Through the Application Process: Resources
From the desk of Tegan...
Where to begin? So, this is my second time going through this application process and although it is quite painful, this time around I feel like I somewhat know what I am doing. The first time I applied was June of 2013, which was when I graduated from Stanford.
Lauren and I wanted to share all the resources we have collected (me through 2 rounds of applying and Lauren through being way more on top her schmidt than I am). We have a resources tab in the navigation (see above) and have posted many of our resources here via google drive. Whenever we find new resources, they will be posted there as well.
A little about the application generally…
First of all, you can begin filling everything out online in early May and it usually opens for submission first few days of June. In terms of content, there are the standard sections (general info, your parents, your childhood, felonies, etc). Then you have the pleasure of meticulously typing in all of your classes EXACTLY as they appear on your OFFICIAL transcripts. If you mess something up, it could delay your application up to something absurd like 10 weeks, hence why everyone recommends ordering an official transcript for yourself. Next is the “activities section” where you can list up to 15 activities. For each activity, you estimate your number of hours and have 700 characters to describe it. For 3 of your up to 15 activities that you deem “most meaningful” you get and additional 1325 characters to explain why it changed the very core of who you are (AAAAH!). Finally, there is the personal statement.
Currently I am in the slaving over my personal statement stage… how many drafts can one possibly do? Anyone who has written a personal statement for anything already knows that it can be agonizing. How are you supposed to show someone who you are in 5,300 characters including spaces? Not only are they supposed to feel as if they know you after reading those characters, you are also supposed to be so AWESOME that they remember YOU above everyone else. Good luck!
You can see how this can be pretty intimidating. Something to keep in mind, that advisors and beyond say over and over again: your personal statement will not make or break your application. Yes it can help and yes it can probably hurt as well, but it will not be the reason you are or are not accepted to a medical school.
I will compile notes we have on all aspects of the personal statement here. For most people, the problem is getting started, one of the best things you can do is start stream of consciousness. Just START writing. Because staring at that blank word doc is the scariest part of the process. We also have some questions that you can get started with. These are used as exercises to get you started and get you thinking, so when I was made to do them, we got 3-5 minutes each question and just typed/wrote whatever came to mind (check them out here).
As I make my way through the application process, I will post updates :)
Here is a list of the resources we currently have: 2015 compiled MSAR Data spreadsheet, personal statement exercises, AMCAS application worksheet, a general application timeline, and more. Make sure to check it out!
In the wise words of Dory "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming swimming swimming"
