Insider Tips From A Top Medical School On Navigating Applications And The MCAT

While medical school acceptances are notoriously competitive, since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, more and more students have become inspired to become doctors to serve their communities. This translates to an enormous spike in medical school applications, but the number of spots available at U.S. medical schools hasn’t kept pace.

At the same time, the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, and healthcare workers continue to be exhausted and short-staffed. The U.S. is expected to experience a physician shortage between 54,100 and 139,000 providers by 2033, with two of five currently active physicians reaching the age of retirement. 

To combat this growing problem, some medical schools have been founded to help train the next generation of doctors. Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine is one such school. Established in 2020, it has already made a name for itself as one of the most competitive medical schools, with an acceptance rate of around 0.5%. The Senior Associate Dean for Admissions, Dr. Lindia J. Willies-Jacobo, MD, gave us her advice on navigating the medical school admissions process, including MCAT preparation.

Factors To Consider When Applying To Medical School

The rigorous medical school process typically follows three phases: The Primary Application, Secondary Application and Interviews. Before the application stage, applicants prepare for months to take the Medical College Admission Test, better known as the MCAT. 

Dr. Willies-Jacobo shared that the first step to approaching the medical school application process is to meet with a variety of mentors to get a full scope of what is to come and find anecdotal leads on the best approaches. Knowing all the facets of the medical school you’re applying to is just as important as knowing all aspects of your resume. 

Understanding the intricacies of medicine and having clear career goals can help shape your essays. Your personal statement and secondary essays should be goal-oriented and focused on discussing your motivations and experiences. 

Students Are Applying To More Schools

In 2021, over 60,000 people applied to medical school in the U.S., with an average of 18 applications per applicant. Since only 36% of those applicants successfully gained a spot in med school, students should consider adding a few more schools to their list to increase their chances of gaining a spot. Medical Admissions Counselor Darlene Diep notes that “most of her students apply to at least 20 schools, with an average number of 25 schools.” 

Know The Schools You’re Applying To

“Create a list of values, think about what ‘doctoring’ means to you, and compile a portfolio that demonstrates mission alignment with the schools you’re applying to,” said Dr. Willies-Jacobo. 

Not only will this improve your interview flow, but it can also help when you begin interacting with medical school faculty. Dr. Willies-Jacobo recommends students “connect with admissions counselors and deans of schools you are considering and ask engaging questions about the school.” Many medical schools hold virtual office hours or informational sessions so students can learn more about the application and selection process. 

Submitting Your Applications Early Has Advantages

Lastly, if the collective experience of the pandemic has taught the world anything, it is that everything is unexpected. Apply as early as possible. As applications roll in, schools can run out of interview slots. Consider submitting your primary application as soon as possible and avoid waiting until the last minute when seats for the current cycle have been filled. Diep advises students to “apply when the DO and MD applications open in May and June, respectively, especially if you have a weaker academic profile. These seats can fill quickly, so it’s important to strategize your application submission.” 

MCAT Tips

In addition to the formal application process, the MCAT is an important component. Dr. Willies-Jacobo shared the following tips and best practices for the highly anticipated test:

• Prepare for the MCAT several months in advance of taking it; many students spend 200 hours or more studying. Taking a prep course, while ideal, may not be realistic for many. Visit the AAMC website for free MCAT resources.
• Discuss your target MCAT score with your mentors, pre-health advisors, and/or postbaccalaureate program directors and counselors. 
• Take the MCAT when you are ready. Readiness may be defined in many different ways, but hitting your target score on two or three consecutive practice tests may be one indicator.
• Visit the various school websites to ensure that your MCAT exam date is within the designated timelines of the application process.
• Visit the AAMCs MCAT/GPA grid for applicants and accepted students to U.S. medical schools.

As medical school continues to grow more attractive to students, gaining acceptance can seem like a distant dream. With insight from one of the most competitive medical schools in the country, understanding what aspects of your application are considered can help your application stand out to admissions officers. Strategizing early and applying effectively can help improve your chances of entering medical school.