It is widely believed throughout the nation that medical school is the hardest graduate and professional school to get accepted into. There is the grueling business school and the demanding law school, but medical school seems to consistently top the list in being – based on several national average statistics – the most overall intense. Of course, this is a subjective matter, as people can argue that any graduate or professional school is difficult in their own sense, but if you take a look at some of the statistics, some of the solid numbers, then you may be surprised (or not) to find that medical school really does possess the most daunting numbers!

Just to give you an idea of some acceptance rates into medical school:

California:                  From 1.3% to 3.69%

Massachusetts:           From 1.66% to 14%

New York:                 From 1.61% to 3.54%

(As you can see, despite the random bursts of high acceptance rates, the numbers are typically very low – meaning, it’s not an easy feat getting into medical schools regardless of where you are in the country!)

In terms of advice to get accepted into medical school, your chances can significantly increase if you just focused on preparation. Stop thinking about how hard it’s going to be and how many sacrifices you are going to have to take on. Instead, start thinking and planning ahead so that when the time comes for you to dive into that seemingly endless abyss of studying time, then you’re simply ready to take on the challenge.

Well, I guess it helps to know just what it is you should focus on in increasing your chances of getting into medical school. So, I thought it would be helpful if I just laid it down for you really clear:

Your chances of getting into medical will be far greater than most other medical school applicants if you appropriately prepare your:

1)      GPA!

2)      MCAT!

3)      Letter of Recommendation(s)!

4)      Personal Statement!

5)      Interview!

You’ve got to be a competitive applicant. Aside from the clique adages that revolve around the phrase, “you’ve got to stand out,” it is wise to step back into reality sometimes and start right back at the basics: work hard. You know what, do not just work hard. Instead, work much, much, harder than everyone else you could possibly imagine.

From my conversation with several medical school students, the thing that keeps them “on top of their medical school game” is their constantly being reminded that they are just one of many other hard working medical school students.

You do not want to fall behind, so start early and work hard!