The Pre-Med club has put together a series of Frequently Asked Question’s that might be of aid to those on their pre-med journey. All information has been shared by a variety of medical students as ways to help you succeed on your path to medical school.
FAQ’s
- Do you need research to get into medical school?
Research experience is not necessary to get into medical school. However, it may provide one with certain skills and knowledge which might be beneficial to them during their interviews or in their ABS.
- How long did you prepare for the MCAT?
Most medical students claim that they spent around 10-12 weeks of full-time studying for the MCAT. It is crucial that you prioritize the MCAT during this time. Medical students often also stress that one should take the MCAT only when they feel prepared. It is an important exam in your pre-medical journey.
- Are there any types of tools used to study for the MCAT such as books, a planner or specific courses?
This answer varies from person to person and is highly dependent on their study techniques and methods. Check out our Prep Course vs Self Study blog to see what is a better fit for you!
- Would you recommend shadowing a Doctor as an experience needed for Medical School?
While it is not a requirement to have shadowed a doctor, some individuals may find it useful to have hands-on experience with the healthcare system. Physically being in the working environment of a doctor can help you decide if this profession is right for you.
- What specialties can one go into after medical school?
Check out our Specialized Fields in Medicine blog!
- How did you prepare for your interview?
While every interview can be different, here are a few general practices that you can follow to ensure a successful interview.
- Study your application inside-out.
This will help you in questions such as “Tell me about yourself?” Due to the vague nature of this question it can be a hard one to answer. Studying you application will make sure that you know yourself and will therefore help build self-confidenc
- Practice
It is always a great idea to do a series of mock interviews to help get a feel of what the interview may look like.
- Study the school you are interviewing for
This will help you get a good sense of the school culture and values which can allow for more direct answers. Understanding the school’s culture will help you understand which school you may be best fit for.
- Be prepared
On the day of the interview, make sure to be well-rested. It is important that you look presentable and are well conversed. Professionalism is a great first impression!
For more in depth information, you can check out the Interview Strategies Guide from the University of Toronto.