Applying to medical school is a big decision. The application process can seem daunting, and the programs are extremely competitive. Having good grades is important, but there are other ways to help you stand out from the crowd. It is important to know what qualities medical schools are looking for in a candidate. Adding these qualifications to your resume may just increase your chances of getting in.
Gain Experience
While it isn’t required, having experience in the medical field can really help your OMSAS Application. Shadowing a physician is a great way to learn more about what it is like being a doctor, and it looks great on your application. Try shadowing someone in the specialty that you are most interested in. While you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do just yet, working with a doctor may help you decide. If you have the opportunity, try working with a few different types of doctors to get a better idea of what you want to do.
Show Leadership
Doctors need to show leadership every day. It is simply part of their job. This is a quality that medical schools will be looking to see if you have. Find ways to show leadership that you can put on your resume. For instance, try heading up a club at your university. Many schools host races to help raise money for different charities. See if you can get involved and possibly be in charge. It is important that you are able to show specific examples and the results of your leadership. Specifics help you stand out and give schools a more in-depth look at what makes you unique.
Volunteer
Your job as a physician will be to help people. What better way to start than by volunteering? Try looking for health clinics in your area and see if they need volunteers. Your volunteer work doesn’t necessarily have to be in the medical field though. Doctors help teach people as well, so try helping out at your school’s tutoring center. Just make sure that whatever you decide is something you truly enjoy.
Don’t let the application process deter you from applying to medical school. Becoming a doctor is a long and difficult process, but ultimately a rewarding one. Make a plan and follow the steps. Don’t feel like you are in this alone. You can always ask for help when you need to. Finding a mentor to guide you through this process can really pay off in the long run.