1. American Association of Medical Colleges

The AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) is a centralized application service for most U.S. Medical Schools.  AMCAS info and application can be found on the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) website.  This is the site where you will actually complete your application.  You can also read about or watch tutorials on the different application sections.  This can help you ensure your application is completed properly and in a timely fashion.

https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-process/applying-medical-school-amcas/

2. Science GPA Calculator

While you’re preparing your application, peel open one of those transcript copies and take a look at your science grade point average.  My first semester of college was pretty rough academically.  The transition from a high school to college was anything but smooth.  I went from a straight A student to a C student.  I earned a 2-point-I-can’t-tell-you GPA.  I spent the rest of my time there trying to fix that.  When I finished, my grade point average was pretty good, over 3.5.  But my science GPA was much lower. The science GPA includes all your courses in biology, chemistry, physics and math.  Check out this tool http://prehealth.cas.nyu.edu/object/cas.prehealth.gpacalculator on NYU’s premed site to help you see what your potential med school will see when they look at your application.

3. Premed Consulting

My premed advising office was pretty awesome and I leaned on them heavily during the application and admissions process.  If you don’t have one or you just need some help with your med school application, you might consider using a consulting company.  They can help you revise your personal statement or secondary essays, hone interview skills and present yourself well on your application.  Check out the doctors over at  http://www.upwardacademicconsulting.com/ for help.

4. Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR)

There are basic requirements for medical school that you need for every school, such as biology and chemistry.  However, some schools differ in their requirement of upper level courses.  Math is the bane of my existence, but I had to take calculus because some of the schools I wanted to apply to required it.  Med schools may also differ on the minimum GPA and minimum MCAT score they will accept.  The Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) is an online database of US and Canadian medical schools.  You can purchase it for $27 over at AAMC for Students, Applicants and Residents.  Use the information about your dream medical schools to guide you as you plan your coursework.

Jarita Hagans, MD is a Family Practice physician, speaker and author of “MD Dreams:  Practical Advice for Every Stage from Premed to Residency and Beyond”. Find more info on http://mddreams.com Follow her on Twitter @doctorjarita.