Frequently Asked Questions about Medical School

Think you want to become a doctor? It's a long haul with many challenges. The first challenge, of course, is getting into medical school. Is medical school for you? Consider the advantages and disadvantages of a career as doctor. Below we consider some of the many questions that students have about applying to medical school -- and what happens after admissions.

Prior to Applying to Med School
What are the typical academic experiences required by medical schools?
Must you major in science to apply to med school?
What courses should I take to improve my application?
Where is a listing of medical schools in the USA?
What are the basic parts of a med school application?
Is it similar to the components of a grad school application?

Admissions Essays
How do I prepare to write my admissions essay?
How do I organize my admissions essay?
What is the purpose of the admissions essay?

Letters of Recommendation
What do I need to know about letters of recommendation?
Who should I ask to write my letter?
How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
What is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)?
How is the MCAT organized? What can I expect?
What is the MCAT writing sample?

Medical School Interview
What should I expect during the interview?
How do I prepare myself for the medical school interview?
What will I be asked during the medical school interview?

More on Medical School
How much does medical school cost?
What is medical school like?
What do I need to know about Residency (Internship and Fellowship)?
What is the Medical School Curriculum?
What's the Difference Between Allopathic and Osteopathic Medicine?
What is the match?
What are the different areas of medical specialization?
What does it mean to "on call," as a resident?
What is the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)?
How do I obtain a medical license?
How do I become Board Certified?