1) Strong Academic Record. Medical school admissions committees are looking for evidence of academic success. The most obvious way this is evaluated is through undergraduate grade point average (gpa). The undergraduate record, particularly grades in biology, chemistry, physics and math, is the most important single factor in predicting whether or not a student will be admitted to a particular medical school. Medical schools play close attention to academic course loads and the types of course work taken. An applicant’s academic record should demonstrate a mastery of science course work including courses beyond the minimum requirements for admission. Science course work should be complimented with broad course work that demonstrates an awareness of the world and the people in it. Students are expected to complete 14-16 hours per semester throughout their undergraduate years. There are always individual exceptions for students who work full-time or who have other extenuating circumstances, however the typical student should strive to stay within this course hour range. The semester that you are studying for the MCAT, course loads may be slightly lower. The most recent data obtained from the 2004-2005 Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) indicate that the average grade point average of accepted applicants is as follows:

4) Realistic Understanding of the Medical Field. After determining that a student is academically qualified, medical schools seek to determine his/her motivation for a career in medicine. Admission committees want to make sure that an applicant has explored the field of medicine and has a grasp of the personal demands and trials they will face both in medical school and as a practicing physician. Motivation for and interest in medicine as a career is best demonstrated outside the classroom. Before applying to medical school, applicants should have spent substantial time volunteering, working, or shadowing a physician in a variety of medical settings. These settings can include hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, clinics, psychiatric facilities, or hospices. It is recommended that students keep journals of their experiences to record their feelings and opinions about their time as a volunteer. Admissions committees are more interested in how the experience affected you and the ways in which it helped confirm your choice of a career in medicine, rather than a list of activities that you performed or observed. They want to know what you learned, rather than what you did. These journal entries will be helpful as you write your personal essay for medical school and during interviews with prospective medical schools.

5) Commitment to Community Service. Another area where motivation
for a career in medicine is evaluated is through the student’s demonstrated commitment to service in the community. Compassion and empathy are traits that doctors must possess to provide quality care to their patients. Involvement in community service projects can help a students learn to communicate and empathize with people of different backgrounds and cultures and to develop a willingness to put others needs before their own. Rather than trying to pad a resume with one day or short-term events, try to find one or two organizations or activities and become actively involved in ongoing service. Spending a few hours a week or one day a month at an agency where you can develop relationships and gain insight into your future role as a care-giver is much more highly regarded than a long list of one time only events. The community service does not necessarily have to be done at a health care agency. Agencies such as Big Buddy, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, etc. provide excellent opportunities for personal growth and development.

6) Extra-Curricular/Leadership Activities. Premedical students should have a life outside the classroom and laboratory. It is important to take advantage of the many opportunities available to you at LSU. There are over 300 student organizations ranging from religious organizations to sports and recreational clubs. Medical school admissions committees want to see students get involved in their campus and community. Rather than trying to become a part of numerous clubs/organizations to list on a resume, find one or two and make a commitment. The club/organization does not necessarily have to be heath professions related. Find a club that seems interesting to you and join. Activities outside the classroom are a vital part of the college experience and serve to help you develop and grow into a well-rounded person. Long-term involvement in clubs and organizations demonstrate dedication, active interest in your world, and allow for opportunities for leadership. The challenge of overseeing club projects, motivating peers, and developing decision-making skills as an officer in a club can be very beneficial and is highly valued by medical schools.

7) Research Experience. Most admissions committees place value on research experiences. Research involves initiative, problem-solving, and dedication to scientific inquiry. Being involved in research demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. The hands-on experience in a laboratory and collaboration with faculty members, provides new opportunities to experience first hand the development of new information leading to advancement in science. Faculty members are always looking for dependable, enthusiastic students to assist in research. Working within a lab setting, provides an opportunity for students to develop relationships with faculty members who can be a valuable resource for letters of evaluation and personal references. The experience can be a paid position, volunteer or for course credit. Most departments have independent research courses that may be used for degree credit. Contact the individual academic departments for information on available opportunities for undergraduate research.