Introduction to 'What and How' of Medical Studies and Admissions in the US

The study of medicine is an integration of science, technology, experience, and experiment that enables students to alleviate human pain and suffering.

Throughout your four years of Medicine studies, you will study with classmates who come from many different countries.  During the first two years, the emphasis is placed on biological sciences, which are closely related with the social and behavioral sciences. In Year 1 Laboratories, conferences, and lectures complement a problem-based approach that emphasizes self-learning in group tutorials facilitated by a tutor.  At the end of Year 2, you will be required to take Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Years 3 & 4 are the clinical years when your medical education comes alive when you learn the practice of medicine by practicing your skills in real-world clinical settings. During these years, students take up one to three-month clerkships at hospitals. They work with real patients and doctors in different fields of medicine—including surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, psychiatry, and radiology. They participate in primary care clerkships, working half a day every week at the offices of a primary care internist, pediatrician, or family physician. They also prepare to take Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Confronted with the everyday realities of the practice of medical students find these years both challenging and incredibly fulfilling.

Selection Criteria

Admissions Committee evaluates applications based on a variety of criteria that could range from academic records and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores to extracurricular activities, research, and community-service experiences in the field of health care. The factors of admission could be:

• Academic Records
• Essay
• MCAT scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Summer Occupations
• Experience in the health field, including research or community work
• Letters of recommendations

How to Apply

Applications are made through AMCAS, the American Medical College Application Service. AMCAS is a service through which prospective medical students can apply to various medical schools in the United States. A non-refundable application filing fee of $100 must accompany the application when it is submitted.

Application Requirements

International students need to supplement their education with at least one year of college or university training in the United States or Canada if they have completed academic work in their home country.

Interview

Candidates who are invited to interview will receive an email from the Admissions Office regarding available interview dates as well as information about the day itself.

Check out more on Studying in USA:

• Universities in USA
• Student Guide to USA
• US Student Visa Guide
• Scholarships to Study in USA
• Education Loan for Studying in USA