AAMC Resources for Pre-Med Students

Transcription

1 AAMC Resources for Pre-Med Students Association of American Medical Colleges

2 Table of Contents Getting Started Aspiring Docs 4 Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) 5 Choosing a Medical School Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR ) 6 What Do Medical Schools Look For? 7 Getting Into Medical School Medical College Admission Test (MCAT ) 8 MCAT Test Prep Products 9 Your Path to Medical School 10 MCAT 2015 Exam 12 Applying to Medical School American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS ) 14 Paying for Medical School FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) 16 You CAN Afford Medical School 17 My Path to Medical School: Checklist 18 Notes 19 About the Association of American Medical Colleges Founded in 1876 and based in Washington, D.C., the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is a not-for-profit association representing all 141 accredited U.S. and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools; nearly 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems, including 51 Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and 90 academic and scientific societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC represents 128,000 faculty members, 75,000 medical students, and 110,000 resident physicians. Through its many programs and services, the AAMC strengthens the world s most advanced medical care by supporting the entire spectrum of education, research, and patient care activities conducted by our member institutions. The AAMC and our members are dedicated to the communities we serve and steadfast in our desire to earn and keep the public s trust for the role we play in improving the nation s health by Association of American Medical Colleges. All rights reserved.

3 Welcome to the AAMC s pre-med resources and services! You are about to embark on the most exciting journey of your education and training and you ll be making some of the most important decisions of your career. At the AAMC, we re here to help you navigate the journey from pre-med through residency and beyond with reliable, trusted resources and services. We hope that you find this booklet helpful in answering many of your questions about embarking on a career in medicine. We encourage you to visit our website to take advantage of the many resources we ve created for you, including webinars, podcasts, fact sheets, inspiring stories, tools, and tips. Also, be sure to connect with us on social media to get the latest information and join us in discussions about pre-med topics. We wish you the very best of success in a rewarding and fulfilling career in medicine! The AAMC Team aamc.org/students

4 Getting Started Aspiring Docs The AAMC s Aspiring Docs (aamc.org/aspiringdocs) is the best place to start to explore your career options and get basic information on the path to medical school. Aspiring Docs will answer the basic questions about preparing for, applying to, and financing medical school, plus questions you didn t know to ask, such as what are post-bacc programs, or what s it like to be in a B.S.-M.D. program. Aspiring Docs also has a wealth of information on resources to help high school and undergraduate college students get experience a great way for you to decide if this is the career you want. Find out: How to shadow a doctor How to get lab experience How to find health care-related volunteer opportunities Interested in both research and medicine? Consider an M.D.-Ph.D. dual degree: M.D.-Ph.D. programs are for students who want to become research physicians (also known as physicianscientists or physician-investigators). You ll prepare for a career in which most of your time is spent doing research, in addition to caring for patients. Graduates of M.D.-Ph.D. programs often become faculty members at medical schools, universities, and research institutes. Most M.D.-Ph.D. candidates earn their Ph.D. in biomedical laboratory disciplines. The field is small (about 5 percent of the physician workforce), but demand is strong. The average time to graduate with an M.D.-Ph.D. degree is 7-8 years. This is often shorter than obtaining the M.D. and Ph.D. degrees individually. You can access the Summer Enrichment Programs web database and find links to Summer Undergraduate Research Programs. The Aspiring Docs site also provides information on pipeline and outreach programs, which are designed to prepare and inspire students to pursue careers in medicine and medical research. Many of these programs are open to high school and undergraduate students. View the Fact Sheet Library for quick access to answers about preparing for the MCAT, making the most of your gap year, shadowing a doctor, and more. And read through the library of Inspiring Stories from current medical students, residents, and physicians on their unique or nontraditional paths to medical school. Get started on exploring your options today at aamc.org/aspiringdocs aspiringdocsdiaries.org The M.D.-Ph.D. dual career is busy, challenging, and rewarding, with opportunities to advance knowledge, develop new treatments, and push the boundaries of the unknown! Source: aamc.org/aspiringdocs 4

5 Getting Started Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) The Summer Medical and Dental Education Program is a FREE (full tuition, housing, and meals) six-week academic enrichment summer program for qualified undergraduate freshmen and sophomores from: Racial and ethnic groups that have been historically underrepresented in medicine and dentistry African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian Rural areas, economically disadvantaged, and groups that have historically received substandard health care (regardless of racial or ethnic background). The summer program is hosted at 12 participating institutions across the country with 80 students at each site. SMDEP offers students a variety of academic and career experiences that will support their dental and medical school career preparation: Academic enrichment in the basic sciences and quantitative topics Learning skills development, including study skills and methods of individual and group learning Clinical exposure through small-group clinical rotations and full-group clinician seminars. This is limited to 5% of program time for all the sites Career development, including the exploration of the medical and dental careers, other health professions and an individualized education plan to identify other appropriate enrichment activities. All the housing costs and most meals are covered by the program. Scholars are provided with a $600 stipend which is typically distributed at the mid-point and end of the program. Some program sites offer travel assistance awards. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation also provides a needs-based scholarship for travel to and from the program site. If you aren t eligible for SMDEP, there are many other opportunities to gain experience, including pipeline and outreach programs and summer enrichment programs. Talk with your advisor, and go to aamc.org/aspiringdocs for links to databases of these programs. What Students Are Saying My most profound clinical experience took place while making rounds with an emergency physician. I saw the importance of the knowledge a physician must have to make a quick, proper diagnosis in a life-threatening situation, and the responsibility they have to the well-being of each patient. This clinical experience humbled me. Netosha Kenneson SMDEP Site: Duke 2011 The science coursework at SMDEP made classes at my home university much easier and gave me a leg-up on MCAT review. Through networking, I secured a mentor that allowed me to participate on a research project with the medical school after the program. I also made very good friends with whom I stay in contact regularly. Michael Anthony McClurkin SMDEP Site: Yale 2011 SMDEP gave me a greater focus on my goal. Afterward, I knew exactly how and what I needed to do to attend medical school, and I am willing to work harder because I know it s possible. Nicole Fossas SMDEP Site: Houston 2011 Read more at smdep.org and aamc.org/aspiringdocs smdep.org facebook.com/smdepalumni SMDEP is a national program funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation with direction and technical assistance provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Dental Education Association. 5

6 Choosing a Medical School Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR ) One of the most important decisions you ll make is where to go to medical school. Rely on MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) for comprehensive, accurate data on medical school admission requirements. Only the AAMC has access to actual application and MCAT exam data, and verifies all self-reported data for accuracy. There are two parts to the MSAR: Why Rely on MSAR? [The excerpt below is from From Rankings to Mission, by Darrell G. Kirch, M.D. and John E. Prescott, M.D., published in Academic Medicine, August 2013.] In a 2010 survey of MCAT registrants, MSAR was rated highest for helping aspiring physicians make application decisions. MSAR uses a protected and consistent datadriven methodology to produce a valid, clear, and holistic profile for each school. The profile fosters transparency regarding the application processes and requirements for each school, and each profile has a section called Commitment to Primary Care highlighting the components of the school s mission and curriculum dedicated to primary care. Additionally, users of the Web-based MSAR tool are able to compare and contrast up to five medical schools side-by-side, and they have the ability to look at data across two editions of MSAR. Medical schools can edit their profiles as needed while the AAMC, the custodian of MSAR data, cross-checks simultaneously. According to internal analytics, since MSAR went online on April 1, 2011, nearly one million people have visited the site. 1. MSAR : Getting Started (print or e-book) This guidebook is packed with key info on how to choose the right school, how to apply to medical school, what to expect, how admission decisions are made, and much, much more. This is for you if you re not ready to research medical schools yet, but want all the info needed to get started on the right path. 2. MSAR : Online (one-year subscription) This powerful online database allows you to easily browse, search, sort, and compare data on U.S. and Canadian medical schools and B.S.-M.D. programs. It s updated annually with the most recent data. Plus, it s updated throughout the year if schools change their information. When you subscribe, you ll get the MSAR : Getting Started e-book free as a bonus. aamc.org/msar Getting Started Medical School Admission Requirements The Most Authoritative Guide to Preparing for and Applying to U.S. Medical Schools Learn Serve Lead Association of American Medical Colleges 6

7 What Do Medical Schools Look For? Choosing a Medical School Medical schools assess applicants on a number of factors like experience, academics, and test scores. They may also evaluate an aspiring physician s competencies in a variety of areas. A competency is defined as an observable behavior that combines your knowledge, skills, values, and activities as they relate to a specific activity. The Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students, as endorsed by the AAMC s Group on Student Affairs Committee on Admissions, are explained below. As you prepare for a career in medicine, you should consider how you can demonstrate these competencies through research, volunteer or paid work, and other experiences, so that you can later reflect them in your application materials. Interpersonal Competencies Service Orientation Social Skills Cultural Competence Teamwork Oral Communication Intrapersonal Competencies Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others Reliability and Dependability Resilience and Adaptability Capacity for Improvement Demonstrates a desire to help others and sensitivity to others needs and feelings; demonstrates a desire to alleviate others distress; recognizes and acts on his/her responsibilities to society; locally, nationally, and globally. Demonstrates an awareness of others needs, goals, feelings, and the ways that social and behavioral cues affect peoples interactions and behaviors; adjusts behaviors appropriately in response to these cues; treats others with respect. Demonstrates knowledge of socio-cultural factors that affect interactions and behaviors; shows an appreciation and respect for multiple dimensions of diversity; recognizes and acts on the obligation to inform one s own judgment; engages diverse and competing perspectives as a resource for learning, citizenship, and work; recognizes and appropriately addresses bias in themselves and others; interacts effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Works collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals; shares information and knowledge with others and provides feedback; puts team goals ahead of individual goals. Effectively conveys information to others using spoken words and sentences; listens effectively; recognizes potential communication barriers and adjusts approach or clarifies information as needed. Behaves in an honest and ethical manner; cultivates personal and academic integrity; adheres to ethical principles and follows rules and procedures; resists peer pressure to engage in unethical behavior and encourages others to behave in honest and ethical ways; develops and demonstrates ethical and moral reasoning. Consistently fulfills obligations in a timely and satisfactory manner; takes responsibility for personal actions and performance. Demonstrates tolerance of stressful or changing environments or situations and adapts effectively to them; is persistent, even under difficult situations; recovers from setbacks. Sets goals for continuous improvement and for learning new concepts and skills; engages in reflective practice for improvement; solicits and responds appropriately to feedback. Thinking and Reasoning Competencies Critical Thinking Quantitative Reasoning Scientific Inquiry Written Communication Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Applies quantitative reasoning and appropriate mathematics to describe or explain phenomena in the natural world. Applies knowledge of the scientific process to integrate and synthesize information, solve problems and formulate research questions and hypotheses; is facile in the language of the sciences and uses it to participate in the discourse of science and explain how scientific knowledge is discovered and validated. Effectively conveys information to others using written words and sentences. For more information about the Core Competencies and the AAMC s Admissions Initiative, visit aamc.org/initiatives/admissionsinitiative/competencies. 7

8 Getting Into Medical School Medical College Admission Test (MCAT ) The AAMC develops and administers the MCAT exam a standardized test that has been used as part of the medical school admissions process for more than 80 years. Virtually all U.S. medical schools and many Canadian medical schools require applicants to submit recent MCAT exam scores. Fee Assistance Program (FAP) AAMC s Fee Assistance Program assists students who, without financial assistance, would be unable to take the MCAT exam or apply to medical schools that use the AMCAS application service. FAP approval is not retroactive. If you paid an MCAT or AMCAS fee before receiving your FAP award, you will not receive a refund, so make sure you apply for an award before you pay these fees. In addition to a reduced registration fee, you get free test prep products, free MSAR access, and a waiver of the AMCAS fee for up to 14 medical schools. The MCAT exam is designed to assess your problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of science concepts and principles. Scores are reported in Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, and Biological Sciences. (See page for information about changes for the MCAT 2015 exam). When Should You Take the MCAT Exam? If you plan to enter medical school in the fall semester after you graduate from college, you ll want to take the MCAT exam in the spring semester of your junior year (if you are ready). Taking the MCAT exam earlier in the calendar year will give you a better chance of getting a seat again if you decide to retake the exam. You can find answers to many questions about the MCAT exam, what s on the exam, how to prepare, when to register, how to get your scores, and more, at aamc.org/mcat. Medical Minority Applicant Registry (Med-MAR) When you register for the MCAT exam, you ll get a chance to participate in the Medical Minority Applicant Registry (Med-MAR). The registry is created to enhance admissions opportunities for U.S. students who are members of a racial or ethnic group historically underrepresented in medicine, or who are economically disadvantaged. The registry provides basic biographical information and MCAT exam scores to minority and admissions offices at AAMC-member schools, who may choose to send information to students. Learn more at aamc.org/fap. Learn more at aamc.org/med-mar. 8

9 MCAT is a program of the Association of American Medical Colleges MCAT Test Prep Products Getting Into Medical School You ll find a wealth of information on the AAMC website to help you prepare for your MCAT exam. Go to aamc.org/mcat/preparing to find FREE content outlines, tips on creating a study plan, information on how the exam is scored, the MCAT Essentials Guide FREE download, and more. Third Edition The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam Includes: 146 actual MCAT questions from previous exams Detailed solutions from the test developers Current examinee data A look at MCAT scores as part of the admissions decision and much more! The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam With valuable insights and tips, the Official Guide to the MCAT Exam is a great way to get started. You get 146 questions from actual MCAT exams that don t appear on any practice test or self-assessment, plus informative data on scoring and admissions decisions. aamc.org/officialmcatguide The Official MCAT Self-Assessment Package Find out what your strengths and weaknesses are using The Official MCAT Self-Assessment Package. The Self-Assessment Package gives you more than 500 real MCAT test questions not found on any other practice material. You ll get detailed feedback on how you did compared to other examinees. The Self-Assessment Package can help you pinpoint the concepts you know well, and those you don t so you can create a smart study plan. aamc.org/mcatsap e-mcat Practice Tests AAMC offers full-length practice tests that are from previously administered MCAT exams. Take a FREE e-mcat practice test to get a baseline score and purchase additional tests to monitor your study progress. You can simulate the actual exam by choosing a timed practice option. aamc.org/mcatpracticetest 9

10 A Path to Medical School College Freshman Year How can I become a doctor? Visit Aspiring Docs & apply to summer programs. Summer: SMDEP How do I learn about specific schools? Use MSAR to learn about and compare medical schools. Spring Semester Junior Year Spring dates are most common. When should I take the MCAT exam? Summer: Get More Clinical or Research Experience How do I actually apply? Complete your AMCAS application, request official transcripts, and ask for letters of evaluation. I have Interviews scheduled. Prep for interviews and get financial aid info from FIRST. College Senior Year Look into Post Bacc programs or consider a gap year experience, then try again! I got waitlisted or denied.

11 How can I get some experience? Participate in enrichment programs; volunteer or intern in the medical field. College Sophomore Year How can I keep on track? Attend pre-health meetings and work with an advisor. College Junior Year Look into MSAR, the MCAT exam, and the Fee Assistance Program. What resources do I need? Summer: Research or Intership Experience I got accepted! Compare award letters; make final decisions. College Graduation! I ve chosen a medical school. Congratulate yourself on a job well done, get your books, and find a place to live. To Medical School There are many paths to medical school this infographic represents one typical path Association of American Medical Colleges

12 Getting Into Medical School MCAT 2015 Exam In spring 2015, a redesigned MCAT exam will debut. The MCAT 2015 exam is designed to test the academic competencies that students need to succeed in medical school. In addition to testing knowledge of natural sciences concepts and skills in critical analysis and reasoning, the new exam will also cover concepts from the behavioral and social sciences. Free Video Tutorials for MCAT 2015 Exam The first video tutorials in a new pre-health collection to help students prepare for the new MCAT 2015 exam, are now available. The free tutorials resulted from a collaboration of the AAMC, Khan Academy, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The three organizations sponsored an MCAT Video Competition, and selected 15 winners to participate in an all-expensespaid week-long training program facilitated by Khan Academy staff and scholars. The tutorials are available through Khan Academy s online learning library at kahnacademy.org, and in the Pre-health Collection of the AAMC s MedEdPORTAL icollaborative at mededportal.org/ icollaborative/prehealth. Who will take the MCAT 2015 Exam? The medical school admissions cycle begins the year before you start medical school, with the application cycle usually starting in the summer. So, if you want to start medical school in 2016 or later, but will not be ready to test until the spring of 2015 or later, you ll want to take the MCAT 2015 exam. But, if you are ready to take the exam in January (the final month the current exam will be given), you can still take it if you plan to enter medical school in 2016 or later. Most medical schools will accept scores that are 2-3 years old, but you ll want to check the policies of the schools you are interested in, just to be sure. Why is the MCAT exam changing? The MCAT 2015 exam preserves what works about the current exam, eliminates what doesn t, and further enriches the exam by giving attention to the concepts that tomorrow s doctors will need. The natural sciences sections reflect recent changes in science and medical education. The addition of the social and behavioral sciences section recognizes the importance of socio-cultural and behavioral determinants of health and health outcomes. The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section reflects the value that medical schools place on analysis, evaluation, and reasoning skills and on broad preparation for medical school. Visit aamc.org/mcat2015 for more information. 12

13 Current MCAT Exam vs MCAT 2015 Exam Getting Into Medical School In the spring of 2015, potential physicians will take the MCAT2015 exam, the newest version of the MCAT exam. The MCAT2015 exam will, like the current exam, test concepts in the natural sciences, as well as skills in critical analysis and reasoning. Unlike the current MCAT exam, the MCAT2015 exam will also cover concepts from the behavioral and social sciences. The table below highlights the features the MCAT2015 exam shares with the current MCAT exam, as well as its new features. What stays the same? Content What s different on the MCAT 2015 exam? Biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics concepts are tested 75% of the questions on the MCAT2015 also appear on the current MCAT Two test sections focus on natural sciences Examinees demonstrate scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills Nothing is the same this is a brand new test section Natural Sciences Behavioral and Social Sciences Biochemistry concepts are tested Scientific competencies are tested by asking examinees to solve problems about biological and living systems and to integrate concepts from multiple disciplines Examinees use research methods and statistical skills to solve problems in the same ways natural scientists do Concepts from psychology and sociology (along with related biology concepts) that provide the foundation for learning about the behavioral and sociocultural determinants of health and health outcome are tested Scientific competencies are tested by asking examinees to integrate knowledge from different disciplines Examinees demonstrate scientific reasoning and problemsolving skills and use research methods and statistical skills to solve problems in the same ways social and behavioral scientists do Passages from the social sciences and humanities No specific knowledge needed to do well Examinees demonstrate a variety of analytical and reasoning skills (i.e., cognitive-processing) Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills N/A Writing This section is eliminated Test Administration and Score Reporting Passages from the social sciences and humanities emphasize cultural studies, population health, ethics, and philosophy Analysis and reasoning skills are tested using the most current science on cognitive processing Multiple choice questions prompted by passages and, in some cases, graphs, tables, or charts Section scores and aggregate total score are reported to examinee and medical schools Computer-based testing format Greater number of test questions make more reliable comparisons of section scores More questions, so test day is longer by about two hours Source: Adapted from Kroopnick, M. AM Last Page: The MCAT Exam: Comparing the 1991 and 2015 Exams. Academic Medicine. 2013; 88 (5). 13

14 Applying to Medical School American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS ) 10 Tips for Successful Completion of Your AMCAS Application 1. Read the AMCAS Instruction Manual and use the Help section of the online application. 2. Submitting your application early is good, but submitting error-free is better! 3. Know the admission requirements and restrictions for your designated medical schools. 4. Request official transcripts be sent to AMCAS for every institution that you have attended. 5. Use a copy of your official transcript when completing the Coursework section. 6. Proofread! This is especially important in the Essay(s) section. 7. You can make very few updates/edits/ changes once you submit your application. 8. Use the update application button if you make a change after you ve submitted your application. 9. Monitor your application s progress and read your s to ensure you don t miss deadlines. 10. Make sure the contact information that AMCAS has for you is correct and current. Did you know that the pre-med student applies to, on average, 14 medical schools? The best part, however, is that when you use AMCAS, the AAMC s centralized application service, you only need to submit ONE primary application. AMCAS is available to applicants to the first-year entering classes at participating U.S. medical schools. Most students applying to an M.D. or a combined M.D. program (like an M.D.-Ph.D.) will use AMCAS to complete and submit their application materials. If you are an advanced standing or transfer applicant, you should contact the medical school directly for assistance. AMCAS collects, verifies, and delivers application information, letters of evaluation and MCAT exam scores to each school you choose. Each participating school is then responsible for making its own individual admissions decisions. Most medical schools also administer a secondary application, which you may be invited to complete. Visit medical school websites for more information about secondaries. aamc.org/amcas Contacting AMCAS AMCAS Representatives are available to answer your questions and assist you in completing your application from Monday Friday, 9 a.m. 7 p.m. (ET). amcas@aamc.org / Get more details by downloading the AMCAS Application Tips at aamc.org/amcas. 14

15 Applying to Medical School How Does AMCAS Work? Application Submitted Online application completed and submitted to AMCAS Fees paid (or FAP award used) Application Processed All required official transcripts arrive at AMCAS Verification of coursework and calculation of AMCAS GPAs Application Delivered Verified application sent to designated medical schools Letters delivered as they are received MCAT scores automatically delivered as they become available Preparing for AMCAS The AMCAS application opens in May of each year for applicants who plan to begin medical school in the following year. When you are ready to begin the application, you should start by visiting the AMCAS Web site ( The documents and video tutorials available in the Resources section are updated for each application cycle with the most current information. AMCAS does not advise applicants on making decisions related to their application, so we encourage you to work with your school s advising office and to review the Medical School Admission Requirements. Using the online application, you will enter information about yourself and your background. You will have your official transcripts forwarded directly to AMCAS, where AMCAS staff will verify your coursework and normalize your GPA based on your school s grading scale. Along with your letters of evaluation, AMCAS then sends your verified application data to the medical schools to which you have chosen to apply. For regular applications, your official transcripts must be received by AMCAS within 14 calendar days after the application deadline. Your AMCAS application may be submitted before your official transcripts and letters of evaluation reach AMCAS. June-September is the peak period, which means your application may take about six weeks, after all materials are received, to be processed. After your application is submitted, you may check the status using our automated system. View FAQs, video tutorials, download an instruction manual, and more at aamc.org/amcas. 15

16 Paying for Medical School The Financial Aid Application Process The process of applying for financial aid varies by medical school, but here are some universal steps to help you get started. 1. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to enter each medical school s Federal ID code on the FAFSA so that your information will be distributed to all the colleges you are considering. 2. Investigate sources of financial aid. Contact the financial aid office at your medical school to determine what financial resources are available to you. 3. Apply early. Don t take the risk of unexpected situations getting in your way of meeting application deadlines. 4. Reply to your award letter. You ll receive an award letter from the medical school s financial aid office indicating the types of financial aid and amounts you are eligible to receive. Follow the directions to accept or decline the award(s). Remember: You must re-apply each year for financial aid. Check with your medical school s financial aid office about required forms and deadlines. FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) The prospect of financing your medical education may seem daunting but you have lots of options. Don t be discouraged by the costs. Most medical students borrow at least a portion of the money they need to finance their education. FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) is AAMC s financial aid and debt management program and it s packed with FREE materials to help you make wise financial decisions. You will find: A Financial Aid Survival Kit for Applicants A library of financial aid fact sheets to help you with budgeting, understanding credit cards, debt management, and more Videos that provide answers to many financial aid related questions The Medloans Organizer and Calculator a tool specifically designed for medical students at AAMC member schools. With FIRST, you will find the information you need to make educated borrowing decisions and develop sound debt management skills. aamc.org/first Satisfactory Academic Progress is required to remain eligible for federal financial aid. 16

17 You CAN Afford Medical School Paying for Medical School You want to be a doctor or physician-scientist that s a good career choice, both socially and financially. You also probably know that medical school is expensive, but what you may not know is that once you re admitted to medical school, there are options when it comes to financing your education. The key is to find the solution that best meets your goals. Things to Think About The truth of the matter is: medical school is expensive. There are many different ways you might choose to pay for your education but student loans are a reality for most students. The keys to successful repayment are careful planning and budgeting, learning how to effectively manage your debt, and educating yourself on the various repayment options. Have a Plan One of your first stops on the road to creating a sound financial plan is the AAMC s FIRST for Medical Education website. It contains extensive information on the cost of applying to medical school, information about various loans, repayment information, and other related topics. But even with these resources, the process can be overwhelming. Your next step is identifying a financial aid advisor to assist you. Get Good Advice The importance of getting sound, accurate, and timely advice cannot be overstated. Whether it s your pre-health advisor, a current medical student or resident, or the admissions or financial aid officer where you are planning to apply, there are people who can help you navigate this often complex process. Look at the financial aid office websites at the schools you re applying to and see what information is available. Take your questions about financial aid with you when you visit and interviews, and stop by the financial aid office. Learn About Repayment Options There are various repayment plans available to repay your medical school loans. You have options when it comes to selecting the plan that works best for your financial situation. Another opportunity for repayment can be found with service repayment programs. These programs can help you repay your loans while practicing in a medically underserved area, or through public or military service. For more information, review the Financial Aid Fact Sheets at Final Thoughts Stay true to your passion. Explore your options. Find a good advisor/mentor. One last thing if you can swing it, enter medical school with little or no credit card debt and be aware of the status of your undergraduate loans. The less debt you begin school with, the less debt you ll have at the end. Do what you can to not put application and interviewing costs (fees, travel, hotels, etc.) on credit cards. Frankly, there will be no room in your medical school budget to pay off that debt. Lastly, remember the financial aid office will be essential through your years in school. They re there to help, so make sure you get the help you need. From: aamc.org/first 17

18 My Path to Medical School: Checklist College Year 1 Date Summer Talk with academic advisor about selecting fall semester courses Appointment with a pre-health advisor Add pre-health meetings to my calendar and get on lists Find opportunities to volunteer, shadow a doc, etc. Explore options for careers in medicine on Aspiring Docs website Apply to summer enrichment programs (if eligible) Explore premedical coursework requirements and application policies in MSAR Online Learn about financial aid and financing strategies through FIRST for Medical Education s website. Volunteer/work in medical field; internship, research, leadership Participate in summer enrichment programs Take summer courses as necessary or desired College Year 2 Summer Check in with pre-health advisor Add pre-health meetings to my calendar and double-check that I m getting s Volunteer/work in medically related activities Develop relationships with faculty, advisors, and mentors on campus (important for getting letters of recommendation later) Apply for summer research/enrichment programs (if eligible) Volunteer/work in medical field; internship, research, leadership Participate in summer enrichment programs Take summer courses as necessary or desired Check out the AMCAS website resources and review the process of applying (aamc.org/amcas) Look at the process of applying and preparing for the MCAT exam (aamc.org/mcat) Look at the Fee Assistance Program (aamc.org/fap) eligibility requirements College Year 3 Pursue leadership opportunities in pre-health organizations on campus Consider which faculty, advisors, and mentors to approach for letters of recommendation Continue with volunteer/work in meaningful clinical experiences, and possibly take on a more substantial role Meet with pre-health advisor to: Strategize my medical school application timeline, whether I want to take a gap year; discuss letters of recommendation; review medical education options; and discuss my schedule for completing premedical and other required coursework Summer Register for a spring date for the MCAT exam (if not taking a gap year) Explore premedical coursework requirements and application policies in MSAR Online Learn about financial aid and financing strategies through FIRST for Medical Education s web site. Continue with volunteer/work in meaningful clinical experiences, research, and leadership experiences Complete AMCAS application; work on secondary applications Request letters of recommendation from faculty, advisors, mentors College Year 4 Summer Continue with volunteer/work in meaningful clinical/research experiences Consult with pre-health advisor on application status, medical educations options, etc Complete supplementary application materials for schools I ve applied to Prepare for interviews and campus visits at medical schools Receive acceptances and make a decision on which medical school to choose Notify the medical schools I will not be attending by the deadline date given Complete FAFSA and financial aid forms Purchase books and equipment, and make my living arrangements Attend orientation programs and matriculate into medical school

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20 Association of American Medical Colleges 2450 N Street, N.W., Washington, D.C T F