So now that you’ve decided to become a doctor, you are probably interested in your options. Becoming a doctor is typically associated with many years in school, good grades and the MCAT. Traditionally, a traditional medical school was the only way to become a doctor, but some have now found great success by choosing a BS/MD program.
These programs are designed to help students obtain their degrees in a shorter period than traditional medical school. Some doctors have spent nearly 14 years in a traditional medical school where they could have received the same certification in 7 or 8 by participating in a BS/MD program.
These programs have starkly different application process from that of a traditional medical school. For one, the MCAT is usually not required, and requirements are based more on high school grades and testing rather than that of college, as is with medical school requirements. There are over 70 programs available nationwide and requirements do vary, but ACT scores of 30 or better, SAT scores of 1400 or better, 3.5 minimum high school GPA and top 5% of graduating class are all common requirements.
It is important before choosing one of these programs to be aware of the application process that you will be involved with. Many schools offer seminars that allow students to find out more about the program before the application process begins. This is a great way to understand all that is required and to begin positioning yourself to fall into the requirements easily.
First, you will be required to fill out an application form, supply the program with ACT scores, SAT scores and high school transcripts. Many times you will be required to pay an application fee as well. Schools each have their own paperwork deadlines so it is important to look into the schools that you are applying to and follow their guidelines carefully.
During this initial process you will, more than likely, be required to submit a personal essay or a personal statement. This step can be a bit tricky, and is extremely important during the application process. Although you may be tempted to focus your essay around the field of medicine; why you love it, why you want to be a doctor, et cetera; you should avoid these topics.
Since you are applying for a medical program, the application review team already realizes that you are passionate about becoming a doctor and can probably figure out on their own why you are applying.
Another potential issue with this approach is that most schools require you to write an essay detailing why you want to become a doctor later on in the application process. This will be your opportunity to provide the school this information.
Your personal statement should provide something that the board doesn’t already know about you. Help them understand you better by showing instances that showcase your maturity or your leadership skills. If you are actively pursuing a BS/MD program, it is best to plan well ahead of time. Even as a young student, you should begin to place yourself in situations that will allow you the experience needed to write a compelling personal statement.
These programs are very selective and an excellent personal statement may make the difference between being accepted and being denied admittance. Give the program leaders and insight into who you are and how your experiences drive who you are attempting to become. Try to put yourself in their shoes and write something that would capture your attention if you were choosing between applicants.
Most programs offer very little guidance regarding the length of a personal statement. The typical maximum length is around 5300 characters. (It is important to distinguish between characters and words in this situation.) This will usually take up about a page and a half in a word document. The length that you decide is completely up to you; it can be as short as you like. However, remember that the content of your essay is the most important part. Most applicants use the majority of their allowed characters, but you also should avoid rambling as well. Make sure that the information that you put into your personal essay is meaningful and important.
Every person who applies to a BS/MD program is doing so with the intent of becoming a doctor. By writing a personal essay based around the reasons you want to become a doctor, you are not allowing yourself to stand out as a quality applicant. Instead, write something that will capture their attention and want to learn more about you and help you on your road to success.
Remember, the goal of this essay is to get you into the step of the application process. Usually, if your application is approved, you will be asked to sit for an interview. As before mentioned a personal statement should make the reader more curious about you and drive them to request an interview from you. Your statement should focus on your experiences that have led you to the desire to become a doctor. Those experiences will be unique to you and give you an edge over the other applicants that are also applying for the same program.
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