Suggestions for becoming a good candidate
- Do Research
- Select a Major that you are interested in – you are more likely to do well in those courses, plus have a back-up plan
- Prioritize Academics – professional schools look at your GPA and professional exam score before the rest of your application
- Gain Health Care Experience – whether a paid job or shadowing, professional schools want to know that you know what you are getting into
- Get involved – join the Pre-Med Club, other campus organizations, or outside groups to demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills
- Volunteer – professional schools like well-rounded applicants, plus those who will ultimately give back to their communities.
Additional suggestions as you start to apply to schools
- START EARLY
- Complete as many of the pre-requisites as possible prior to applying
- Start your professional school application as soon as it becomes available
- Apply before the application deadline to get the best chance of an early interview and acceptance into the program of your choice
- Seek advisement – from instructors, professionals in the field, the school to which you are applying, and other students who have been there.
- Do well on the pre-professional test – study the topics and do practice tests (don’t just take it cold)
- Get feedback for your personal statement
- Gain knowledge about your field of interest and the schools to which you will apply
You’ve made the academic cut and you’ve got an interview – now what?
- Be able to converse about the specific profession for which you are interested, the program to which you are applying, and current issues in health care
- Be ready to describe at least one example from actual volunteer / work / shadowing experience that left an impression on you
- If it is in your application, be prepared to talk about it! (i.e., research experience, volunteer work, participation in a club event, your dog, mission trip, etc.)
- Practice interviewing to have ideas of how to respond, but don’t memorize answers
- Show up early
- Treat EVERYONE as if they were the interviewers
- Have prepared questions to ask the interviewers
- Make eye contact, try to relax as much as possible, and be confident – this is your moment to show them you have what it takes!
- Turn off your cell phone and put it away – focus on the interview
- Above all - be honest and be yourself
What if you don’t get in the first time you apply?
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- Try not to be discouraged
- Honestly assess the situation and contact the professional school – is there a realistic
chance to get in next year if you make specific improvements to your application?
Improvements may include:
- Re-taking pre-requisites, or taking advanced / graduate courses
- Finishing your degree
- Improving your GPA or professional test score
- Gaining more health care experience
- Re-interview with the SWOSU Pre-Medical Committee – be prepared to tell the Committee why you are a stronger applicant this time around
Note: By applying again, you are demonstrating a commitment to this medical field and that (hopefully) you are a more qualified applicant than the previous year.