This premed has transferred schools a couple of times. They want to know if that's going to reflect negatively on them.

This premed is experiencing some imposter syndrome. They want to make sure they haven't blown their chance!

This premed had a low freshman GPA, but since then they've been doing really well. They want to know if that low freshman GPA will have a negative effect on their application.

This Nurse Practitioner turned premed wants to know how to navigate secondaries as a NP.

This nontrad premed experienced a few unfortunate events that have made their path much more difficult. They want to know what path there is forward.

This student considers himself to be a horrible test taker. He wants to know what strategies to take with studying for the MCAT.

This student wants to know if he is going to need a postbac or not based on his current stats.

After graduating with a degree in English, this student realized that she wanted to be a doctor. Will community college be enough for her prereqs?

This student needs to prove her academic ability. At the same time, she's interested in pursuing a master's program focused on public health.

This student wants to know if working as a medical interpreter can be considered clinical experience.

This student is struggling to decide if they should include a health issue on their application because they aren't sure if adcoms will take it well.

This high school student is interested in exploring the BSMD route, she wants to know what steps she needs to take and if it's right for her.

These reapplicant has decided to apply to all three application services, they want to get some clarification on the requirements each of them have.

This student's GPA is all over the place. They're taking an SMP but they're worried that won't be enough to show med schools that they're academically capable. What should they do?

This student went to community college before they attended a four-year university. They want to know if they need to retake the prereqs they took in community college.

This student needs to reapply to med school and retake the MCAT. They already have a standing MCAT score. They want to know when it's too late for them to retake the test.

This student has taken the MCAT three times and hasn't done too well. They're worried that if they take it again it will be a red flag to medical schools.

This student is a junior with no extracurricular experience, can they catch up in time?

This student has had terrible luck with their MCAT scores. They are sure they will get rejected, but they want to apply anyways. What should they do?

This student had an okay score on the MCAT, but it wasn't amazing. They want to know if retaking could hurt their chances.

This student had to retake the MCAT multiple times, they want to know if it's something they should address in their application.

This student wants to go the MD/PhD route, but they're worried about their clinical experience not being in the same field as their research.

This student decided to hit pause after receiving a devastating MCAT score. They want to know if they made the right decision and what they should do now that they have a surprise gap year on their hands.

This student needs help navigating the fine line between bragging and showing what she's learned.

This student had some struggles and a gap year, and now they are worried that medical schools will think they aren't capable.

This dual-enrolled 9th grader wants to know if taking his premed classes at community college would potentially hurt his chances of getting into medical school.

This student is worried about being able to submit her application on time because she's going to an ROTC camp without internet access for most of July.

This premed wants to share their personal experience with their daughter's mental health crisis in their personal statement, but she isn't sure how medical schools will respond.

This non-traditional student wants to know if their personal statement and activities show the whole picture of who she is as an applicant.

This student has a history of bad grades but they've been able to turn it around. They want to know if their past will affect their application.

This young applicant wants to know how they can outweigh their age in their medical school application.

This student has an okay but not great GPA trend and MCAT score. They want to know if retaking the MCAT would improve their chances.

This student who has a history of struggling with school wants to know if it's okay to put extracurriculars off so they can focus on one thing at a time.

This student wants to know if research experience has to have a clear application in order to be useful when he applies to an amnesty program.

This student wants to know if her 300 hours of clinical experience is enough as a MD/PhD applicant.

This DACA student wants to know how to build a good school list that reflects their specific needs.

This nurse practitioner premed needs help with forming her personal statement and answering the question, why do you want to be a doctor?

This student struggled with getting the score they needed from the MCAT after taking it twice, and now they don't know where to go from there.

This international student wants to know if they can follow the traditional application timeline or if they won't be able to because of their international status.

This nontraditional student wants to know if it makes sense to stagger applications.

Walk through editing and reviewing a disadvantaged essay with Dr. Gray.

This nontraditional student wants to know how to navigate being a full time worker and student.

This nontraditional Canadian student's GPA wasn't great. He wants to know what he can do to improve his overall application.

This music major premed is very busy. They want to know what they can possibly do to squeeze in clinical hours during the school year.

This premed wants to know where he can find guidance as a nontraditional student.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student poses the question, how can I adovcate for myself in a way that is firm but not annoying?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed wants to know if he needs to get a master's degree.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelSpecialty Stories PodcastInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This nontrad stay at home mom student wants to know if it will hurt her application if she is unable to fit in research within her busy schedule.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaMappdMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Everyone is telling this premed student that she needs to include her military experience in her personal statement, what should she do?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has had a rocky undergrad path which lead to poor grades. She wants to know where she should go from there.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed student wants to write about imposter syndrome in the adversity section of her secondaries. Is that okay to do?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappd.comMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed student wants to know if doing a postbac will give him a better GPA trend.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This non-traditional reapplicant wants to know where to start after applying and not getting any interviews.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaPMY337: How to Overcome Test Anxiety and Take Back ControlMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

After getting out of the military this non-traditional premed took almost exclusively online classes, will it hurt his chances of getting into medical school? Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has put her application on hold, and she wants to know if she should still be keeping up clinical hours into the next cycle.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This non-traditional student wants to know what she needs to focus on after experiencing several unsuccessful application cycles.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This Nurse Practitioner premed needs help answering the question, "why do you want to be a doctor?"Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed wants know how they can highlight their multicultural background when applying to med school to pursue primary care.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This international premed student has questions about navigating her journey to medical school as an international student.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has put her application on hold, and she wants to know if she should still be keeping up clinical hours into the next cycle.

This premed is worried that with an MCAT score of 506 his application isn't good enough to submit this cycle.

Our premed today is alone in the states as an international student and she's wondering what she needs to do to successfully navigate her way to medical school.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMappdMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Our student today has a question about how realistic it is to Match into a competitive specialty if he accepts the HPSP scholarship. We talk pros and cons.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

What is the right decision when a student has a lower GPA without a great (close to 4.0) trend in their GPA. Remember, the goal is to prove academic capability.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has a list of questions stemming from her nontrad experiences. Let's answer them!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student has quite a few withdrawals from being deployed and transfers from changing locations. How can they discuss this on their application?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student has some concerns about her low CARS section and stutter. Can she still get accepted to med school?

This upcoming applicant is nervous about having just a few shadowing hours. How will med schools look at her just now being able to find shadowing?

This premed is applying to a medical school on probation- is it worth applying? Could it all go wrong?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Today we chat with a student about her gap year and app process. She has taken some time off- and wants to know how to overcome & apply to med school.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdPMY491: Do You Need a Postbac?Medical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed was "recommended with reservation" to medical school. Should she just submit her letters of recommendation separately?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student is debating retaking their MCAT and reapplying or holding out for the waitlist. What should they do?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCATAsk the Dean

This student needs to know- should they write a disadvantaged essay? How should they go about this context essay?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student overcame challenges during his first year and now has over 80 credit hours with a 4.0. How much should he discuss his early academic challenges?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This Chiropractor is ready to ditch the spine and crack open a book instead. Is he setting himself up for success?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student is seeking to start their premed journey, and wants to know how to start to have the strongest application possible.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed needs help with her personal statement- let's see how we can help her and others working on their PS!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed is getting ready for his postbac and wants to know if he needs it or how to repair his GPA. Let's see what I have to think.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMappdMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student has a high GPA and didn't do any clinical work in undergrad. Does he need to "catch up"?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student has an unsteady trend and wants to know how they should move forward- here's my advice for them.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This Canadian premed has low stats but lots of strong life experiences. How should they move forward with applying?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdAMCAS grade conversion guideMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student's premed advisors told her that she needed to find a different career path because of her grades. Let's see what I think.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaThe Premed Years Podcast Session 230Medical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student wants to know when is the latest they can take the MCAT & what med schools think about international mission trips.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaNational Health Service CorpsMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has moved around a ton- how can they determine what state they're a resident in?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student went to a top-20 school and struggled with the rigor of his classes, and transferred schools. How can he move forward from his low GPA?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has questions about CASPer and how it factors into your application.Links:Full Episode Blog PostCasperPMY 303: How Can I Prepare for the CASPer, What is CASPer, and MoreMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Today we talk to a student interested in military medicine. I share some of my story and she shares hers!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaHPSPUSUHSMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student changed majors and needs another semester to graduate. Will med schools see this as a red flag?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaBlueprint MCATMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview

This student is worried that their P/F grades will impact them getting into medical school, will it? Let's Ask Dr. Gray!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This inspiring premed is NINE years sober and AA has contributed to her pursuit of medicine. Is it too risky to note in her application?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This student is worried about disclosing health issues and whether it will prevent them from getting into med school. However, their health is a huge reason they chose medicine. Should they discuss it?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaPMY96: 3 Years to Complete Medical School at NYUMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This prospective applicant is only 17- and is lacking clinical experience other than shadowing. Should she wait or can she explain it?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed has been struggling with testing anxiety, and has done poorly on the MCAT because of it. Can he recover from both testing anxiety and a low score?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCATUWorld

This premed had a downward trend in undergrad but is currently in a postbac program. Can she overcome her trend or does she need a SMP?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Our student today has always been overwhelmed and unable to focus on his grades. How can he discuss his shortcomings and highlight his strengths on his application?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Today on Ask Dr. Gray, our student has concerns about her GPA. While it's not low, the upward trend isn't all there. Let's talk about how she can recover.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This premed scored a 521 on his MCAT and is at the top of his SMP class. Can he show schools he's improved during the application cycle or should he reapply?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaBlueprint MCATMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview

I'm on IG and TikTok Live today to answer all of your premed questions and talk about application timeline, for-profit medical schools, and more!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

This nontrad premed is transitioning from a military career to become a physician. How should she share her experiences in a way that will resonate with adcoms?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaBlueprint MCATMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview

Our student today is trying to figure out why her practice MCAT scores are different than her actual MCAT. Let's dive in and get to the bottom of it. Join us!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd Medialeah4sci Blueprint MCATMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview

Our premed today has a good uGPA, but her overall trend raises some red flags. Find out why I recommend taking additional coursework to demonstrate consistency.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Today, we discuss how to recover from a downward trend in your GPA. Listen to find out why I think a postbac might be a good idea for this student.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

You LOVE ortho, but should you discuss your interest orthopedics in your personal statement? Find out why not and what to do instead to craft a better PS.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdBlueprint MCATMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interview

Our coaching call today centers around a student who has bounced around several schools, majors and paths. How does she communicate she wants to be a doctor?Links:Full Episode BlogMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelBlueprint MCATApplication Renovation videosInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!

He improved from a 488 to a 493 but still needs to improve. He's in the middle of applications. Should he take it in September or wait and reapply next year?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

After being called to Active Duty, this premed found herself facing 3 weeks of coursework and 5 finals within 24 hours. How should she address her suspension?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Our student this week has spent hours taking care of family members as a caretaker. Would it count as clinical experience?Links:Full Episode Blog PostHow is COVID-19 impacting Medical School Admissions in 2021?Blueprint MCATPremed Hangout GroupMedEd Media

Wondering when is an appropriate time to contact medical schools? In this podcast, I answer this question and more!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCATThe MCAT PodcastJack Westin

Today's student is worried that her GPA isn't high enough in light of her background. But can she prove her academic ability despite her GPA inconsistency?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCATAsk the Dean series

Many students participate in clubs during their premed journey. Is it something that should be included in the med school activity section? It depends! Listen.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelThe MCAT CARS PodcastThe MCAT Podcast Instagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Our student today is worried that her GPA isn't high enough in light of being a overrepresented student. Will her GPA be viewed with her ethnicity as a factor?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessBlueprint MCAT

This mom of five is trying to keep going despite all odds but sometimes lacks the confidence and motivation to keep going. How should she approach the bad days?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

There are lots of new ways to get clinical experience, but how do you know which one counts for medical schools? Listen to this week's episode to find out!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCATAAMC full-length exams

Today's student has been dealing with family/personal issues. Even with an upward trend, her GPA of 2.5 will only get her a rejection. What should she do now?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

With 7 college transcripts, she is worried that medical schools would look down on her app and GPA. However, that's not what she should have been worried about.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

She is waitlisted at 5 schools but may not know if she will get a spot until up to maybe June. Should she retake her MCAT and prepare to apply again?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewBlueprint MCAT

Our caller today is applying this cycle and wants to know if they should contact medical schools to show interest before applying. If so, how should it be done?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQeshadowing.com 

She has prepared everything she needs to submit her application early, but now she can't get her spring grades until much later. Should she proceed without them?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQBlueprint MCAT

Today, I answered this nontrad student's question on how to answer and connect with med school admissions. It's important to be human and not a robot. Listen!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQJoin the Application Academy!The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School InterviewThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application ProcessThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementBlueprint MCATAAMC core competencies

Today, our student is looking for clear answers after receiving different, conflicting pieces of advice from medical admissions, doctors, and advisors. Listen!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMappdMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

This student is wondering how med school admissions will view transfers between different schools. I also answer other questions about school lists, HPSP, etc.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQApplication AcademyThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementBlueprint MCAT

This student has a passion for pediatrics. Would it be an issue to disclose it on the med school application? We also discussed sending LOR to specific schools.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQApplication AcademyThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementBlueprint MCAT

An important part of the med school application is the extracurricular activities section. How do you know which category your activities falls in? Listen to seeLinks:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQBlueprint MCATThe MCAT Podcast

Today, I walked a student through her application to see why she hasn't gotten any med school invites. We also talked about shadowing parents, essays, and more!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMSARApplication RenovationBlueprint PrepMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

You are starting MCAT prep to take in the spring, but you have many classes and other responsibilities. Should you focus on your classes or squeeze in the MCAT?Links:Full Episode Blog PostAMCASTMDSAS AACOMASBlueprint PrepMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

A new application cycle is on the horizon, but with the pandemic, many students don't have recent shadowing experience. Should they be worried?Links:Full Episode Blog PostGlobal BrigadesAACOMASBlueprint PrepMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

Can the postbac personal statement be written like the medical school one? We also talk about formal vs. DIY postbacs and which one is better for your journey.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQPostbacCAS

Does taking your prereqs at a community college hurt your chances of getting into a more selective medical school? It depends. Listen to find out why.Links:Full Episode Blog PostAAMCMedEd MediaMSARMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

This student has a low GPA but a solid upward trend at a community college. Should she apply this cycle or delay and complete a masters at a prestigious school?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMappdMappd.tvMedEd MediaMedical School HQ YouTube channel

In today's podcast, I talk about telling your story and the difference between "why do you want to be a physician" vs "what you want to do as a physician."Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

How should you talk about your life and experiences as a nontrad? Be honest. Today, I talk about how to "stand out" as a nontrad by simply being true to yourself.Links:Full Episode Blog PostAMCASTMDSASStudent Doctor NetworkMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channel

How should someone who is underrepresented in medicine approach the medical school application process? My advice? Don't worry about standing out—be yourself!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaAAMC core competenciesMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQeShadowing

Do you need to retake C/D/F classes from earlier in college? Listen to find out why you may not need to retake classes and what you should consider instead.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

Our caller today dropped out of college during her first semester. Now, she's finishing her degree and wants to know how to share her story with med schools.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

How do you find the time to get enough clinical and shadowing experience as a nontrad premed while balancing work, life, and school? Let's discuss!

You have strong ties to a medical school, but should you apply early decision? Today, we talk about how to show your dream med school they're your #1 choice.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

This student went all in on MCAT prep but her score didn't meet her expectations. What should she do next?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaBlueprint MCATAnkiJack WestinUWorldThe MCAT PodcastThe MCAT CARS Podcast AAMC MCAT materialsMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

In today's podcast, I share my top dos and don'ts for discussing childhood trauma and related events in your personal statement.In today’s podcast, I share my top dos and don’ts for discussing childhood trauma and related events in your personal statement.Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. If you have any questions, call me at 617-410-6747.[00:24] Question of the DayQ: "I've read part of your personal statement book, and you recommend telling your story that led you to medicine and your journey and all that. My story involves childhood trauma that is definitely a piece of it that has led me this way. And my physician recommended that I do not disclose it in the personal statement. However, I feel like it is so much a piece of my journey to medicine that I'm not sure how to exclude it. I survived childhood sexual abuse and had suppressed the memories until late in my junior year of college. I began volunteering as a sexual assault advocate. And through that training, the memory started coming back. So then my senior year of undergrad, I did okay, my GPA went down a bit. I had a 4.0 Junior year and then a 3.6. Senior year. Freshman year was a 3.5 and my Sophomore year was a 3.7. And then I did like a DIY postbac, which was a 4.0. I had a psych major. And then I had minors in biology and chemistry, but I took about 10 years off. So I did postbac just to kind of refresh the sciences.All the memories started coming back in my senior year of undergrad, and then I decided I needed to take time off from pursuing medicine to focus on my healing. And because I didn't think it would be fair to my future patients if I went into medical school with all that going on.I ended up taking about 10 years off and now I am looking to get back into it. So during that time, it was partially just taking time to focus on myself. And I liked the job I was doing. I was working with people who have intellectual disabilities. I was working in group homes. I was working as a case manager. And I really enjoyed that work. But then, in the past two years or so, I have really started to want to get back into medicine. Part of that was I went through another sexual assault. It's through the care that my physician provided me, and that empathy and compassion and wanting to be able to give that to others when they're going through a challenging situation. It's through the care that my physician provided me and wanting to be able to give that to others when they're going through a challenging situation that has reignited the fire to want to continue pursuing medicine.With all that being said, my question is that my trauma story is so intertwined with my medicine story and why I want to go into medicine. Is it acceptable to include the story or does it make the reader too uncomfortable to include?”[04:13] How Do You Tell Your Story?You need to be aware of how what you're saying is landing on other people just like you would in normal life. I'm a firm believer in you needing to tell your story, assuming it is intertwined with your reason to be a physician. "There are good experiences that lead to people wanting to go into...

Imposter syndrome never really goes away, but today, I'll share a few ways you can turn anxiety into excitement.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaeShadowingMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

Today we talk with a nontrad premed who has questions about in-person vs online classes, gaining volunteer experience as a nontrad, and GPA cutoffs. Join us!

This premed has a question about how to show resilience in your med school personal statement. Our conversation reveals a whole mindset shift he needs to make!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaApplication Renovation Series on YouTubeThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

This nontrad has been out of school and working for a decade. She's done so many things, she's wondering what to highlight vs combine on her med school app!

How do Medical Schools view nontraditional students with limited clinical experiences due to other commitments. Dr Gray discusses the importance of this topic.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

How do you know if you are competitive amongst other applicants? Dr. Gray breaks down this students stats to help him know if he is 'good' enough?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

Can you be a stay at home mom and still get into medical school? Will admissions committees look down upon you for staying at home as a mom? Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaMappdMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Do you have an institutional action? Maybe an academic suspension? Or a dismissal from a class or program? How do I write about this on my application?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Can you get into med school if you've been arrested? Will it come up in your interview? What should you disclose about it in your application?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years Podcast Session 197: Can You Become a Doctor If You’ve Been Arrested?The Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

What's the best premed major for you? Will med schools actually care what you majored in? What factors should you consider? That's what we're covering today!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupSpecialty Stories Podcast

You're NOT too old to go to medical school—and today, I'm explaining why. I'm also addressing HOW to tell your story on your application.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe OldPreMeds PodcastThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal StatementThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

What is the GPA cut-off at most medical schools? And what can you do if you're worried about a low GPA number from your past holding back YOUR application?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Grouppremed.tv

Should your tone and writing style in the MD/PhD essay differ from the personal statement? Should your MD and MD/PhD personal statement be written differently?

Our caller's prereq grades were pretty bad—but he's in a Special Master's Program doing much better now. So does he still need to retake old prerequisites?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Should you mention your history with mental health issues in your medical school application? Plus, what issues often affect disadvantaged students and URMs?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupMedical School Applications Cost Estimator

How do med schools view institutional actions like alcohol violations? Are they red flags that will get your app thrown out? How does it vary between schools?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupUniversity Services, Uniformed Health Sciences (USUHS)

You're interested in a career that offers the best of both worlds—a few days a week seeing patients and a few days of research—but, is an MD/PhD the best option?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaSpecialty Stories Episode 9: Interview with Dr. Maureen LeonardMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

What counts as clinical experience? How many hours should you have when applying to med school? And is it okay to keep working a non-clinical job as a premed?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaSpecialty StoriesMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Will DO and international medical schools be adversely affected by the changes to USMLE Step 1? What does the NRMP survey data say? Listen and find out!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastSpecialty StoriesMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupPremed.tvPMY 379: USMLE Step 1 Went Pass/Fail: What Does That Mean for Premeds?2018 NRMP Program Director Survey

When is it a good idea to apply early decision to med school? And what are you committing to when you check the "I'm interested in rural medicine" checkbox?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe MCAT PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupThe Old Premeds Podcast Session 215: Are You Sure You Want to Be a Physician?

Today's premed is considering a gap year. She's only a sophomore! We talk about how important it is to be selective with extracurriculars and how to say no!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupSpecialty Stories

Committee letters are typically comprised of several LORs from professors and faculty in a single packet. What do you do when you only receive a summary letter?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Are you making the most of your gap year? We'll talk about how med schools view gap years (spoiler: they don't care), interview day experiences and more!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe MCAT PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupSession 85: Should I Push my Med School App Back a Year?

Our caller today wants to know what she should focus on to enhance her med school application: GPA, MCAT prep, or clinical experience. I'll help her prioritize!Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout GroupThe MCAT CARS Podcast

Is it worth rushing to submit your med school application late in the cycle, or should you wait a year while you strengthen your application? The data says...Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Time is a precious commodity when you're a nontraditional student like today's caller. How should you spend your time as a nontraditional premed?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

In many cases, caregiving is an amazing way to gain clinical experience in a non-traditional setting. How should you talk about it on your med school application? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group secondaryapps.com Premed.tv The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

If you've faced adversity on your path to med school, you aren't alone! Today, we'll talk about how to discuss obstacles in the med school application process.Links:Full Episode Blog PostThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Interviewsecondaryapps.comMeded MediaThe Premed Years PodcastMSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Not getting any medical school interview invites? Let's look at the 8 most common areas students make mistakes in their medical school application. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group MCATpodcast.com Application Renovation The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

How do you decide between a special Master's program (SMP) and a postbac? Today, I share why I think a postbac is the better choice for this student. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group Check out more resources on YouTube premed.tv AAMC’s postbac database

Today's caller had a mediocre GPA from her undergrad in business. Now, she's on the premed path taking prereqs and her GPA is improving—but is it enough? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group Calculate your GPA on whatsmygpa.com

Everyone experiences imposter syndrome as a premed, medical student, and resident physician. Today, I share how to deal with these feelings on the premed path. Links: Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Should you start thinking about the MCAT as you're still taking prerequisites? Today's caller is getting started early. Dr. Gray talks timelines and prep.

There are ways to touch upon mental illness in your application that are more discreet. But what if it's a major part of your story? Dr. Gray answers. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

If you have a low GPA, first ask yourself why. Before picking between post-bac, masters, and SMP programs, be honest about where you need to improve. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

What do you do when a premed advisor recommends a drastic change of course? Should this caller call it quits on US MD and DO schools? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group Check us out on YouTube at premed.TV

Help your reader inhabit those important "why medicine" moments with you. Show your experiences through anecdotes and appeal to their senses. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast The MCAT Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

What's the magic number for an MCAT score that will outshine your low GPA (spoiler: there is none), and when is it time to do a post-bac degree? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast Episode 19: Interview with a Medical School Interview and Admissions Expert MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group The MCAT Podcast

The AMCAS and AACOMAS are slightly different application services. Do you need to tailor your personal statement to each of them? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group Specialty Stories Podcast The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

Our caller is a working dad with a DIY postbac and tons of shadowing and bench work experience. What else can he do to elevate his application? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group OldPreMeds Podcast

Do nursing courses count toward your medical school prerequisites, and is there any truth to low medical school acceptance rates for nurses? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Our question comes from an applicant who has taken a somewhat winding path during her premed career. We'll sort through grades, trends and more.

Today's caller asks: if she has a long academic record, below average GPA, and an average sGPA, should she take a leap and apply?

Does it look bad to take classes at a slow place while working, or to take them at different institutions? What if you are a nontraditional student?

Just as in any other application, try to stand out with your personal statement and your credentials. Your nationality be more relevant as you select your schools! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements)

Our first live Q&A session! today's question involves whether and how to talk about academic probation in AMCAS and the rest of your application. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

Should you include shadowing mid-levels as an activity on your applications? No, but here are some ideas for how to include them. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group

There are a lot more MD medican schools than there are DO schools. What accounts for the difference in numbers, and how does that affect you? Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group The OldPreMeds Podcast

What should you do, before you start worrying about what your personal statement says about you? Write, write, and write! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media The Premed Years Podcast The OldPreMeds Podcast MSHQ Facebook Hangout Group Rev.com Temi.com

Shadowing is a valuable part of the premed process, but you don't need to gift the physician you followed! What can you do instead?

When you are asked a question on an interview, do not answer based on what the interviewer wants to hear. Just be you, and answer from the heart.

There's a lot on the line in a medical school interview. How do you practice for interviews and reduce your stress so that you can truly shine?

Deciding where to apply for medical school involves different processes and results in different consequences. How do you sort through them all?

Picking medical schools to apply to isn't a haphazard process! Here, we discuss the time requirements, costs and other considerations.

Many medical schools don't accept online courses, but is that true across the board? Here's what to consider before taking prereqs online.

What are medical school chance predictors? Can a web-based algorithm actually tell you anything your character and your chances of getting in?

Community college is a practical choice for many students. Will premed courses taken at a CC hold as much weight as those taken at 4-year universities?  

If you've applied to medical school, you have seen the annual aceptance rates to DO and MD schools. What does that tell you about your chances?

Your GPA gets you past the mysterious digital shredder of medical schools. Every class is important, and every grade counts. Tune in for more.

What's the first thing you should look for in an MCAT test prep company? Hint: It's not the price! Here's some tips on finding quality test prep. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Next Step Test Prep (Get $50 off by using the promo code MSHQ.) The MCAT Podcast The OldPreMeds Podcast

Take the first step toward writing your personal statement by brainstorming. Make a mind map, recall your memories, and dig deep for your "why".

Session 48 Postbac, Masters, and SMP programs have pretty significant differences, from the degree conferred to financial aid eligibility, etc. Pick wisely! If you haven’t yet, please check out all our other podcasts on Meded Media as you’re trying to get as many resources as you can to help you along this premed journey. Did you struggle in your undergrad classes? Or did you major in something completely random and you never took any science courses and now you need them? How do you determine what's the best path forward versus a "postbac" program or a Masters Program in Biomedical Sciences? (There's also that which is called Special Masters Program or SMP.) So, what's the difference? [01:15] What's the Difference Between Postbac and Master's Programs Q: Which one will prove to the admissions committees that I can handle the coursework? Is a postbac program good enough? Or does it have to be this Masters Program in hard sciences like Biomedical Sciences or Masters in Microbiology? (Masters in Public Health is not considered a hard science.) A: The difference is that one is a Master's degree and one isn't. Postbac programs historically are programs affiliated either separately form an institution. There are a lot of private postbac programs out there now while there are some programs that are part of the university. There's also a postbac program for nontraditional students looking to improve their grades or are switching from another career so they need to take all the sciences. At the core of a postbac program or a masters program, they both do the same thing. They're both there to help improve or add to your science GPA. Medical school is hard. There are a lot of sciences. If you can't get a good science GPA then you haven't proven to yourself or the admissions committee that you can handle the coursework. The last they want to do is accept a student who is not going to finish school. [03:35] Which One to Choose: Federal vs. Private Loans Master's program is a degree program which you can get federal financial aid for. Postbac programs are not degree-programs, which means you don't get a degree at the end. Some postbac programs give you a certificate but the certificate these days might not qualify itself for financial aid. This being said, you have to just do your research and follow up with them. Private loans are to be avoided at all cost. They're not very flexible. For instance, they don't care if you have problems in the future. When you get federal loans as you go through medical school and residency training, they are very flexible with how you pay back the loans. You have a lot more leeway if any issues come up. As you're looking at these different options, think about federal versus private loans. [05:10] Formal Postbac versus Do-It -Yourself Postbac Think about whether you need to do a formal postbac versus a do-it-yourself postbac. You don't have to do a formal postbac. Formal postbac programs are super expensive. One of the tricks for a do-it-yourself postbac is to tell them you want a second degree. Go and apply as a degree-seeking student and just don't finish the degree. [06:00] Master's Program versus Postbac Programs A Master's program is going to give you a Master's degree. A lot of people will choose this being the safer bet. You have a Master's degree now. Just in case medicine doesn't work out, now you have a master's degree to lean back on. A lot of these master's programs are postbac programs that are just wrapped in a pretty exterior of a master's program. This means they're there to improve your sciences, prepare...

Session 47 There are lots of moving parts to the medical school application. How do you know if you’ve got a good shot at admission to an MD program? We record these LIVE on Facebook at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Like our Facebook page to be notified. And don't forget to check out our amazing Facebook group. [00:38] What Are Your Chances? It's a very common question students are asking as to what their chances are for getting into a medical school. The answer that I always give is "I have no idea what your chances are!" I have zero clue on what your chances are. Nobody out there knows what your specific chances are. You can look at the AAMC. They have a graph and table where it has MCAT and GPA. You can find where your MCAT and GPA are that table. And based on historical data, they cite the number of people getting into medical school. You could see your chances based on that data, but it's still not accurate.  First, that's historical data. And if you're involved in the stock market, past performance does not predict future gains or performance. [02:30] Variables to Consider There are so many variables that you should take into account when you're talking about your chances. Are you an underrepresented minority? Are you Caucasian? That comes into account. Other factors include your socio-economic status, your parents' education levels, your state residency (depending on where you're applying), your extracurriculars, your personal statement. When to apply also comes into account as well as who wrote your letters of recommendation. Did they write strong letters or just generic letters?  What does your MCAT score look like in each section? Your grades and your trends are huge factors too. [03:40] Chances in an Allopathic (MD) Medical School Why does "allopathic" matter? DO or MD, it's a physician at the end of the day, so it doesn't matter. What specifically draws you to an MD school? Why MD vs DO? Do you have any sort of bias? Or you probably got information that you don't want to go to a DO school since you won't be able to do xyz residency. That's not true! So you have to take this into account as well as to why allopathic and not osteopathic. [04:40] The Biggest Variable As you go through this process, your chances of applying or getting into medical school are zero if you don't apply and more than zero if you do apply. There are so many pieces of the application process that need to go into your favor. You need to have good enough GPA and MCAT score. You have to have a great personal statement, extracurriculars, and great letters of recommendation. You need to apply on time. You have to write good secondaries and turn those around on time. You have zero idea, specifically, what that medical school is looking for that year. Every medical school is trying to build a foundational core of students every year.  They may be looking for LGBT or underrepresented minority students. They could be looking for the nurse or the nontraditional students. Every year, they're looking for something specific to bring into their class. This year, it might be your turn, and next year, it may not be. You don't know. Or you might be the perfect candidate at school A and you're not at school B. Stop worrying about what your chances are and maximize each part of the application as you go through this process.  Focus on your GPA and MCAT score. Get those extracurriculars and some leadership experience. Get shadowing...

Becoming a physician is long and it's expensive. It can wreck relationships, cause you to hate your job and more. How do you find out if it's right for you?

If you're like the majority of premed students, you didn't get into medical school the first time you applied. Do you have to rewrite your personal statement?

If you're early on in your premed journey, or well on your way, you have probably questioned if you are smart enough to be a doctor. Let's talk about that.Links:Full Episode Blog PostThe Premed Years Podcast Episode 269: This Physician Talks About Imposter Syndrome and Her JourneyThe Premed Years PodcastMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook page

During the application process, you need to have letters of recommendations submitted to go along with your app. Let's talk about where to have those sent.Links:Full Episode Blog PostInterfolioMedEd MediaSpecialty Stories PodcastMedical School HQ Facebook page

If you've been waitlisted at a med school sometimes letting them know that you will go to there school if accepted is something they need to hear.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook page

Waiting for a rejection or acceptance to medical school is hard. After you've intereved at a medical school, when should you send an email to the adcome?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageMedical School HQ YouTube channelInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

When you are filling out your med school application, you need to fill in your extracurriculars. What should you be doing to keep track and prove your ECs?

If you are applying to both MD and DO medical schools, should you write a different personal statement for each med school application service?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageThe Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Personal Statement

Shadowing seems to be one of the hardest extracurriculars that premeds face. How many physicians should you shadow and what types of specialties too?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook page

The premed committee letter is supposed to help you with your application to med school. I think it does the opposite, but what is it? That's for today's show.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageThe OldPreMeds Podcast

The MCAT is one of the biggest hurdles you'll face as a premed. What happens if you have to take it multiple times? How will that affect your med school apps?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageThe MCAT Podcast

For your AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS applicatino to be verified, you need to turn in a transcript from every school. What happens if you can't get one?Links:Full Episode Blog PostMedEd MediaMedical School HQ Facebook pageInstagram @MedicalSchoolHQ

If you hear premed students talking about tiers of medical schools, turn and run away. Medical school is medical school. They all train you to be a physician.

Staying motivated all the time is an impossible feat for any premed student. Let's talk about how you can stay motivated as you go through this process.

Letters of recommendation are one of the few things for your application that you don't have complete control overe. Let's talk about how to ask for a LOR.

If you have a WF on your transcript, you may not understand the full implications of how that will affect your medical school application. It counts as an F!

Session 29 Withdrawing from a class can be an easy way to get out of a bad grade. How will that W on your transcript affect your medical school application? It's a common email I get from students asking if they can drop their classes since they're struggling with it. And they're wondering if their withdrawal will hurt their chances of getting into medical school. This is a very common concern as you're going through the process of thinking about withdrawing. By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media including The MCAT Podcast. [00:42] A C or a W? What's going to be worse? you can get the C and then retake the class and get an A (hopefully). Then you average to a B. Or you can take the W, retake the class and get an A and get an A average instead of the B above. You have less credits, which means your denominator is smaller. So it moves the needle a little bit more when you have more grades to add. [01:15] Will a W Hurt You? The answer is no, but also a yes. It's not going to hurt you if you don't have a pattern of withdrawing every semester from classes. A withdrawal is not going to hurt you. But if you have several withdrawals in your college experience (say, one during Freshmen year, one during Junior year, and Senior year), this might look fishy. "If you don't have a pattern of withdrawing every semester from classes, a withdrawal is not going to hurt you." For example, you withdrew from your Organic Chemistry course at your four-year university. And then during the next semester, you took it at a community college next door. That might start to look a little fishy. And if you did that a couple of times for all other courses that you decided to withdraw upon and take at a community college, this may also get fishy. [02:40] Single and Multiple Withdrawals Having a W on your application is not a huge deal unless there's a huge pattern of concern for the admissions committee members If somebody sees a pattern, that may raise some red flags. So this may be something you want to talk about in your personal statement very briefly. If there are some health or family issues that caused you to a W and in a suspicious pattern, then talk about it. If you have a W over a whole semester like you withdrew from every class, that may warrant talking about it in a personal statement very briefly. Maybe you have some sort of illness that caused you to withdraw. A mono or a kissing disease is a common disease for college kids to withdraw from a semester. Or you have an issue with family? There are lots of reasons to withdraw. "If you have whole semester withdrawals, it's usually easier to explain that withdrawals all over the place." [04:00] An Issue on Consistency Having a single withdrawal, or a few or several withdrawals is not a huge deal unless you get into a consistent pattern of concern where you're withdrawing some and taking them at another school. Then there's some consistency concern of whether or not you can handle the coursework in medical school. Ultimately, that's the biggest question. Are your transcripts showing the admissions committee members that you can handle the course work of medical school? A single withdrawal isn't going to raise a red flag, not is a couple withdrawals. So if you're struggling with one of your classes right now, give yourself permission. Withdraw from that course. Figure out why you weren't doing well. And go back and tackle it next time and get that A....

Session 28 If you've taken classes previously and you've done poorly, some schools will give you options. For example, they will get rid of your old courses if you take a new set of classes. They will remove them from your transcript and expunge them. Or maybe your college has the ability to say that if you come to their school, they will remove the initial grade from your transcript. It sounds great and it looks great. It increases your GPA on that transcript. But there's something you're failing to recognize and what's very important to know. [01:25] You Still Have to Put In the Courses When you are applying to medical school, you need to put every single course that you've attempted. So if it's not in your official transcript, you need to put it into AMCAS. Those failures from community college or whenever you had them that you need to now expunge, you still need to put them in your AMCAS application. This means that those grades get counted towards your AMCAS GPA. This the GPA that medical schools are using to evaluate your ability to complete medical school. This is what they're using to evaluate you to see if they want to interview you. "If you've walked into that classroom, one day, you need to put in your transcript." Hence, all of your courses, regardless if they're on your transcript or not, if you had them removed, they still need to go to the AMCAS application. I'm pretty sure it's the same for AACOMAS. [02:41] Texas Application Texas has the fresh start program that gives a ten-year window. And the Texas Medical and Dental Application Service recognizes that. It allows you to ignore those initial grades. So when you apply for the Fresh Start Program through the TMDSAS, your GPA is going to be higher because those initial grades are gone. But if you are also applying to AMCAS and AACOMAS outside of Texas, all of those Fresh Start classes that were removed, need to go into the AMCAS and AACOMAS applications. "If you've taken classes more than ten years ago and did poorly in them, Texas has the Fresh Start Program where you get a do over." If you're a Texas resident and you applied for Fresh Start and you're applying broadly outside of Texas, your GPA on the TMDSAS is going to be much higher than it is on the AACOMAS or AMCAS application. [04:10] AACOMAS Grade Replacement (Before) This is very similar to prior years passed where AACOMAS had grade replacement. And if you took a class, the newer score was counted and the older score was not counted. So students applying to both MD and DO schools, their AMCAS and AACOMAS GPAs were significantly different due to the grade replacement. Now, that's gone away! The only significant difference is between Fresh Start versus AMCAS/AACOMAS. [04:50] Final Thoughts What you need to keep in mind at the end of the day is that if you're applying to medical school outside of Texas' Fresh Start Program, every class that you've taken needs to go in your application. That includes all the classes you've been incomplete on or you were at an American university overseas, all the college-level classes you've taken in high school This also includes every class where you withdrew in and every class that ha been expunged and removed from your transcript. Again, you have to put it on all there! So don't go through the process of spending how much money it costs to redo all the classes to expunge your records when at the end of the day, they're all going to be counted anyway. Did you know? Our episodes in this...

Session 27 If you've been a great premed student, you likely will have the chance to choose between multiple acceptances. How should you do choose between schools? This is a terrible yet awesome problem to have. "You need to figure out what is the most important part of going to medical school for you." [01:00] Financial Factor What is the most important part of going to medical school for you? Is it to come out with less debt? Then find the cheapest school. Or find one that is going to give you the biggest scholarship. Yes, medical schools give scholarships. A student I worked with the past year had multiple acceptances. So she called one school and voiced out her concerns. And they bumped up their scholarship, afraid they would lose her. Obviously, she was a good enough student who had that diversity they wanted. That's $75k and that's a lot! So when you're at that point of having multiple acceptances, you can tell a school that another school is offering you this much. And if they can match that, well then good. [02:42] Take Notes What other factors may be important to you? Is it weather? It is to a lot of people. If you're coming from sunny California and you're accepted to Buffalo, really make sure you want to go there since they have bad winters up there. As you're going through the process of interviewing at multiple schools, take note. What did you like about the school? What didn't you like? What questions do you still have about the school? Feel the vibes of the students. Check out the facilities. Take note of a lot of these things so when you come back and the rush of the interview day is over, you can then subjectively look at what you wrote down. And you're not trying to remember on the fly and get confused. "You can look subjectively at what you actually wrote down and you're not trying to remember on the fly and then confusing things as you go?" What was it about the facilities? The location? Do they have housing for students? How expensive is the area? Where's the nearest airport? Do you have to fly and drive for four more hours? These things can be important to other people, especially if you're leaving family and your family is going to visit you a lot. [03:55] Academic Factors How big are the classes? What's the type of curriculum they have? What do they do during the summers? What kinds of research do they have going on there? What sort of academic hospital do they have there? Do you have to do your rotations scattered throughout the country or around a region? Or do they have a lot of academic hospitals in one concentrated area? This way you won't have a ton if you're with family. There are so many different things to think about as you're going through this process of trying to decide between multiple acceptances. [04:45] MD versus DO One of the things you should not be concerned about is MD versus DO. I was emailing with a student and the student said they had the best time at this school which had everything he wanted but it's a DO school. So he asked whether he should be concerned. If you got the best vibe at that school, then go there. If in all of your interview, you got the best vibes and feelings at a DO school, then go to a DO school. Nothing's going to happen to you. You're going to be a DO. And at the end of the day, you're a physician. By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media including The Premed Years Podcast. Links: <a href=...

Session 26 With three different application services, and two different physician degrees, students get overwhelmed with what to do. Should you apply to both DO and MD schools? A question came up recently in our Facebook Hangout Group and the student asked this question. Students who have gone through this process would say of course you can. But a lot of students aren't actually aware of this. First off, our episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. If you want to hear more about certain specialties, listen to the Specialty Stories Podcast. [01:05] MD vs. DO and the Bias Towards DO MD is for allopathic and DO is for osteopathic. At the end of the day, they're both the same. They're both physicians. But lately, the term "physician" is set by the Department of Labor and even chiropractors can call themselves physicians. "At the end of the day when you're practicing medicine, a physician is a physician." If you want to be a doctor taking care of patients and operate on patients, you can be either a DO or an MD. It doesn't matter. There is some built-in bias against DOs and there has been since the beginning. It is slowly eroding away though. As the older physicians are retiring and the Gen X's coming up, we're getting more and more openness towards DO students. [02:40] Apply to Both MD and DO Schools I interviewed the Dean of Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO school) and I heard a stat that 25% of all medical students right now are DO students. "25% of all medical students right now are DO students." At the end of the day, do you want to be a physician or do you want to go to a specific medical school? That's the question. If you want to be a doctor, apply to both MD schools and DO schools. Increase your chances of being a physician. It doesn't matter at then end of the day. Links: MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page Specialty Stories Podcast Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

Session 25 Many students worry about not knowing enough medical information or specific laws for the MMI or general interviews. We'll dig into that today. I was working with a student for a mock interview and we had a Jehovah's witness scenario where the minor was awake. And the minor is going against what the mom/guardian says. What do you do? For the most part, the minor doesn't have the legal rights. So it's always what the parent wants. So the student was a little confused. [00:49] You Don't Understand Everything, That's Not the Goal of the MMI Remember that during the MMI, the people that write these scenarios, along with the interviewers and the actors, that you are a premed student. Unless you're a former lawyer, you don't know all the laws around it. And even if you are, you might not necessarily know all the laws surrounding things in the healthcare world. So they understand that you don't know the in's and out's of the medical field, nor the proper treatments or proper protocols for things. You don't need to go down that route. You're not expected to know all of that. So don't worry about that aspect of an answer. "Just give me your thoughts and your thought processes behind your ideas. That's the goal of the MMI." [02:01] You're Never Alone You also have to understand that you are never alone, not in a scenario, and not in real life. If this is your first Jehovah's witness patient and the patient is still awake and says something, you don't just give it to them. Tell them that you're calling a colleague or the hospital legal team or the hospital ethics committee. "You can always phone a friend and you'll never be wrong for that. So don't worry about asking for help." So if asked this question, tell the interviewer you're going to call a colleague or the hospital administration. This is your thought process and that's what the interview is going after - your thought process. Again, you don't know the in's and out's of everything. You just have to know that you need to communicate your thought process, your ideas, and your reasons behind your answer. Communicate, communicate, communicate. By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. Or check out our YouTube Channel. Links: MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page Medical School HQ YouTube channel

You walk out of MCAT and don't think you've done well, should you schedule another test date, or should you wait for your score? That's what we cover today.

Session 23 Medical school is hard. You don't have to be a genius, but you have to work a lot. Does it leave time to work? You shouldn't work during medical school. In this episode, find out why. [00:22] Worried About Finances Rose from the Medical School HQ Facebook Hangout, asked a question about working while in medical school. Still a couple of years away from applying, she's thinking about the long term financial consequences of being a medical student and leaving her current job as a nurse. So she's trying to figure out how much money she needs to live on as a student. Finance is a common worry among lots of medical students. I think this is even one of the biggest reasons we don't see more lower income people or minorities applying to medical school. They look at that bill and the debts students have coming out of medical school. Then they decide it's not for them. They find the tuition bill as too much. And this is a huge disservice to our patient population and to the students who are giving up their dreams of becoming a physician. "Student loans will cover the cost of medical school.You're not going to go hungry in medical school." You will come out with debt. But if you've heard, being a physician pays pretty well. Depending on what specialty you go in, it pays pretty well. [02:10] You Have Help There's the public service loan forgiveness. There are some different scholarship programs like The National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program. There are a bunch of things to help you pay up those loans. Another way is if you go to a Academics and you're getting grants. The NIH helps pay for a lot of the student loans. "There are a lot of programs out there to help pay back loans. Don't worry about money going into medical school." [02:51] Working During Medical School In my case, I worked before I was a medical student as a personal trainor at a gym. When I started medical school, I continued working as a personal trainor. I needed to work because I was not very responsible with money. I had a credit card debt and a big car payment. Loans didn't cover that. In short, I was irresponsible with money. "Don't be irresponsible with money is rule number one." While it was doable, I ultimately felt that it was one of the biggest things that hurt me in my quest to become an orthopedic surgeon. It was was the specialty that I wanted coming in and even when I graduated. It's what I applied for in residency. But orthopedics is a competitive specialty along with dermatology, radiology, ophthalmology. Your Step 1 scores (USMLE or COMLEX Level 1). So your board scores is one of the biggest determining factors of your ability to get an interview for those residencies. Take a listen to the Specialty Stories podcast where I cover the match data in some of the episodes. In that match data, there are Step scores and everything else. "You need great scores to get to those more competitive specialties." Because I was spending ten hours a week working,my Step 1 score was much lower than what it could have been if I had dedicated my time to studying. It was my dream to be an orthopedic surgeon. And although I'm grateful for where I am now, it was devastating at that time to not be able to go into orthopedic surgery. Working was the problem. [05:50] Medical School Is Your Job Don't go to medical school thinking that you're going to work or that you can work. You need to figure it out so that school is your job. Student loans will take care of that as long as everything else is set up. It would be more challenging for nontraditional students. You have kids. And most loans don't have child care built...

Session 22 What are the different types of MMI stations that you can encounter on your medical school interview day? The MMI stands for the Multiple Mini Interview. This format is has been spreading like wildfire throughout the U.S. and Canadian medical schools. The MMI has different types of stations. First off, did you know that our episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays? Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. If you’re interested in learning about different specialties, check out SpecialtyStories.com. [00:58] The First Two Types The Scenario Stations - You can walk into the station and read the scenario. It's usually something moral, ethical, or something where you have to communicate something to an interviewer. Another similar type of station is where you'd be talking with an actor, who poses as a patient. The patient has issues and then you need to go in and discuss with the patient. You tell them they have cancer or you go in and discuss with an angry patient to calm them down. The above two are both similar, but one is acting-based while the other involves discussing your thought processes with the interviewer. [02:15] The Third Type The third type of scenario is a very standard interview question. You encounter questions like why you want to be a physician. Or you're asked of a difficult time in your life. Or they could ask you why you want to go to this school. A lot of MMIs have this kind of station. "As you're preparing for the MMI, you still need to prepare for the standard interview questions as well." [03:05] The Fourth Type This is the "teamwork" station where you're working together with another student. You'd walk in and you’re given a piece of paper. You'd have to describe it to the other student who hasn't seen it or describe the picture on it. You may be reading out instructions for the other person to do it. This is to see how well how you can communicate and work together as a team. The Lego Bricks is another popular type of station where instead of you seeing a piece of paper with a drawing on it, it's you seeing a completed Lego brick structure. Then you'd have to explain to your team mate how to put the Lego bricks together. Links: MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page SpecialtyStories.com

Session 21 The MSAR is a helpful tool that the AAMC offers students. Too many students use it in the wrong way though. How should you use it? We'll talk about that today. Our episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. Interested in hearing from different medical specialists? Check out SpecialtyStories.com [00:21] What Is the MSAR? The MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) used to be a book which is now a website. Produced by the AAMC every year, they provide updated data from the medical schools. So they go to medical schools and they get information, which is then given to AAMC to put on the MSAR website. It costs around $25-$30 for one year of access to it. [00:53] What You'll Find on the MSAR "The MSAR is a big directory of medical schools." It will allow you to look at each school. The site's user interface is much better than it used to be. The database lets you compare schools. You can see what classes are required for each of the schools. They will usually have data there if it lets you have online classes for your prereqs or not. It gives a breakdown of students interviewed and where they're from or whether they're international. [01:50] MSAR Should Not Be Your Basis Here's one thing to keep in mind when you're looking at the MSAR and using it to decide whether or not to apply to a medical school. MSAR looks at historic data (last year's class or the year before). So it doesn't tell you anything about what the medical school is looking for. It gives you an idea of how they look at international applicants. But it doesn't tell you anything else. It doesn't tell you whether or not you should apply to a school or not. Unless you are completely missing prereqs required or you don't fit with the mission of the school, this shouldn't be your basis for which school to apply to. "Looking at the data in the MSAR should not tell you that you should or should not apply to a medical school." [02:55] Looking at the MCAT and GPA A lot of the students look at the MCAT data and GPA data on the MSAR for each school. You will see median MCAT and median GPA. And many students look at that to determine whether or not they're going to apply to the school. All that score tells you is that half of the class is above it and the other half is below it. That's all it tells you. "Picking schools based on MCAT and GPA is completely useless." If your median MCAT score is 510 and you scored a 505, does that mean you shouldn't apply to a medical school? Absolutely, not. It only tells you that half of the class is below 510. It also has percentile ranges like 25th to 75th and 10th to 90th percentile. Those are better ones to look at to give you a better idea. Specifically look the 10th percentile range or number. If that is a 505 and you have a 502, that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply to that medical schools. It just tells you that 10% of the class is below that number. [04:40] It's Just Data What the MSAR doesn't tell you is what else students have in their application that allowed them to be accepted to the medical school with an MCAT score in the bottom 10% of the class. Again, the MCAT and GPA are just two parts of your application. Your application consists of...

Session 20 There are many reasons to want to be a physician, but should "being respected" be one of those reasons that you talk about in your interviews or applications. I talked with a student earlier and asked her why medicine? It's a standard question in a medical school interview. Why do you want to be a doctor? I wasn't convinced with his initial answer. And he said his mentor and friend became a physician and when he came back to their small town. He was immediately well-respected because of being a physician. "If you're interested in becoming a physician because of the respect and you're seeking that, that's an immediate red flag for me." I am now going to question why you want to be a physician and your motives. [01:20] Your Job is Not to Be Respected Going into medicine to be respected is a terrible decision. As a physician and and somebody who's married as a physician, patients don't always respect you, more often than not. And that's okay. "Our job is not to be respected. Our job is to take care of patients" As somebody who went through medical school to be a respected member of the community, and you go to work day in and day out and aren't respected, are you gong to be happy? Are you going to be satisfied? Are you going to lead the next generation of physicians? No, because you're going to say medicine is terrible. [02:30] Going Into Medicine for the Wrong Reasons We have plenty of physicians right now who went into medicine for the wrong reasons. They are telling premeds not to go into medicine because the pay is not good. Or that insurance is changing and they're arguing with insurance companies all day long. They say it's because they're not respected. If I hear during the interview that you want to be respected, I am probably not going to recommend that you be admitted. I want to hear you're going into medicine for the right reasons. You want to take care of patients. You want to make a difference in a patient's life, not to change the community or have an impact on the community. It's not because you want to give back to the community. Since you can do that in other professions. "You go into medicine because you want to help patients, not for respect." Don't talk about respect in your personal statement or your secondary essays. Don't talk about respect in your interviews. [04:10] Want to Make an Impact? This student I was working with talked further about the clout being a physician gives you to have an impact on the community. That sort of respect is a little bit different. But if you're leaning on becoming a physician to give you that clout to make that impact, you really don't need that title. Go do it yourself without the title. Make that impact to yourself. The title doesn't do anything to you. By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. Links: MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page

Session 19 The MCAT is arguably one of the most important pieces of your medical school application. Registering for it is one of the most important parts of the MCAT. So when should you register for the MCAT? When do you need to take it? Other students say they're not ready to take the MCAT yet so they don't need to register yet. Knowing it's rolling admissions, it's also very important to know how registration works for the MCAT. "It's very important that you understand how registration works just like how understanding how the application cycle works for medical school." By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. [00:50] An Overview of the Timeline The first thing to keep in mind is that registration (as of this recording on October 18, 2017) has just opened for the beginning half of 2018. It's usually mid-October where registration opens up for the beginning half of the next year. This means MCAT dates from January through June. So if you're planning on taking the MCAT anywhere at the beginning half of next year, where the typical recommendation is somewhere around March to May of the year you're planning on applying. This is going to be a year before you're planning on going into medical school. This said, you need to register somewhere around mid-October. [01:50] Why You Need to Register Early It's important to register early for several reasons. First, it keeps you accountable. This is real now. You just laid out some cash and now it's important that you study. "Having some money on the line is always a good way to keep accountable." Second reason, and the most important thing, is that the MCAT is administered at Pearson VUE locations throughout the country. And they only have a certain number of seats per testing day. If you're in a very busy location with lots of premeds in your area, those testing sites fill up fast. When this happens, this means you need to figure out where else to take the test. Especially before the new MCAT came into existence, because they were trying to squeeze in the old MCAT, there have been stories of students flying to Guam to take the test. Talk about extra stress that isn't needed. Plan on registering as soon as possible. "As soon as you know the window where you want to take the MCAT, register for it right now." So if something happens down the line, you can reschedule. It does cost money to reschedule but it's probably going to cost a lot less money than traveling somewhere and staying in a hotel, plus the food and airfare expenses. Again, register early so you don't have to travel anywhere else. That added stress will probably not increase your score, but it has a likelihood of decreasing your score. Register early so you don't fall into that trap. Links: Pearson VUE locations MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page

Session 18 There are several types of medical school interviews. One of them is the blind interview. How should you prepare for a blind med school interview? By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. [00:13] What Is a Blind Interview? When you're interviewing for medical schools, there are several different styles of interviews., namely: open interview, partially blind, blind interview, group interview, panel interview, etc. A lot of students think of a traditional interview as an open one. But there's also the blind interview, where the interviewer doesn't know your application. They don't know your stats, your MCAT scores, your extracurriculars, or your personal statement. They don't have that information yet. [00:56] What Is a Partially Blind Interview? A partially blind interview usually means they have access to your essays, your personal statement, secondaries, maybe your extracurriculars. But they don't have access to your grades or your MCAT score. That's to help reduce the bias that could be associated with that. [01:12] The Goal of Every Medical School Interview With a blind interview and an open interview, you prepare the exact same way. Several students think that because it's a blind interview, they need to highlight things in their application. They think they need to tell all the things they've done. What this turns into is an interview where you're just reciting your application. You're going down your resume. The goal is to have a conversation with the interviewer and you can't do that by reciting your resume. "The goal always is to have a conversation with the interviewer. Build that connection with that person sitting across from you." Even though they don't have their application in front of you doesn't mean you should give them the application during your interview. Connect with them and answer the questions. Have a conversation. They'll have your applications after the interview. So don't worry about forcing things into the discussion just because it's a blind interview. [02:30] Don't Force Them All In! Even in an open interview, don't go into the interview with an agenda of what you need to mention and not what to mention. Just have a conversation and you'll be fine. Don't try to force anything in there. Don't be boring and list all of your extracurricular and recite everything all over again or give your grades. You don't need to go down that route. They're going to have access to that when they want it. Links: MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page

Session 17 One of the most common questions I receive is "What MCAT score do I need if I have a low GPA?" Is there such a thing? That's what we talk about today. Students are under this assumption that there's this global balancing act between the different parts of your application. Or that a great GPA score is going to overcome poor MCAT score. Or a great personal statement and extracurriculars are going to overcome a low GPA and a low MCAT score. Did you know? Our episodes in this podcast are recorded on our Facebook Live done at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. If you’re an old premed, check out The OldPreMeds Podcast. [01:00] One Does Not Boost Up the Other The problem with this kind of mindset is that when schools receive your application, they don't see everything in totality. They don't filter and sort in totality. "Holistic" admissions is the buzzword right now. So when you think about having a low GPA and meeting a certain score to overcome that GPA, it just doesn't work that way. "A low GPA is a low GPA. And an MCAT score, no matter what it is, is your MCAT score. They are two very different parts of your application." They are both number-based. They are similar but an MCAT score tells an admissions committee one thing about you. This tells them how well you take the MCAT as well as the knowledge and foundation of your sciences to do well enough on the MCAT. And your GPA is your whole track record in undergrad. But GPA is so variable at every school. They have different grade inflation and deflation. So the GPA is less valuable to schools a lot of times. "One does not boost up the other. Great MCAT score doesn't help a poor GPA." [02:27] Schools Look at Applications Differently One of the biggest difficulties with admissions is that every school does it differently. One school may look at MCAT only. Canadian schools are very big on this. They look at the CARS section of the MCAT, which is one section on the MCAT. That's what they care about. In the U.S. they look at everything. But every admissions committee is going to care about something differently. So when you think about your application, you can't think of it in terms of raising up to help a poor GPA. Just think of it in terms of you need to do it as well as you can do in everything. You need to shoot for the stars and everything. "Do as well as you can on the MCAT. Don't worry about finding a specific score that is going to help overcome a poor GPA." [03:45] Filtering Applications Some schools may look at GPA as a way to filter applications. Remember, medical schools are getting thousands upon thousands of applications. Some schools got 12,000 applications last year. So they need a way to filter them. So they won't care what your MCAT score is, if your GPA is below a certain number, they're not going to look at your application.Or they may put your application so far down the line that there's almost a zero percent chance you're going to get an interview. On the flip side, they may worry about MCAT score. Your GPA may not be very good but they care about the MCAT score. "You don't know what the school is looking at or looking for. So don't worry." [04:50] Focus on What You Can Control My messages always boils down to, stop worrying about what you can't control. Asking the question what MCAT score do I need to overcome a low GPA is something that's out of your control. Because you don't know that answer. The next time you have a question in your head, first, ask yourself, is it...

Session 16 Usually the end of your medical school interview the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for them. Today we'll talk last three questions you should never ask. [01:05] Ask About the School, Not About the Person The first question you should avoid asking to the interviewer is  "What made you want to work here at the school?" This sounds like a great question. What happens if that interviewer is at that school because his wife is the breadwinner and she wants to work in that location. But he really wants to be in New York. Or what if he really wants to work at another school down the street but they didn't want him for whatever reason? There are so many personal reasons for why somebody's working at a particular location. So this doesn't gives you great insight into the school. [02:22] You Do the Work! The second question you shouldn't ask is "How is your school going to prepare me for residencies?" Or asking, "How will you make me stand out?" Personally, when I hear that as an interviewer, all I hear is "I'm needy and I'm going to need you to help me stand out. I'm not going to do the work, you are. How are you going to do that for me?" It's your education. It's your future, your goals, your aspirations. So you work hard. "The school supports you but you do the work." [03:08] Student Support Resources Finally, the third question you shouldn't ask any interviewer is "What resources do you have in place for when I get anxious or I get depressed? Yes, a school should have those systems in place and should have resources for the students. But this should not be discussed during the interview. Find out about that information once you are accepted or after your interview from other students. Don't ask that to an admissions committee member that's interviewing you. What this sounds like to me is "I'm worried I'm going to get burned out or I'm going to get super depressed." So now, as an interviewer, "I'm concerned about you being able to finish school." It's great to know about the information on how they're going to help or what resources are in place. Students get burnt out and they get depressed. So it's good to know what resources are available. But don't ask that during your interview. "Don't put any concerns in their head." By the way, the episodes in this podcast are recordings of our Facebook Live that we do at 3pm Eastern on most weekdays. Check out our Facebook page and like the page to be notified. Also, listen to our other podcasts on MedEd Media. If you’re looking for more premed resources, visit The Premed Years Podcast. Links: MedEd Media Medical School HQ Facebook page

After you submit your primary application, it's usually time to write your secondaries. Does it matter how fast you turn the secondaries around?