Authors: Paul Jung
ISBN-13: 9780761917571, ISBN-10: 0761917578
Format: Paperback
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date Published: October 1999
Edition: New Edition
Getting In: How Not To Apply to Medical School is a tough, practical guide for people storming the ramparts of medical school admission boards. Paul Jung takes the pre-med or second-career aspirant from pre-application experiences through the application process with a very practical approach. The book is filled with the pitfalls and misconceptions applicants frequently make, rendering the subtitle particularly apt and (for those terrified of the unknowns) eminently appealing. The volume also includes self-diagnostic sections and common pitfalls to avoid when applying to medical school. Contrary to popular belief, applying to medical school doesn't have to be stressful and time-consuming. Getting In shows students caught in the web of medical school admissions boards how to apply to medical school the right way--setting themselves apart from the rest of the crowd. Jung takes pre-med and second-career aspirants through the entire ordeal and lets them know how important it is to apply as early as possible. From preparation and finding ways to obtain an application noticed by the admissions committee to information on the MCAT and getting through common interview traps, the book gives inside tips and helps applicants through what can be a stressful and uncertain time. The author allows readers a glimpse into common errors that others have made in their quests for acceptance, such as taking all required science courses in one semester or leaving large chunks of a medical application blank. Taking a down-to-earth, realistic approach, Jung acknowledges the pitfalls and misconceptions frequently made by applicants and even provides alternative solutions for discouraged students. Theresult is a well-written book that describes hardships and blunders but also gives good, practical information on how to succeed.
A guidebook to successfully applying to medical schools. Topics include the MCAT test, common interview traps, researching medical schools, in-state preferences, and other topics that may prove useful to the undergraduate applying for admission. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Foreword | ix | |
Acknowledgments | xi | |
Introduction: Why, when, and how should you read this book? | xiii | |
Section I. | Preparation Is Everything: Which of these mistakes are you making? | 1 |
1. | First Principles: What is your unique individuality? | 3 |
2. | Do You Hate Biology? Science majors have lower admissions rates than nonscience majors | 7 |
3. | Candy Striper? Cleaning bedpans is not always related to success as a physician | 11 |
4. | Researcher or Rat Killer? "Science slavery" may not be your most productive option | 13 |
5. | More Is Better, Right? Will more sciences boost GPAs and excite admissions committees? | 15 |
6. | Older and Wiser: Postbaccalaureates are unique applicants who need unique advice | 19 |
Section II. | In the Thick of It: Every single step in the application process is an opportunity for disaster | 25 |
7. | The MCAT: The dreaded exam and when to take it | 27 |
8. | M.D. or D.O.? What's the difference, if any? | 33 |
9. | They're All the Same, Aren't They? Not all medical schools are created equal | 35 |
10. | Truly Unique Programs: Find one for you | 47 |
11. | How Many Applications? Should I apply to every single school? | 53 |
12. | U.S. and Canadian Medical Schools: A complete list of addresses, phone numbers, and Websites | 57 |
13. | AMCAS and AACOMAS: What are they and which is for you? | 91 |
14. | Writing Your Personal Statement: Are you Ernest Hemingway? | 95 |
15. | Deadline Dummies: Your application deadline should be June 1. That's right, June 1 | 99 |
16. | "Early D" Tragedy: Early decision is not for everyone. Chances are, it's not for you | 101 |
17. | Secondaries and Recommendation Letters: There aren't "good" and "bad" letters, just "right" and "wrong" letters | 105 |
18. | Your Interview: What to expect, what to ask | 109 |
19. | Which One? Now that you've been accepted, how do you choose? | 113 |
20. | By Association: Now that you're a doctor, you may want to join your colleagues | 117 |
Section III. | Never Give Up: There are plenty of health care options outside of medical school | 121 |
21. | Should I Try Again? This isn't as easy a question as it seems | 123 |
22. | Hey, Man, I Just Want to Help People: You don't need an M.D. to help people in health care | 125 |
23. | Hey, Man, I Just Want to Be a Doctor: Options off the beaten path that you may not have considered | 129 |
Index | 133 | |
About the Author | 141 |