As a premedical student, you’re probably confident, capable and have a fierce independent streak — but don’t let these qualities prevent you from seeking help on your medical school applications.
Getting expert input from others can mean the difference between securing an admissions interview and having your application rejected. Here are some tips on seeking help with your medical school applications.
[Learn how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to medical school rejections.]
1. Why should you seek help? Applying to medical school is a costly proposition — in both dollars and time — and you want your application to be the best it can be. Why wouldn’t you seek help if it improves your chances for securing medical school interviews?
The most common reasons for not asking for help are stubbornness and fear, both of which you can easily overcome if you really want to be a medical student and you understand what’s at stake.
2. Who should you ask? Divide your contacts into two major categories: those who have knowledge of your experience and abilities and those who really want you to succeed.
The first group includes your premed advisers, professors, admissions coaches and admissions directors, to name a few. The second group includes your family, close friends and volunteer mentors. Each group can help you in different ways, as we discuss below.
[Choose amedical school admissions consultant carefully.]
3. What kind of help should you seek? You can ask different people to review various sections of your application, but be sure that you write your own essays and descriptions of activities. You can verbally bounce ideas off someone about how to approach an essay topic, but write the essay yourself.
After you have completed your personal statement, ask either group of your contacts to review your essays for content and grammar. Also have someone you trust read your personal statement to ensure that it reflects the true you. Don’t be surprised if you gain new insights.
You’ll also want to enlist someone who is familiar with the admissions process to review the descriptions of your activities to ensure you have labeled them properly. I’ve written previously about the importance of labeling activities properly or you may not receive the credit you deserve.
[Learn howextracurriculars may improve med school applicants’ chances. ]
4. When should you ask for help? Ask for help early in the process — not at the last minute. If you wait too long, your contacts may not have the time to help or you may not have the time to make any final adjustments or enhancements to your application materials.
When too many applicants approach premed advisers in late spring, the time and attention the advisers would like to give each applicant is diminished. Your best bet is to meet with your premed advisers annually in fall and winter; they’ll help you plan along the way and spare you many omissions.
If you are planning to ask professors or researchers for help, don’t ask right before their big grant, presentation or end-of-term grades are due.
Family members are generally open and willing to comment on your essays anytime. That said, family dynamics could reduce yours willingness to share with family.
Often I have given a student the same advice he or she received from a parent, but the applicant only believe me because of my expertise. Like it or not, your parents know you very well, so don’t avoid asking them for help.
5. Where should you meet? If at all possible, meet with each person in a quiet setting, such as an office. Only if you are geographically distant should you call or email.
You want the exchange to be personal — a face-to-face meeting better ensures that you will focus on the advice the individual is giving as well as get all your questions answered.
6. How should you seek help? Be polite and tactful, and show humility. Whether you’re asking your professional contacts or family members, be sure to express your sincere appreciation.
They are giving you the gift of time and thought. Gratitude is always in order.
As you tackle the medical school application process, be sure to rely on the many thoughtful and talented people who can help you polish your application materials and demonstrate your qualifications.
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Ask for Help on Your Medical School Applications originally appeared on usnews.com
