#mcat advice

[pikachupapi]

Any advice for someone contemplating med school?

And taking the MCAT?

And starting late at it, like late 20’s early 30’s 😂

Also, if you don’t mind me asking, do you have any idea what your focus is going to be in?

hi im so sorry I was swamped with finals and just remembered this.

I guess my advice would be to give it your all considering the fact youre starting late, this must've been something you wanted to do for a long time and maybe you were confused if you could do it or the timing wasnt right. Since youre taking this step be prepared to push past your limits cos there will be times when you'll be exhausted but you'll have to keep studying, you'll have to cancel plans cos youre too drained, but above all be there for yourself first, take breaks, treat yourself right so you dont get burnt out and if you do, just know it happens to the best of us and you'll rise from it 💗

[ourstoatmeansdeath]

I've seen a few posts from people who think Henry was being shitty to Gorgug or setting Gorgug up to fail by allowing him to do 3 years of the artificer track at once. But I have a lot of experience in STEM, and I think Henry was being incredibly kind in a very engineering-coded way.

I did an undergrad degree in engineering and have been in STEM spaces for more than 10 years. And the STEM way of being an asshole is much more like what Porter did. So many people who don't look like they fit the stereotype of who belongs in STEM have been explicitly told to leave. Like, I was at a conference last year where a presenter asked all the people in the room who had been told to change their major to raise their hands. And there were lots of us with raised hands. (This was in a diversity equity and inclusion session, so a lot of non-traditional looking people for engineering.) If Henry wanted to be an asshole he would tell Gorgug to leave, or that the curriculum was "rigorous" and half-orcs can't usually hack it, etc. But he didn't!

Henry did the classic STEM thing of laying out all of the options, even the ones that aren't desirable. Since Porter won't sign the MCAT, the reasonable options are all gone. Henry mentioned that Gorgug doesn't need to be in school for artificing to be an artificer ("If artificing is something that brings you joy and brings happiness to your life, you don't need school. You can do that on your own.") Which is NOT something that STEM people do. I've never heard an engineering professor say that someone who does STEM stuff as a hobby can call themselves engineers. Henry is being absurdly kind by saying this.

When Gorgug says that he wants to do artificing in school, Henry gives the option to do all three years of school at once. [Note that Henry did not suggest this at first. Henry didn't offer it until Gorgug basically asked for a loophole.] This reminds me so much of all the STEM people who know a system really well and give you advice on how to navigate it. They note that their path isn't what the system was designed to do, but if you really want to do it you could do it this way. Which is exactly what Henry does. This also gives Gorgug the agency to decide for himself.

Henry also goes out of his way to say that the people who work hard are the ones he would bet on. This is also so nice as a STEM person! I can't tell you the number of professors I had who said that a specific problem shouldn't take long, or "if you're efficient you should be fine." I also had a professor who said some people can code and some people can't, and he didn't know how to help the people who don't have a natural aptitude for coding. Henry saying he thinks Gorgug can achieve this through hard work is super enlightened for a STEM instructor.

tl;dr Henry is incredibly enlightened for a STEM instructor. He tells Gorgug that Gorgug can still be an artificer without formal schooling, and then when Gorgug expresses a desire for the formal education he tells Gorgug the path. If Henry does a heel turn I will be emotionally devastated lol

[oddeyes588]

A little late to the party but I do have some thoughts about Fantasy High Junior Year now that it's over. First of all, overall? Great season, had lots of laughs... but man, is it just me, or were there a lot of parts in this season that just... were kind of annoying? For me specifically, two big things... and no, I'm not talking about the Rat Grinders. While I'm a little disappointed with how that ended, I'm not too bothered.

Like, idk if this is a hot take or not, because they were arguably the biggest parts of this season... but I found myself especially annoyed and/or disappointed about K2 and Porter.

Like, don't get me wrong, I thought K2 was funny—especially at first—and Porter being the main villain of the season was 100% for the bit and I can respect that... but man, I couldn't help but be disappointed with Porter going full irredeemably evil, as well as just straight-up annoyed by K2's existence (at least in regards to the story. gameplaywise, making a homunculus of their cleric was VERY smart) (oh god if K2 exists in our world now she might come after me. dont forget me).

In regards to Porter... he was for sure an ass, he caused Gorgug a lot of grief with the MCAT, but he also had such a really sweet moment with him when that thing finally got signed?? It was very, like, not a perfect teacher but someone who did have his best interests in mind, paired with a really nice message about how it's alright to get mad. It was an important part of Gorgug's character growth this season! Integral to unlocking his Barbificer subclass!

...and then all of that just gets thrown away because turns out Porter was evil the whole time and this was all just leading up to his big master plan of killing a god and becoming a god of war. He was never offering genuine advice, he never cared about Gorgug or had his best interests in mind, he thought Gorgug's fascination with Artificing was stupid... and now he's dead. The End.

And that just feels... really disappointing, honestly. He was a chill guy, and yeah he had no right to bar Gorgug from pursuing what he wants and force him to take so many years of school in a single year, but it also resulted in some serious growth on Gorgug's part! It was great! Him being Evil The Whole Time felt... almost like a character assassination, honestly.

And then... there's K2...

I'm gonna be real here. I don't care if using a homunculus and shit for multiple divine intervention rolls is how it actually works in the rulebooks, and I know that objectively having more rolls is always better, especially when the stakes are high... and especially considering that Ally was not getting the rolls they needed otherwise.

This was hilarious. It was also supremely annoying, because it just fully took away from any big moment Kristen could've had this season regarding her and Cassandra after her creation... and this happened TWICE.

Like, from a storytelling perspective, I feel Brennan's pain viscerally. These episodes were truly such an experience for me, because on one hand, I was laughing at the sheer comedy of it all... but there was another part of my brain thinking this truly, truly sucked.

Kristen was figuring out her devotion to Cassandra, finding an understanding in what her role as Cassandra's cleric is... and right at the end of the season all of that kind of comes to a halt because in the end K2 did the divine interventions.

...Well, at least that still leaves some room for whatever Kristen will have to deal with in Senior year. Unlike Porter, who is dead and gone and we're definitely not bringing him back.

[celestie0]

hi pookie! unrelated to fanfic but i think you were in a gap year earlier and now ur bio says ur a med student. did u get into med school? if so, congrats!!!

actually i'm also in a gap yr and i was wondering how you made sure to be productive every day? like im literally rotting in bed every day lmao bc my day has no structure. sorry if this is too personal and if it is feel free to ignore!!

hiii my love yes i did!! i graduated last year in june n then started med school a few weeks ago :)

oh that's awesomee first of all congratulations on graduating!! that's a wonderful accomplishment. i'm assuming it's only been a couple months since you've graduated? there's no harm at all in taking a break

but yea i think the straightforward answer haha: probably working a job will give you the most structure. i worked full time at a clinic that was a little further away from my house so it ended up eating up a lot of my weekdays (leave house at 7am come home at 6pm type thing) but it was great for the structure and purpose. if you're not feeling like you can work a full time job, then you can work part time too. i left my full time job and started working at a research lab part time and it was a really nice balance of structure to rest before starting school

i'm not sure what your circumstances are, or if working is in your capacities at the moment, but yea like whether you're currently job hunting (i know how bad the job market can be ahhh) or if you're studying for the mcat or whatever you're doing in your gap year, i think the best way to have structure without work is cultivate a good morning routine and cultivate your hobbies. i found most days i would wake up at 6am i'd have much more productive days than days where i'd sleep in to 9/10am and then i'd just feel awful and rot in bed the rest of the day haha. so if you can just get that first couple of hours of the day right, i think you'll be in a good position. but yea cultivating hobbies is also important bc we all crave/need purpose in life, and i think a hobby is great way to have that if you're not getting it from career sources.

yeah and like idk if this is more random advice but i think my biggest piece of advice i'd give someone in their gap year is to just kinda take the time to get to know yourself? get to know what gives you energy and excitement or what interests you. i think you can find this out by testing hobbies, reading books, going out and experiencing stuffs. as premeds, i think undergrad can really suck the soul out of you and make you lose touch w yourself w all the pressures and time spent working towards your application, so having that time during your gap year to just kinda chill n recenter yourself is super precious n valuable.

don't worry too much if you're having days where you're resting, but i think the important distinction to make is: are you resting because it's a voluntary action that you want to do, or are you resting because you're putting off other things? asking yourself that question really helps put power back into your hands to improve your day to day, especially when you're struggling to find structure or purpose

hope this helps bb :0 much lovee to ya <3

[scientia-rex]

Hey I love your blog. I’m studying for the mcat right now and I feel like I understand a chapter well and quiz myself from my notes but then the end of questions will ask things that weren’t even covered in the reading and I’m wondering if you have any tips for this horrible exam?

Not good ones. Funny story: I took a practice version when I started studying and then another practice version at the end of studying and got the same damn score both times, and a very similar score on the actual MCAT. It was good enough to get in, but not good enough that I feel qualified to offer advice.

[brooklynislandgirl]

@tangleweave {{xx}}

She watches him as he makes a somewhat reasonable imitation of the sign of the cross as he double checks to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything; maybe he doesn't believe her, though that's because he tends to overthink himself time and time again. And while thinking that might fall under Pot & Kettle, she at least understands the behaviour and the thoughts come from. Just one more reason why she has no idea why she will be spending the very same night on the couch, surrounded by MCAT practice tests and a bowl of hurricane popcorn within reach. These are the sorts of moments where Andy should be the one standing in front of Peter. Be the one giving him advice because he's got more experience in the last week than she and Peter have had in their entire lives. And her brother isn't feeling his heart breaking by the minute. Peter is like a little brother. Part of the problem, she supposes. Maybe it's proof that the Westermarck Effect isn't simply a psychological hypothesis. And she looks away, taking a step back so he can't hear the things she can't bring herself to say. "It's because yours are bigger than others." She doesn't notice the innuendo as she answers him as if the question is a serious one. "Proportionate to how nervous you are. Don't see why. She already said yes…an' asking is the hardest part of the social contract. That is when you don't what the other person's thinking, and the restlessness, the irritability, only makes things worse. Like Ouroboros eating its own tail. Can't concentrate cause your brain strays to the other person and the waiting. Then when you try to sleep, it's unsatisfying which in turn makes you tired." She shrugs and in order to occupy her hands rather than give into the desire to arrange his hair for the third time, she makes her way over to her bed, and flops down onto it, picking up her patchwork sea-turtle. She worries on it and doesn't lift her face. "What are you afraid is gonna happen? You're gonna say something wrong? That she's gonna realise you're a nerd? I mean… clue; she already knows, and with the school we go to? We all are."

[prince-liest]

i wanted to ask how you just stayed mentally strong after getting through your first round of med school rejections... i haven't gotten an interview from anywhere and it feels as if i'm just behind on the person i wanted to be and i feel a bit lost now... i just wanted some advice since i do feel sad about it all unfortunately :(

Hey, there! I'm really sorry to hear that, I know it's a really tough time to go through. I honestly don't think there was any part of medical school that's been as rough as the application cycle, and it's very understandable to feel sad and rejected.

A lot of it came to my dad's particular brand of supportiveness, which I personally found very reassuring, so I will pass on what he told me and hope that it may offer you some comfort as well:

This is not the end of the world, and there is nothing wrong with trying again. We grow up in this grade school - college - graduate school system where it feels like we have to be doing everything on a specific timeline, and if we don't, we're failures. This is very much not the case with medical school: it is standard and expected to take gap years between college and medical school, only 40% of people who apply to medical school any given cycle are accepted anywhere, and depending on where you get your statistics, anywhere from 1/3-1/2 of current medical students have applied multiple cycles. There's a guy in my class who was 41 years old when he was accepted. You have time, you can try again, and you are not behind because you are not participating in a process in which there are the same standards of "being behind" as you've been experiencing during high school and college.

What you need to do is give yourself some time to work through your feelings with your support system, and then, when you feel like you can, sit down and take a good look at your application to see what there is that can be made more competitive. Is it your grades? I was applying to post-baccs at the same time as my second cycle. Is it your MCAT? I took mine three times before I figured out how to actually study for it properly, and my second score was worse than my first. Is it your extracirriculars? Your shadowing hours? Your essay?

There is no rush, and this is one of those things where putting together a careful plan and following through on it will serve you much better than (like I did, HAH) freaking out, deciding that maybe you should just get a Master's or a PhD instead, and calling up the local state university's biochemistry department in a weird panic to get a sponsor for their graduate school program. (Thank you for talking me down, oh father mine. I don't know how I managed to get that far in like six hours.)

I am a planner at heart, and having these kinds of reassurances and plans in place helped me a lot with feeling like everything was under control. It was also really great to be supported by my family: I'm often so hard on myself that I expected them to be disappointed in me, because my dad especially is very much the, "Oh, a B? Hm... could be better..." type of immigrant parent, but both of my parents were actually incredibly supportive. Lean on your support systems, whatever they may be!

I hope this helped a little bit, anon, and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors! <3 There is always a way forward! Just because it's not the same one another person took does not make it inferior!

[reidsbookclub]

I heard ur in medical school. any advice for someone that is making up their mind?

hi there. -- first and foremost make sure its something you really want I've witnessed some class mates get to third year and now our fourth year and after having so many loans realize that its not what they wanted but rather what their parents wanted. Make sure it's something you want. best way to make sure if it's something you want to do is to shadow doctors! -- keep in mind that you will have to be studying hard constantly but don't let it wear you down. -- don't compare yourself to others and their journey or the time they've spent in school. -- you'll be taking lots of test like the MCAT and the USMLE (if you're American) and while yes you need a good score don't let the score define you. It does not represent how good of a doctor you will be --have a hobby outside of med school. Med school will wear you down at times and it might seem silly but when I tell you something as simple as writing a fic has helped me SO MUCH mental health wise. -- don't be afraid to ask for questions and/or help

[thelasttime]

hi madie! long time follower, first time asker here. bit of a heavy question for a tuesday night, so I apologize in advance.

how are you able to keep up with so much and also be good at it and also enjoy it? like what drives your incredible work ethic? of course this is the internet and ik we only see your highlight reel and not the behind the scenes stuff, to paraphrase taylor. I'm just having a bit of a rough day academically, as in being totally unproductive all day despite setting intentions this morning to be productive and get a lot of homework done today, which feels very frustrating.

I know you're studying to become a doctor which obvi takes a lot of dedication and hard work which are things I've been trying to improve recently but simply do not come easily to me.

so ig I'm just wondering if you had any advice for being a more dedicated and committed person when it comes to things like school as well as hobbies (congrats on nailing your audition btw!). I really admire your work ethic and wish you all the best in your studies and life and everything! 💓

hello anon!! thank you for being a long time follower and thank you for sending your very first ask 💕💕 welcome to my inbox hehe

thank you so much for the kind words - it's true that my blog is quite like a highlight reel so you do see a lot of the good parts and very few of the bad parts, but i do try to keep it real on this blog. the main thing is that you can't beat yourself up when you have an unproductive day because it sort of snowballs into a bigger thing if you let it weigh you down. rather than taking this unproductive day as something to be ashamed of, take it as something where you needed the break so you took it!! and then tomorrow, be as productive as possible because you had the break yesterday

it's actually encouraged to be unproductive on some days. when i was studying for the MCAT, we were specifically told to take break days and to make sure that we didn't over-extend ourselves because we would just burn out too quickly. so what i would do is study everyday of the week and give myself a nice break on sunday to do absolutely nothing !! and that was necessary !!

i think what also helps with my motivation is that i really like to keep myself organized which means i am religiously devoted to my google calendar and my to-do list. the google calendar is to make sure that i'm not losing track of the things i need to do but the to-do list is the thing that really keeps me going. it's very satisfying to cross things off of my to-do list and it makes sure that i'm doing everything i need to do before the day is done. if i don't finish what's on the to-do list, i just move it to tomorrow and so on. you don't have to finish everything on the to-do list but it keeps you motivated to cross things off and make sure you're doing what you need to do.

when i was studying for the MCAT, i essentially designed a calendar where i would do certain topics on certain days so i would do chemistry / psychology on one day and then biology / biochemistry on the other day. that way i wasn't boring myself to death with one topic and actually keeping things interesting. if you find that studying is really boring (because it truthfully is, for everyone) i find that starting the homework that you hate the most is helpful because you get the worst part over when you have the maximum amount of energy.

another thing about school studying is that you shouldn't just look at the paper and nod thoughtfully - you should be doing ~active studying~ which is what they encourage us to do during MCAT studying as well. you essentially have to engage with the material in order to learn it well so you can't just stare at the page and pretend you know it !! there's a couple techniques of active studying that you can find online but i recommend anything between flashcards to active recall

for hobbies - it's all just my own enjoyment!! i know i get really lazy and in a pit if i'm not doing my hobbies so i have to actively push myself to join orchestras and do stuff outside of work. one thing that really helped me is to focus on a hobby and see what i could do in the area to get involved. so . i really like playing in orchestras so i spent a day focusing on the different orchestras in the area and then sending them emails about their auditions. that way all of my research and dedication to that hobby is done in one day and i get to reap the rewards later (i.e. they email me back about auditions).

it's also okay to let go of hobbies and find new ones. if you don't like your current hobbies, try new ones! ask your friends if they have any hobbies that you haven't tried already. try a new instrument! try painting! art! there's a lot to do and hobbies are meant to be fulfilling rather than draining.

i hope this helps anon!!

[ventismacchiato]

sorry if this is personal but i saw anons say youre a med school student and thats so cool! im applying to college next year and just wanna know how u got into med school if thats okay to ask (and if ur based in the USA)? ik theres some colleges that have programs that allow u to directly matriculate into their med school after undergrad as long as you maintain a certain GPA and do well on MCAT, but those are hard to get into so i just wanna know if u have any advice orz.

i am! glad you think it’s cool lmfao and are you sure you wanna be a med student run while you can

and yes i’m in the us lol and idk how much i can give away without doxxing myself but i went to an ib highschool which is competitive and has a harder curriculum which helps you get into good schools 😭 i think ur best idea is to just maintain your gpa even if it is hard to get into cus that’s the truth for all med schools 🤷

idrk how to answer this i’m probably not the best person if anyone else is a med student comment and help them lmfao😭😭

[perfectsunlight]

Any tips for taking college entrance exams?? I'm taking mine on sunday and it's one of the most anticipated CET's in my country 🥲 (bcuz if you get in, it basically free tuition)

Some people who already took the test the previous years said that it has about 400-500 items and it's 5 hours long 😭

oh GOD yeah so my MCAT is 7 1/2 hrs long 😭

my best advice is to not study at all the night before. let ur body rest enough bc mental stamina is important. take all the break they give u, you’ll need it. BRING SNACKS!! and make sure to just relax as much as you can before taking it. trust yourself, and don’t second guess. once you answer something, don’t go back and think about it. usually ur right the first time

[dr-ask-healthcare-and-education]

Key Services Offered by MBBS Study Abroad Consultants

Pursuing an MBBS degree overseas is a thrilling prospect, but it can also be a difficult and intimidating procedure. With so many countries offering medical degrees, different admission requirements, and visa regulations to negotiate, students frequently experience difficulties when applying individually. MBBS study abroad experts play an important part in this situation. They provide expert guidance and comprehensive services to help streamline the application process and ensure a smooth journey from beginning to end. Let's look at the primary services provided by MBBS study abroad consultants to help prospective medical students achieve their ambition of studying medicine overseas.

1. Comprehensive counselling and career guidance

Making informed decisions is the first step in studying MBBS overseas. MBBS study abroad advisors provide personalized counseling sessions to help students select the best destination and university depending on their academic background, budget, and professional ambitions. They consider criteria such as the curriculum, teaching standards, course duration, and job chances, giving students a clear picture of their options.

2. University Selection and Application Assistance

Choosing the correct medical university is essential to a student's academic and career success. Consultants compile a list of the best medical universities overseas based on accreditation, global rating, costs, and student feedback. They also assist students with the university application process, ensuring that all forms are completely completed and that relevant documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements, are submitted on time.

3. Entrance Exam Preparation Support

For many countries, admission to MBBS programs requires completing entrance examinations such as the MCAT, NEET (for Indian students), or university-specific exams. MBBS study abroad consultants assist students in preparing for these exams by giving access to test preparation resources, sample tests, and expert advice on how to improve performance.

4. Visa Assistance and Documentation

Securing a student visa is one of the most important tasks in studying abroad, and navigating visa regulations can be challenging. MBBS study abroad experts assist students in obtaining the required paperwork, such as proof of financial resources, acceptance letters, and health certifications. They also assist students with the visa application process, preparing them for embassy interviews and ensuring compliance with country-specific requirements.

5. Financial Guidance and Scholarship Assistance

Financing an MBBS degree overseas can be a significant problem for students and their families. Consultants provide information on the entire cost of studying in various countries, which includes tuition, housing, and living expenditures. They also assist students in exploring financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and student loans. Some consultancies also have partnerships with banks, helping students to get better loan arrangements for their studies.

6. Pre-Departure Orientation

Preparing to study and live in a foreign country may be both thrilling and intimidating. To help with this adjustment, MBBS study abroad advisers provide pre-departure orientations in which students receive practical advice on cultural norms, local customs, climate, and safety. They also offer advice on packing, lodging options, and vital paperwork to bring along. This service helps students gain confidence and prepare for life in a new nation.

7. Accommodation and Travel Arrangements

Finding appropriate housing in a foreign country can be difficult, particularly for first-time international students. Many MBBS study abroad consultancies help students find safe and economical lodging near their preferred universities. They may also assist with travel plans, such as booking flights and coordinating airport pickups, to ensure a seamless arrival.

8. Post-Arrival Support

The role of an MBBS study abroad consultant continues once the student arrives at their destination. Post-arrival services include assisting students with university registrations, opening bank accounts, obtaining local SIM cards, and acquainting them with their new surroundings. This ongoing help guarantees that students may settle into their new nation without encountering any major difficulties over the first few weeks.

9. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Medical education abroad consultants are up to date on the current rules and accreditation standards for overseas medical universities. They ensure that students only apply to recognized and accredited institutions, so safeguarding them from frauds and participation in low-quality programs. This legal skill is critical for students who want to practice medicine in their home country, as degrees from non-recognized institutions may be invalid.

10. Support for licensing and internship placements

Many MBBS graduates must pass licensing tests or perform internships before practicing medicine in their own country or abroad. Some MBBS study abroad consultants provide additional services such as assistance with licensing examinations like the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or PLAB medical licensing examination (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) for practice in the United Kingdom. They may also help students secure internships and clinical assignments, which are essential for gaining hands-on experience and meeting residency requirements.

Conclusion

MBBS study abroad consultants offer a variety of services in addition to assisting students with their applications to medical institutions abroad. From counseling and admission exam preparation to visa aid and post-arrival support, they make sure that every stage of the study abroad adventure goes smoothly and stress-free. By collaborating with a reputable consultant, prospective medical students can concentrate on their studies and personal development while specialists handle the complications of their overseas education journey.

[minimalistpremed]

Entry No. 5

I have not been active for years. Truthfully, I had hoped that I would be in medical school by now. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

I currently work as a Case Manager/Discharge Planner for a skilled nursing facility which I believe provides a greater insight into the care of the elderly. I’m also in master’s program in medical physiology and pharmacology.

I have yet to study for the MCAT. Truthfully, I am terrified of not obtaining be much needed score of 510+ and I am not entirely sure if I have the amount of free time to properly prepare for the exam.

I’m also incredibly sick at the moment so I’m not so confident and I lack the motivation to do much. But what was the piece of advice that I heard one? It’s perseverance that will be the thing to push me. Motivation comes and goes but if I continue to persevere then I will do what I need to do. Even if it’s the last thing that I want to do right now.

Right now, all I want to do is read and write stories but I have a take home exam to do. To complete.

-M.

[tanyarana]

Charting Your Course: Key Tips for Achieving Success in MBBS Admissions

Embarking on the journey to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree is a significant milestone for aspiring medical professionals. However, gaining admission to reputable MBBS programs requires careful planning, preparation, and strategic approach. In this article, we will explore key tips and strategies to help you navigate the competitive landscape of MBBS admissions and achieve success in your academic pursuits.

Understanding MBBS Admissions Process

Before delving into specific tips, it's essential to understand the typical MBBS admissions process, which may vary slightly depending on the country and institution:

Entrance Exams: Many medical schools require applicants to take standardized entrance exams, such as the MCAT, NEET, or UCAT. These exams assess your knowledge in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking skills relevant to the medical field.

Academic Credentials: Strong academic performance, especially in science-related subjects, is crucial for Mbbs admission tips Maintaining a high GPA and excelling in relevant coursework demonstrate your readiness for rigorous medical education.

Extracurricular Activities: Medical schools value well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated leadership, community service, and a genuine interest in healthcare. Participating in extracurricular activities like volunteering, research, and healthcare-related projects enhances your application.

Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or healthcare professionals who can attest to your academic abilities, character, and commitment to medicine can significantly strengthen your application.

Personal Statement: Your personal statement allows you to showcase your unique experiences, motivations, and aspirations for pursuing a career in medicine. Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your passion, values, and suitability for medical education.

Key Tips for Achieving Success in MBBS Admissions

Start Early: Begin your preparations for MBBS admissions early, ideally during high school or early undergraduate years. Familiarize yourself with admission requirements, entrance exams, and application deadlines for prospective medical schools.

Choose the Right Medical Schools: Research and shortlist medical schools that align with your academic goals, preferences, and geographical considerations. Consider factors such as curriculum structure, faculty expertise, clinical rotations, research opportunities, and campus culture.

Excel in Academics: Focus on maintaining a strong academic record, particularly in science-related subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Strive for excellence in coursework, exams, and standardized tests to demonstrate your academic prowess.

Prepare for Entrance Exams: Dedicate sufficient time to prepare for standardized entrance exams required by medical schools. Utilize study resources, practice tests, review courses, and seek guidance from tutors or mentors to excel in these exams.

Gain Relevant Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings through internships, shadowing programs, or volunteer work. Exposure to clinical environments helps you understand the realities of healthcare practice and strengthens your application.

Develop Soft Skills: In addition to academic and clinical competencies, cultivate essential soft skills such as communication, empathy, teamwork, and professionalism. These skills are crucial for building positive relationships with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams.

Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Connect with mentors, advisors, or pre-medical counselors who can provide valuable insights, guidance, and support throughout the admissions process. Their expertise and advice can help you make informed decisions and navigate challenges effectively.

Craft a Compelling Application: Pay attention to detail when preparing your application materials, including personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. Tailor each component to highlight your strengths, experiences, and suitability for medical education.

Prepare for Interviews: If selected for interviews, practice common interview questions, and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your passion for medicine, problem-solving abilities, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal skills.

Stay Resilient and Persistent: The MBBS admissions process can be competitive and challenging. Stay resilient, maintain a positive attitude, and persevere despite setbacks or rejections. Use feedback to improve and continue pursuing your aspirations with determination.

Conclusion

Achieving success in MBBS admissions requires a combination of academic excellence, relevant experience, soft skills development, strategic planning, and perseverance. By following these key tips and strategies, you can enhance your chances of securing admission to reputable medical schools and embarking on a fulfilling journey towards becoming a competent and compassionate healthcare professional.

[medicalschoolinaustralia]

Q & A with a Canadian UQ Medical School Graduate

Let us introduce you to Jeff, a Canadian who decided to pursue his medical degree at an Australia medical school.

We asked him a few questions about his experience studying medicine at The University of Queensland, including why he chose UQ, what clinical rotations are really like, and what his top advice for future med students is—and here’s what he had to say!

Tell us about yourself! Where and what you studied before going to UQ for med, why you wanted to become a doctor, fun hobbies or interests, etc. I am originally from a suburb just north of Toronto, Ontario. After high school, I attended the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now called Ontario Tech University) for a Bachelor of Health Science with Honours. During my undergraduate degree, I joined my university’s Campus Emergency Response Team, and started providing medical care on the campus to those in need. This opened my eyes to how much I enjoyed medicine and caring for others and put me on the path toward medical school applications.

In my final year of study there, I sat my MCAT and applied to medical schools in Ontario only. After being unsuccessful in that application, I applied to and completed a Master of Science in Kinesiology and Health Science, and a concurrent Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience at York University. In my final year of study, I resat my MCAT and reapplied to medical schools, this time branching outside of Ontario to additional Canadian schools, as well as medical schools in Australia, eventually ending up here in Australia at the University of Queensland for medical school.

Keep reading!

[memoamp]

Vivian Pham (she/her) - UCI '20

Career Goal: Pediatrician

Major: Biological Science

Introduction: Hi! I am a 3nd year medical student at Stritch SOM in Chicago! I am currently interested in Pediatrics, but keeping an open mind as I go through clerkships. I have definitely fallen in love with Chicago, but ultimately I am a California girl at heart! The journey to medical school is definitely a tough one so feel free to reach out to me with any questions from class to MCAT to apps or to hear my story! If you don't care for medicine, you can also ask me all things MEMO :) Some things I like to do in my free time are watch Kdramas, go to Orange Theory, listen to true crime podcasts, exploring restaurants and shopping/retail therapy.

Involvements: I was in MEMO all 4 years of undergrad and during my gap year (intern->Sponsorship Chair -> President->NP Sponsorship Director). Also did Lestonnac Free Clinic, research, worked as a tutor, a Dermatology MA, and IHSS Provider.

What kind of advice would you be giving? Anything from application advice, undergrad advice to advice about medical school

Best piece of advice you've received? Don’t focus on what you could've, should've or would've done, but focus on what you can do from this point forward! you will end up where you need to be :)

Preferred method(s) of communication: Phone Number (text/call), Facebook Messenger, Instagram