When deciding which school to attend, money will likely play a role. Beyond the obvious tuition and fee expenses, take a look at:
What are the living expenses (rent, food, gas, medical insurance)?
Does the school provide subsidized housing?
Do you need a car?
Can you take a 5th year to do research or travel without paying extra tuition?
Are resident advisor positions available that provide free room and board on campus in return for some service to the school?
Does the curriculum allow any time to hold a part-time job?
What financial aide options are available?
Do you have interest in joining the military or public service corps and having the government pay?
You may not believe it, but Harvard Medical School was my cheapest option because:
1. I didn’t need a car
2. I lived and ate for free as a resident advisor for four years
Remember – the FAFSA (financial aide information) is due June 30. But it’s better to get the FAFSA forms in as early as possible so that you can know your financial aide options early.
Looking for tips on how to make medical school more affordable? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider who paid for medical school herself!
Dr. Suzanne M. Miller, a Harvard/Stanford MD, admissions expert, and best-selling author, has dedicated herself to helping pre-meds and medical students succeed in their journey to doctorhood. Here, Dr. Miller provides tips, updates, and great insight on how to get into medical school and residency.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Medical School Choice: Curriculum
For the past few weeks, we have been discussing how to choose a medical school. Location and people top the list. The curriculum is another important criteria to think about.
How do you learn? Do you prefer formal lectures or small group learning? Do you learn better on your own or with study partners? Are you motivated by grades or prefer a “pass-fail” environment? Though the trend in medical school education is toward “problem-based learning” in small groups, some schools still focus on the more traditional lecture-style. Be honest with yourself about how you best learn (it’s ok if you like traditional lectures better than small-group learning) and ensure you choose a school whose curriculum fits that learning style.
Another tip – don’t be fooled by “pass-fail” schools that offer high pass, pass, and fail. That is basically an A, B, F grading system and creates competition for those few A slots. If you want pass-fail, be sure that’s what the school really offers. Schools will also often have different grading systems in the first two and last two years. Be sure you are informed.
Still grappling with which school to attend? We can help you decide. Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
How do you learn? Do you prefer formal lectures or small group learning? Do you learn better on your own or with study partners? Are you motivated by grades or prefer a “pass-fail” environment? Though the trend in medical school education is toward “problem-based learning” in small groups, some schools still focus on the more traditional lecture-style. Be honest with yourself about how you best learn (it’s ok if you like traditional lectures better than small-group learning) and ensure you choose a school whose curriculum fits that learning style.
Another tip – don’t be fooled by “pass-fail” schools that offer high pass, pass, and fail. That is basically an A, B, F grading system and creates competition for those few A slots. If you want pass-fail, be sure that’s what the school really offers. Schools will also often have different grading systems in the first two and last two years. Be sure you are informed.
Still grappling with which school to attend? We can help you decide. Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
Medical School Choice: April 15 Deadline
If you are looking to attend a school whose first day of class is on or before July 30, you must make your final decision by April 15. This means that by April 15 you must have informed your top choice that you are accepting the acceptance and withdraw your application from all other schools. For schools whose first day of class is after July 30, the deadline is May 15 to make your final decision.
Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Medical School Choice: People
Still trying to decide which medical school to attend? After location, a top priority is the people.
Did you like the students, professors, and administrators you met one your visit? Did they seem happy, stressed, nerdy, delinquent, competitive, genuine, competitive, service-oriented, etc., etc.? Do you think you will fit in at this medical school? Would you enjoy doing a group project of a study group with the students you met? Medical school happiness is often based on the people who surround you. Be sure that you like them!
Unsure about the people at a certain school? Call up and ask the admissions office if there are students that you can talk to on the phone. Ask your medical school advisor if any alumni from your undergraduate institution went to this school so that you can contact them. Ask your family if they know anyone who went there. My point is – ask around. You will find a lot of information just talking with current and previous students about their experiences.
Looking for help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
Did you like the students, professors, and administrators you met one your visit? Did they seem happy, stressed, nerdy, delinquent, competitive, genuine, competitive, service-oriented, etc., etc.? Do you think you will fit in at this medical school? Would you enjoy doing a group project of a study group with the students you met? Medical school happiness is often based on the people who surround you. Be sure that you like them!
Unsure about the people at a certain school? Call up and ask the admissions office if there are students that you can talk to on the phone. Ask your medical school advisor if any alumni from your undergraduate institution went to this school so that you can contact them. Ask your family if they know anyone who went there. My point is – ask around. You will find a lot of information just talking with current and previous students about their experiences.
Looking for help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Medical School Choice: Location, Location, Location
April has arrived and many of you have received one or more acceptances to medical school. Congratulations! (For those of you still on the waitlist or waiting to hear from schools, check out the multiple waitlist posting or shoot us an e-mail for personalized help).
There are multiple factors that should guide choosing which medical school to attend. Location is paramount. You will be living in this place for at least the next four years. Do you like the city/town? Do you have family, friends, or other social supports there? How’s the weather? Is there anything to do outside of medicine? Does the location support your extracurricular and community service goals? Can you afford to live there?
As my father always says when we discuss real estate, “Location, location, location.” It’s just as important when deciding on a medical school. Choose wisely.
Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
There are multiple factors that should guide choosing which medical school to attend. Location is paramount. You will be living in this place for at least the next four years. Do you like the city/town? Do you have family, friends, or other social supports there? How’s the weather? Is there anything to do outside of medicine? Does the location support your extracurricular and community service goals? Can you afford to live there?
As my father always says when we discuss real estate, “Location, location, location.” It’s just as important when deciding on a medical school. Choose wisely.
Want help picking which medical school to attend? Email info@MDadmit.com or call 415.939.5251 to set up a consulting session with a Harvard/Stanford MD and medical school admissions insider.
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