MedHopeful is a blog dedicated to high school and college students interested in attending med school. The blog contains articles on scholarships and undergraduate study advice. Aside from articles, there are also videos to support in-depth discussions and advice regarding med school application. The site also provides a tool that aid Canadian students in choosing a Canadian med school.
Why is Medhopeful.com a good site to explore?
What I like about this site is that it is very informative, yet it still maintains a very personal and intimate approach to readers. I say this because some very informative blogs I’ve visited have a very formal tone when communicating with the audience. The fact that the writers are med students themselves add to the blog’s appeal. This gives an impression that the things written in the posts are gathered through first-hand experiences of the writers. Unlike other blogs, this one is more than just articles. Medhopeful also contains videos and a Med tool that makes learning through this site more effective.
Another thing I consider valuable in this site is the informative and reflective nature of the posts. The entries are interesting to read because the supposedly boring details are wrapped in the writers’ interesting realizations and experiences. An example is the post When Should I Take the MCAT?
What’s the weak point of this blog?
I think the area that needs improvement in this site is the design. The theme is not bad, but I guess, there is still a room for improvement. The design is not really that attractive and communicative. A good design should give the audience an idea of what the site is all about even with just a glance. Overall, there’s not much weak points that will deter readers for exploring the site further.
A common belief among foreign medical school applicants is that they have slim chances of getting into US medical schools. On the contrary, a lot of medical schools are looking to diversify their student body, and they do this by admitting people of different races and nationalities.
The medical school application process for foreign students is not that complicated, and it is actually quite similar to that of US citizens. The only difference is that foreign students are required to submit additional documents, some of which are mandated by statutory laws. Below is a simple guide to medical school application for foreign students:
1. Choosing an institution
Gathering information on the programs and application processes for various medical schools should be easy enough with the help of the Internet. For foreign students, however, there are additional factors to take into consideration. Most foreign students opt for medical schools which are located in areas they are familiar with, or where they have relatives living near the area.
Next to location, it’s also important to consider the tuition and everyday expenses. A lot of medical schools in the US charge higher tuition rates for foreign students as compared to those paid by US residents. For foreign students seeking to apply for financial aid, they should also check if their desired institution offers such aid because they are not covered by the US government-funded scholarships and grants.
2. Residency and lodging
A lot of medical schools have dorms and boarding houses within the campus. This is a good option for foreign students especially among those who don’t have any relatives living in the US. However, if there are no such lodging options, foreign students can also opt to live in apartments within the vicinity of the campus. These apartments usually have student discounts to make the rates affordable to students.
3. Requirements for residents and non-residents
As mentioned, most of the medical school application requirements are the same for both American citizens and foreign students. Some of these common requirements include:
* Resume or CV
* Transcript of college records
* Recommendation letters
* Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores
* Personal statement medical school
The personal statement is one of the most important requirements in applying for medical school. For foreign students, their personal statement medical school should include an explanation why they chose to study in the US. You can check out sample medical school personal statements found on the Internet to give you a general idea of how to write one.
4. Additional requirements for foreign students
Most medical schools require foreign students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. Because you’ll be studying in the US, where the national language is English, proficiency and ability to communicate in English is a must. In some cases, taking the TOEFL may be waived if the foreign student has studied in US or Canada for at least one year.
Photo Credit : LoveButter
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the requirements and processes that medical school application entails. Keeping track of deadlines for specific documents is one of the important tasks you have to master. While medical schools may have varying sets of application requirements and processes, there are elements that are common among all medical schools. To help you prepare for medical school, below is a suggested step-by-step process you can follow:
Step 1: Collect and select.
The first step in applying to medical schools is to determine which schools offer programs that would best suit you and your field of interest. To do this, collect information on various medical schools which you can easily find on the Internet. It’s also helpful to read school reviews and student testimonials so you’ll have an “insider” view of what the institution is like. Here you can also gather information on the specific application procedures and requirements of different medical schools.
Step 2: Have a checklist of requirements.
As mentioned, application requirements may vary depending on the medical school. However, there are some common medical school requirements you need to submit, which you’ll find listed below:
* Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores
* TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable)
* Transcript of records
* Recommendation letters
* Resume or CV
* Personal statement medical school
If you’re at a loss as to how to write your personal statement medical school, you can check out sample medical school personal statements on the Internet to get an idea of how and what to write.
Step 3: Submit documents and application forms on time.
There are various medical school application services that you can use to help you through the whole application process. An example of such services is the American Medical College Application Service or AMCAS, which provides students with access to 90% of accredited med schools in the US. This service is offered by the Association of American Medical Colleges or AAMC.
From here, medical schools who are interested in your application will contact you and provide details on the supplemental requirements you need to submit. These supplemental requirements vary depending on the institution.
Step 4: Wait and then make follow ups.
This is perhaps the most grueling part of the medical school application – waiting for response and feedback. As for making follow ups, remember that there is a fine line between checking on your application status to show your determination and bugging the admissions committee to process your application. If you’re called in for an interview, make sure you follow up by calling the school or by confirming your appointment through email.
Photo Credit : Manchester Library
