A medical admissions officer spoke Wednesday afternoon to a group of pre-med students about the secrets of getting ahead when applying to medical school. While he said MCAT scores and GPAs are a big factor in getting an interview, what matters most are the essays.
Dr. David Jones is the Associate Dean of Admissions at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Jones has a background in Anesthesiology and Pharmacology from the University of Texas. Since receiving his medical degree, he has been teaching, as well as been involved with medical school admissions for over 20 years.
Essay Content is Key
Jones says there are three essential parts that an applicant should address in his or her essay. First, an applicant should prove that they are a leader and have taken on great responsibility roles in college. The more responsibility one takes one, the more impressive one’s application will appear.
“Why are we so focused on responsibility? Because physicians take responsibility day in and day out,” Jones said.
Another important part of the ideal essay includes an indication that the applicant is involved in community service. Doctors serve the community on a daily basis, so the earlier a student shows their passion in improving their community, the better they appear to a school, Jones said.
Jones’ final point about the essay is it’s the applicant’s chance to say why they want to be a doctor. The most important objective that a pre-med student shouldn’t lose sight of is why they are applying to medical school, according to Jones. He says without passion, a student can’t survive medical school.
“Medical school is an emotional and physical challenge,” Jones said. “You will never experience self doubt like you will in medical decision.”
Other students who already knew medical school is in their future said the lecture helped to keep them on track.
“[Jones] was informative and gave me insight into where I should and what I should look into these next few years. It helps me keep my goals high,” sophomore Sarah Suki said. “The process is stressful, a lot of work, but as long as there is commitment and passion, the time and work will be worth it,