How to build Your Resume for Medical School

Learn what is necessary to have on your medical school resume!

Instructions

1. There are three main things that are placed on the resume: HIGH GPA, HIGH MCAT SCORES, and HIGH amounts of extracurriculars (i.e. research, internships, jobs, volunteer service). The first, high GPA, is rather self-explanatory and arguably the most important. Medical Schools need to see that you are an aspiring student that works hard and achieves high goals. A clear-cut way to do this is accomplish good grades. And "good grades" are not B and B+. "Good grades" are A, A-, and RARELY a B+. With all the students applying to medical school, the only way to impress the admissions officer with high GPA is to get good grads. As shown in many medical schools' entrance statistics, the average GPA in medical schools across the nation is 3.57 and rising. Of course this means that there are students that get accepted with GPA's below 3.57, but why would you risk being below the average if you REALLY want to be a doctor? Study hard. Don't quit. Aim high.

2. 

   The second thing that needs to be HIGH on your resume is your MCAT score. The average MCAT score is 30 and rising. This is why people begin studying for the test 1 YEAR AHEAD. There are many preparatory classes that can be taken to help with the studying, including the Princeton Review, and make a huge difference in the overall entrance statistics. Along with a class, buy MCAT studying books at a local book store. These have valuable practice tests that include questions from old exams. The best way to study for the MCAT, is repitition. These books contain thousands of questions in the format of the actual exam, and also have study guides on test material. It is definitely worth the money for one (or hopefully more) of these books. This test is a way to show the medical school officers that your high grades aren't mistakes.

3. The third thing that must be HIGH on your resume is extracurriculars. You really must have numerous jobs, internships, and research experiences. Hopefully you can get opportunities in the medical field for internships and research, which would help to show that you already have a passion for and experience in the world of medicine. Look in your school newspaper's classifieds to see if local offices or hospitals are looking for work. Craigslist sometimes has hospital job listings. Ask relatives, friends, professors. Professors can also open doors to research. Never be afraid to ask the professor if he is looking for research assistants. Most importantly, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN. Always be looking for opportunities. Medical school is only getting tougher and tougher to get into, and only the best get in. Therefore,you must do everything in your power to get in. Strive everyday, and when in question, do more.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't quit!