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We interview medical students, their prehealth advisors, and the admissions officers who accepted them to learn about their path to medicine. We also cover how they demonstrated the Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students through the different parts of their application.
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Premed Competencies Guide & Resources:
- The Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students
- The Parts of Your Medical School Application
- Anatomy of an Applicant Guide
- Self-Assessment Worksheet: Premed Competencies
- Self-Assessment Worksheet: Experiences
- Premed Competencies (PDF)
"After my service in the military, I struggled to find direction. I thought there was no way I could become a doctor given my background, but after shadowing a few physicians, there was a pivotal moment when I realized I could do the same thing."
“I didn't think I could become a physician. I didn't know any Native Hawaiian doctors and didn't think that people from my background could do well in higher education. I proved myself wrong.”
“I wasn't a slam-dunk perfect applicant who was published with a triple major. That person doesn't actually exist, but sometimes it seems like they do. I am a regular person who made choices and took risks. Sometimes I did well, and sometimes I didn't, but ultimately I succeeded in becoming a medical student.”
"Lean on your strengths. Everyone has weaknesses, insecurities, and flaws that they need to work on. Don't let this intimidating process distract you from the fact that you are capable [of] achieving your dreams of becoming physician."
“I was nervous that admissions officers would tell me I'd never be a doctor, but that's not what happened at all. I was really happy I pursued the path I did.”
“Medical training, and medical practice, is extremely humbling. You might do everything right and still not get your desired outcome. Always remember the importance of preparation and perseverance. Preparation will get you ready for the challenges, perseverance will keep you going when preparation isn’t enough.”
“Not being perfect is okay. Focus on the strengths you have and take time to appreciate the steps that you take to continue improving yourself.”
"My road to medical school is similar to many others. I participated in research, volunteered, and worked to maintain my grades. So, when I was filling out my application, I asked myself, 'What makes me different? What makes my story unique?' Thinking about why I was a unique applicant helped me distinguish myself from others and increased my confidence."
“If you believe you can do it and you are worth it, don't doubt yourself, because if you doubt yourself, it will come through. Stay true to who you are. It's OK if you're not an applicant with straight A's or a perfect MCAT® score. That's what makes us human.”