As I work with Ethiopian high school students, some have expressed interest in studying medicine in the United States but lack essential information about this intricate process. In this short blog, I aim to clarify what it takes to be a medical student in the United States.

The Path to Medical School

Most medical schools in the US requires a bachelor's degree, meaning you must study at a university for 3-4 years before applying to medical school. Here's a breakdown of the key steps and requirements:

University Prerequisites

You must take certain required university classes. Although minor deviations exist based on specific school requirements, a standard path includes:

• One year of organic and inorganic chemistry (with lab)

• One year of introductory biology (with lab)

• One year of physics (with lab)

• One year of undergraduate courses in the US to be eligible for medical school application

Additional Requirements

Each medical school has nuances and restrictions on where you earn your undergraduate degree. Schools also require you to take exams like the TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency.

Some other major requirements include:

• Extracurriculars: Clinical and non-clinical volunteering

• Research: Can be in any field, can be a source of a recommendation letter

• Letters of Recommendation: Typically, 3-6 letters are required

• AMCAS Application: Along with a school-specific secondary application

• GPA: Matriculants typically have a 3.7+ GPA in university

• MCAT: Matriculants typically have a score of 511

• Shadowing a Physician

Building a Pre-Medical Community

Student organizations on campus in the US are a great way to find a pre-medical community. The purpose of extracurricular activities is to discover or enhance your passion for medicine while developing essential professional and leadership skills.

Gaining Clinical Experience

Gaining clinical experience is crucial for your medical school application. This can include volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or health camps. Many US universities offer pre-medical programs that provide opportunities for clinical exposure.

Research Opportunities

Participating in research projects, even those unrelated to medicine, can enhance your application. Research experience demonstrates your ability to engage in scientific inquiry and contributes to your understanding of the medical field.

Preparing for the MCAT

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a critical component of your application. Start preparing for the MCAT early, using a variety of resources such as prep courses, study guides, and practice tests. Aim for a score that meets or exceeds the average for matriculants.

Financial Considerations

A major pitfall for international students is the inaccessibility of federal loans. Some schools even require you to show that you have the financial resources before matriculation. However, outside scholarships and institutional loans are still available.

Applying Strategically

When applying to medical schools, research each school's requirements and preferences for international students. Some schools are more accommodating to international applicants and offer specific resources to support them.

Conclusion

As you can see, being an international medical student in the United States is a path of sacrifice. It is hard to know if it is your path at 18 years old, but I hope you now have a clearer understanding of the work that lies ahead in this marathon journey. Despite the challenges, the journey can be incredibly rewarding, offering the opportunity to contribute to global healthcare and bring diverse perspectives to the medical field. Here is a link with more information that you should check out: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-schools-that-accept-international-students

About the author: Eliyas is a medical student at the University of Michigan Medical School.