“Every person I meet is my master in something, and in that I learn from him.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
What are the most selective medical schools looking for?
Academic success in a challenging, rigorous program of study is the most important factor in determining your viability. Admission committees value a consistent level of achievement over four years of college; but they also give strong consideration to “late-bloomers,” students who demonstrate delayed yet significant improvement over the course of their academic career. While your grades and the MCAT are the most obvious indication of potential future success, medical schools also want to see that you’ve carefully thought about your future, can articulately explain why the career you’ve chosen matters to you, and how you’ve positively impacted others. Furthermore, every premier school of medicine uses a holistic approach to admissions, assessing your intellectual vitality, strength of character, non-academic abilities and activities, and good judgement.
“With a mission no less than the relief of human suffering – and so much suffering in the world – we can never be complacent: we have to keep getting better and better.”“A Harvard doctor is someone for whom the pursuit of excellence – both professional and personal – is a way of life. If this describes you, we encourage you to apply to Harvard Medical School today.”
Edward M. Hundert, MD
Dean for Medical Education
Harvard Medical School
15 qualities that premier medical programs look:
- Academic & Social Intelligence
- Intellectual Curiosity and Scholarly Research experience
- Impactful leadership & an Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Sustained Interest, demonstrated through Growth and Progression
- Genuine and Authentic Presentation
- Fine Character, Good Judgement, Exceptional Accomplishments, confirmed by letters of reference
- Professional, Reliable and Unselfish
- Qualities consistent with the Mission of the institution
- A vision that can be articulated with clarity
- National and International Leadership Potential
- Global World View & Foreign Language Proficiency
- Meaningful, Consistent and Compassionate Service to the Community and to Humanity
- Special Talent, Experiences and Perspectives
- Impact positively most people they meet
- Compelling applicant that the admissions committee would like to meet on campus
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