Medical School and Law School Application Tips

Applying to Medical School or Law School? Here are a few useful tips when starting your application process.

Collect application information from each school you wish to apply to, as every institution has different requirements. Study the facility, the program and even request an information packet from the institution you have selected to attend.
Choosing a school to pursue a Doctor of Medicine or Law Degree can be a difficult task. Knowing exactly what options you have at that facility can narrow down your choices. Also, visiting the schools you have selected as possible places of study can further your knowledge of those institutions and thus, make your choices a little easier.
Make sure you have completed the pre-requisites necessary to advance in the admissions process. Whether its an extra Science course, an English course, or even a CPR certification, each school has a set of requirements that must be met in order to advance in the selection process.

For most Medical Schools and Law Schools, an autobiographical sketch or personal statement is required. It is important that you demonstrate your interest in medicine or law and emphasize why you would want to pursue a career in these fields. Make sure you study closely what questions you need to answer for each school. Some schools may want specific questions answered, while other schools encourage you to create a passage on your own. Remember to proofread!
It is important to be a well-rounded individual. Write about your volunteer experience, work experience, any clinical rotations and other forms of community involvement. Be honest and truthful about the information you are disclosing. For many schools, verification is needed for every activity you participated in. A contact name and telephone number for each, must be provided.
Prepare writing well in advance of submitting your application. Make sure you are concise, creative, and comprehensive. Keep it interesting.
Get your autobiographical sketch and/or personal statement proofread by approximately 3 or more people. Choose individuals from different fields to provide you with valuable feedback. You can never be too careful.

Choose your references wisely and give your referees enough time to create a well-crafted letter for you. Usually, schools require academic references (i.e.: professors) and sometimes wish to receive a non-academic reference. In some cases, Medical schools and Law schools do not require reference letters or just want a contact name. It is crucial you study the application requirements for each school.
Make sure you ask for your reference letters well in advance; this will give your referees enough time to write the letter and send it in. As well, it is courteous to provide your referees with the proper forms and a stamped envelop to make the task as simple as possible.
When choosing your referees, make sure the person is someone who has known you for a while. Do you think they will recommend you as a good worker, communicator, and a person? Provide them with some extra information about you. This will give them an opportunity to create a more comprehensive letter.

Possible Referees

Academic: professors, research supervisors

Non-Academic: volunteer supervisors, employers, your Doctor or Dentist

It is important to find out the exam dates for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and/or the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), as most schools require these exams for possible admission.
Each Medical school and Law school differs on how they weigh your application. Some consider your grade point average (GPA) higher than your MCAT and/or LSAT score. You need to understand the academic strengths of your application.
To find out about the MCAT and/or LSAT, go to www.kaptest.com.

www.ouac.on.ca - Ontario Law and Medical School Application Service

www.kaptest.com - Kaplan: Test Prep and Admissions information

www.aamc.org/students - Association of American Medical Colleges (Application information)

Created by Christina Carile, Career Peer Advisor, 2003 D'Youville College Career Services Center