Applying to Medical School

How do I apply to medical school in the US?

To apply to med school in the US, we suggest taking the following steps:

1. Decide if this is definitely what you want to do (see our Should I Go To Medical School? guide)
2. Choose which medical school(s) you wish to apply to
3. Take a look at US medical school rankings (although don't let these influence your decisions too much)
4. Write your medical school personal statement and look at some example statements to help you
5. Prepare to take your MCAT.

For lots more information and advice, read through our medical school application guide.

How do I choose a US medical school?

To help you choose the best medical school(s) for you, think about:

1. Academic focus - is their emphasis on research, primary care or specialty medicine?
2. Atomosphere - is it competitive, like Harvard, or more calm and relaxed? Which would you prefer?
3. Research opportunities - what is available and does it match up with your interests?
4. Student life - what is it like? are there lots of clubs, activities, etc. where you can socialise and make friends?
5. Accommodation - where will you be living and what is the culture/environment like?
6. Costs - how much will your course cost? Don't forget to factor in living expenses, too.

Please see our choosing a medical school guide for more in-depth advice.

Which is the best US medical school?

According to U.S News, the best U.S medical school is currently Harvard. This is followed by:

• Johns Hopkins University
• Stanford University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of California - San Francisco
• Columbia University.
• University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Washington University in St. Louis.

How do I write a US medical school personal statement?

To put together a successful med school personal statement, you will need to:

• Start early
• Sell yourself - this includes your skills, experience and personal traits that will make you a great doctor
• Brainstorm ideas
• Write a memorable opening
• Back everything up with examples
• Round off your statement with an stand-out conclusion
• Read example statements for inspiration
• Analyse and critique it thoroughly
• Ask for several rounds of feedback
• Submit your final, polished draft!

How do I prepare for the MCAT?

To be successful in the MCAT, you will need to:

• Look at the content and structure of the test so you know what you are preparing for. There are four different sections you need to familiarise yourself with.
• Start preparing as early as possible
• Take some free online practice tests
• Assess where your weak areas are and improve on them
• Use textbooks and other prep resources, such as online study packages
• Practice as much as you can
• Don't cram and leave all your prep to the last minute
• Visit the test centre
• Turn up on time!

Take a look at our MCAT prep guide for more tips and advice.