of being able to a show a different perspective. Write well to communicate your unique point of view. Express your reasons for choosing an American medical school instead of one from your own country. Give some insights as to the state of the medical profession in your own country. Your application essay must be unique, interesting, written well, and honest.

In the end, if equipped with the English language, you have as much chance as an American to get into a US medical school. Your origins will not be held against you. You can do your part by submitting an excellent medical application essay together with all other requirements.

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