For good reason, many people aspire to attend medical schools and become doctors. Aside from being a highly respected and lucrative profession, medicine allows you to combine your love of science with your desire to directly help people.
While the latter is overused, it is true and necessary if you want to be happy as a doctor. You wouldn’t train for so long if you were only motivated by money or prestige. The traditional path has been to complete a four-year college degree and apply to medical school during the summer between your junior and senior years of college.
If you are accepted, you will begin medical school shortly after graduation. This route is also referred to as “going straight through.” The average age of admission to medical school, on the other hand, is 24, implying that the majority of students take at least one gap year before enrolling.
Gap years are frequently used to supplement or strengthen your application, whether you need to complete outstanding prerequisite courses, improve a low or so-so GPA, or deepen your involvement in various extracurricular activities like research.
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While a gap year is not required, it can be beneficial for students who are not prepared to continue their education immediately. Furthermore, some people take much longer than two years to enroll in medical school.
Nontraditional applicants, while there is no universal definition, are typically those over the age of 24. They could be career changers or people who put personal responsibilities (like raising children) first before returning to school.
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How to Apply to Medical School
- Choose a pre-med major that piques your interest.
Keep in mind that there are no degree prerequisites for medical school admissions committees when choosing a pre-med major.
- Choose a degree or major that interests you. You must take English, biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and math regardless of your major (college algebra or higher).
- Examine the admissions requirements for various medical schools. Begin researching specific medical school admissions requirements, timing, and other application factors as soon as possible, even if it is during your freshman or sophomore year of college.
- Create a solid academic record that goes beyond your GPA. Although GPA is important, admissions committees for medical school look for students who can balance academic success with other interests.
- The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) publishes the average applicant GPAs and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores for US medical schools from the previous academic year.
This information will give you an idea of current averages. Whether you meet or exceed the reported averages, remember that each application takes a variety of factors into account, including but not limited to academic performance. Don’t let your grade point average determine whether or not you apply.
- Begin MCAT preparation as soon as possible.
Except for a few special medical programs, the MCAT is required for admission to the majority of US medical schools. The standardized computer-based multiple-choice test assesses critical thinking, writing abilities, and basic scientific knowledge.
- Make a personal statement that sets you apart.
When applying to medical school, a personal statement will be required. Despite the fact that this essay is frequently the last step in the application process, you should start preparing for it as soon as possible.
You have direct control over this aspect of the admissions process and should strive to produce the best product possible. While admissions committees frequently emphasize that they do not give advice on what to write in personal statements, certain themes and topics can be included. Your personal statement should reflect your goals as well as the characteristics that set you apart.
Consider the academic foundation you have established as well as the experiences that have contributed to the development of your character and led to your decision to pursue a career in medicine as you begin your essay.
- Prepare for face-to-face interviews.
Personal interviews are required for admission to medical school, though the specific processes vary by school. On-campus and off-campus interviews are both possible.
An admissions committee member, a group of admissions committee members, or off-campus interviewers such as practicing physicians and/or current students may conduct interviews. The interview evaluations are usually added to the admissions file.
- Participate in extracurricular activities.
Medical school admissions committees place a high value on extracurricular activities. You have a strong aptitude and work ethic if you can maintain a competitive grade point average while also actively participating in extracurricular activities.
Many successful pre-med students are involved in a variety of organizations, sports (varsity and intramural), and volunteer. Leadership positions in these areas can also demonstrate commitment and personal development.
However, it must be emphasized that no amount of extracurricular activity participation can compensate for a strong academic record or MCAT scores. Successful pre-med students have established clear priorities and learned to effectively manage their time.
- Work in the medical field to gain experience.
Work experience in the medical field is especially valuable when applying to medical schools. Working in a hospital, doctor’s office, public health clinic, or a nursing home will expose you to the field and help you decide if you want to pursue a career in medicine. This type of medically-related work experience will be viewed favorably by many admissions committees.
- Intern with health professionals to gain experience in the field. Students who have shadowed health professionals demonstrate that they have researched their career choice and invested time and effort in learning about it. It’s critical to keep track of which doctors you’ve shadowed and how much time you’ve spent in their offices.
To gain a broad understanding of the health care system, it is a good idea to shadow a variety of professionals, not just physicians. It’s also a good idea to regularly shadow one or two professionals so they can get to know you and your career goals. If they have mentored you or allowed you to follow them on a regular basis, these people are more likely to write you a letter of recommendation. It’s also a good idea to keep track of your shadowing experiences in a journal. Journaling allows you to keep track of your experiences for future application materials and to write about in your personal statement.
- To get involved, volunteer in your community.
Volunteering not only assists students in determining whether or not medicine is the right field for them, but it also allows them to give back to the community.
- Discover more about academic research.
If you want to work in academic medicine or research, you must have this type of experience. Many undergraduates develop an interest in pursuing research as a career while working on projects in a faculty member’s laboratory.
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Medical Schools in Kansas
There is only only one medical school in Kansas
1. University of Kansas Medical Center
The University of Kansas School of Medicine educates the next generation of physicians through an interdisciplinary, patient-centered model.
Students gain a solid clinical foundation in the basic sciences while also developing the critical-thinking skills required for success in their chosen profession. The University of Kansas School of Medicine is more than just a medical school.
The school provides programs that measure, shape, and manage health care in addition to training physicians. The University of Kansas School of Medicine is the state’s only medical school and offers a four-year MD program. The School of Medicine has three campuses, each with a distinct focus. Students receive training at an academic medical center in Kansas City.
Medical education in Wichita is community-based. Rural medicine is emphasized in Salina. The University of Kansas places a premium on bettering the lives of Kansas residents. It also houses The University of Kansas Cancer Center and The University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center.
Contact: +19135885000
Address: 3901 Rainbow Boulevard Kansas City, KS 66160
Conclusion on the medical schools in Kansas
Admission to medical school is competitive, and the coursework that follows demands critical thinking and discipline.
Though the path to becoming a doctor is difficult, it is intellectually stimulating, financially secure, and personally rewarding. Understanding the factors to take into account when applying to medical school is a good first step toward pursuing your medical career interest.
It is never too early to begin educating yourself in order to take advantage of opportunities to prepare for the application process.
Clinical faculty teaching physicians, biological sciences research faculty, and medical students are likely to be on a medical school admissions committee.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.