Applying to medical school is a big accomplishment, but it’s also a big decision. One of the questions we hear frequently from students applying to medical school is “How do I select schools to apply to?” On average, medical school applicants apply to 18-19 different schools. This can be overwhelming for applicants trying to narrow down their lists and improve their chances of securing an interview and ultimately acceptance into their preferred school(s). Our team asked Jasmine and Alessio how they developed a list of medical schools to apply to. They both used three steps to create and hone the list of schools they applied to.
Focus on Programs that Align With Your Passions
The things that you are passionate about don’t have to be put on hold because you’re planning to enter medical school. Jasmine and Alessio are both passionate about serving their communities. They made these passions a priority in their medical school application process as well. For Jasmine, this translated to looking for schools that offered medical Spanish and global health programs. For Alessio, that meant the opportunity to serve as an interpreter for patients without access to quality health care. Both also looked for access to participate in free clinics. By focusing on service-oriented medical schools and programs that met these requirements, Jasmine and Alessio were able to narrow down their lists and pursue schools that aligned with their interests.
Review Academic Metrics of Applicants to Programs Where You’re Interested in Applying
Your GPA and test scores are just part of your overall application to medical schools. Admissions committees will use these numbers to evaluate your readiness for their programs in the context of your full application. Jasmine and Alessio both used the Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR®) database to identify schools that accepted students with their GPA and MCAT® scores.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply to aspirational schools. As Jasmine said, “Put yourself out there!” The medical school admissions process is holistic. Admissions committees are also looking at your transcripts, your work and volunteer experiences, essays, letters of recommendation, and your interviews with them. These all add up to a complete application that will determine your acceptance into any given medical school or program.
Seek Out Advice From Current Students
Many medical schools have student ambassadors, medical or cultural association chapters, and individual students who are willing to speak openly with you about their experience applying to and attending their chosen school. Both Jasmine and Alessio spoke with current students at the medical schools on their lists to learn more about campus culture, opportunities for support, scholarships, and more.
Jasmine and Alessio are both alumni of the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP). SHPEP is a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The 2025 SHPEP application is now open. This year, SHPEP is expanding eligibility to include college juniors! If you’re interested in a career in the health professions and have earned no more than 90 credits (excluding AP and IB credits, including dual enrollment), this opportunity is for you. Learn more about SHPEP.
Watch the “Navigating the Journey to Medical School: Insights from Students” webinar recording in the webinars section of the Premed Resources website.
Thank you to our session host and panelists:
- Sharifa Dickenson, Director, Business Strategy and Client Engagement
- Jasmine Lopez, MD Candidate, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
- Alessio Barca, BS, University of Florida, 2022 and SHPEP Communications and Outreach Intern, the AAMC
The tips have been edited for length and are excerpted from the October 24 webinar “Navigating the Journey to Medical School: Insights from Students.”
These students’ testimonials were selected because they represent interesting stories. The views expressed herein are those of the students and do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the AAMC.