Striving for Achievement: What Makes a Medical Student Successful?
Introduction
As an academic advisor that works predominately with students planning to apply to medical school, I am often asked two common questions. The first is one is asked by many first and second year students: “What do I need to do to make sure I get into medical school?” Not an easy question to answer. The second question is often asked by students who have achieved success in their own eyes and been admitted to at least one medical school: “How will I continue to be successful?” Without having gone to medical school myself, or having even thought about doing so for that matter, one the best things I can think of to to is conduct research to help support my
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My goal in writing this paper is to identify any commonalities, academic or not, in students who have been admitted to medical school, completed their undergraduate medical education and clinical practice period (ie. residency, clerkship, etc). By doing so, I hope to provide my students with some concrete answers to the questions about success.
The Current State of Research
Article 1:
Title: Predicting success in medical school: a longitudinal study of common Australian student selection tools
Author: Ruth M Sladek, Malcom J. Bond, Linda K. Frost and Kristy N. Prior
Date: 2016
Description:
This article examines the predictive validity of GPA (also referred to as previous academic achievement), standardized tests (the Graduate Australian Medical School referred to as the GAMSAT) and interviews (which aim to reveal nonacademic qualities) of potential medical students to determine which will be successful in medical school. To accomplish this goal, Sladek, Bond, Frost and Prior conducted a retrospective study using four different cohorts of medical students between the years of 2006 and 2009. The study included the collection of a great amount of data for comparison for the 382 students who participated. Data collected included information from the selection process such as GAMSAT scores, weighted GPA from undergraduate studies and scores from the six domains rated during the interview process. Data collected about the students’ performance while in medical
Succeeding in medical school will require a tremendous amount of perseverance and passion. No one gets into medical school without demonstrating perseverance and overcoming the challenges that occur throughout the journey. I have persevered through being denied admission during a previous application cycle and throughout difficult coursework while pursuing a master’s degree. Not only did I overcome the challenges that I faced, but excelled academically, at my job, and in extracurricular activities. By continuing to pursue my dream I was exposed to numerous experiences and underwent significant personal development. I understand that medical school will present very difficult material and more frequent challenges, but my goal is to be a physician
As I pushed through college and it became time to do research on potential medical schools, my eyes were opened to much more than my initial findings of the
The author speaks upon the residents as, “Lazy and spoiled” (Johnson 2012, para.4). Residents overcome many obstacles along the road in order to achieve their goal with the help of their dedication. Many believe that it takes a high GPA and a slew of experience to get into medical school. Instead of overworking the residences, imposing stricter entrance requirements for medical school applicants should be considered. “Society has become too lax and undisciplined, so the young have no sense of dedication or responsibility as a result” (Johnson 2012, para. 4). However, university admission requirements are increasing every year so as a result it forces students to work harder in order to keep up with their competition. Overall medical residents are knowledgeable and well educated individuals who earned their respect post 8 years of medical
The medical field is a career path that brings about many options and opportunities of great value. The noble idea of being a doctor tends to cloud the diligent studying and precise training that is actually required for this career. I have wanted to become a doctor since a very young age, and now that the opportunity is here for the taking, I have fully researched what it takes to succeed in this profession and various specialties of the practice. The road to a medical degree is one filled with thousands of notes, years of schooling, and many stressful nights, but the reward is one incomparable to any other. Saving people’s lives on a day-to-day basis has been one of my dreams for as long as I can remember, so the rigorous curriculum
The Texas A&M University Honors Program is much more than an ephemeral stepping stone towards medical school for me. While I am cognizant of the fact that I would be well prepared to achieve my goals even with a non-honors diploma, I recognize that the Honors Program would be an imperative step in my academic development and success. All throughout my life I have challenged myself to work towards excellence. Whether that be in sports, school, or my relationships with those around me, I have never chosen to settle because I realized I can accomplish so much more. The Honors Program will provide me with the tools necessary to thrive in a valuable environment of perpetual competition in which I will utilize the opportunities given to me in the
Approximately 69.2% of high school graduates, in October of 2015, were enrolled in colleges or universities. It is reported by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that in the year of 2016 the number of high school graduates enrolling in colleges will increase. Personally, a goal of mine is to enroll into the University of California Los Angeles, specifically UCLA School of Nursing. The career that appeals to me is one involved in caring for children. As a result of my interest, becoming Nurse Practitioner in Pediatrics would be the most desirable. UCLA is finest option in Medical Schooling around my location of interest. It is also the most reasonable for the price with benefitting high class education. In order to achieve this grand goal, one would need to pursue strongly a schedule in advanced academics as well as extra curricular activities to attract attention to the university application. A career in Medicine is one of the best options in occupations. As result of it’s reasonable amount of work in schooling for its tuition, it is practical in job application, finally Medicine is extremely beneficial for future financial income and retirement.
When planning my pre-medical schedule at the University of Iowa, I found a first year seminar titled “Journey to Medical School.” All of the fears, ambitions, and everything I could think of regarding my journey to medical school was covered in the seminar. I left the class feeling terrified, but more than that, excited and prepared for what was to come within my next 8 years. One of the class periods was filled with the intellect of students who currently attend Carver Medical School. During that class period, I was mesmerized by the way the students carried themselves. They talked with poise and grace. Listening to them talk about how their journey was going made my heart putter – I was terrified, yet excited to continue on my own
I am what would be considered a non-traditional applicant for medical school. As an undergraduate I did not know I wanted to be a physician, and I chose to major in electrical engineering. I have spent several years out of school employed in a professional environment working as a team member and utilizing my critical thinking skills. I have had experiences both professionally and personally beyond what the typical medical school applicant may have had. Therefore, if admitted, I would be able to contribute a unique perspective as someone who has walked an atypical path to a career in medicine.
Earlier this year, the United States Government asked the Institute of Medicine to conduct a study regarding this problem, specifically focusing on Graduate Medical Education, and its affects on the
I’ve always had an interest in studying medicine as is gives a diverse opportunity for careers in the future. I’m considering working with medicine as it allows me to work and interact with other people as this is something I enjoy as this is an aspect and value I go by is helping people to achieve a greater/healthier population. I have a great deal of patience and an understanding towards vulnerable social groups, as empathy is a good quality to have to provide patient satisfaction as this comes naturally to me. The joy of helping people directly is another influence. I have excellent teamwork skills this is another skill needed for the medical field as you will need to be able to work with other doctors and nurses on a daily basis.
My years in medical school helped not only with my academic and professional growth, but
Even I have asked myself am I even smart enough or good enough? There were times when I was growing up that I bought into those negative beliefs. There were times where I truly felt the idea of me getting into medical was impossible for aa girl of my background. Encouragement is needed by showing that it is not something impossible that is reserved to certain people. The medical field seems like a daunting task to students considering pursuing a career in that field.
Although medical schools are not solely interested in science majors, it is important that the student take the required courses in order to gain acceptance into medical school upon recieving a Bachelor's degree. Many pre-med students study vigourously and maintain grade point averages of 3.5 and above. However, due to the many hours that are put into school work, the number of pre-med students drops drastically during the last two years of college in which preperation for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) begin. The scores on the MCAT will determine if there is any chance of being
My character is calm, my approach is cordial, my personality is proficient, my strength is sincerity, my hidden trait is my delightful nature, and my fun is in my family. My innate aspiration is to be a dedicated daughter and sister with a well–rounded life. My professional ambition is to be a humble, respected doctor. I believe medicine is an incredible field. I am excited to enter the medical career. I want to be selected in the program that offers the chance to learn in a well–structured and well–administered environment with doctors who are dedicated to teach. I am a self-driven, determined student and I foresee the social and scholarly difficulties of University. I want to enlist in the program that will enable me to join both my individual and professional objectives into a single fulfilling career. I am heedful of the necessities of the medical occupation but my dedication and ambition to become a doctor has only been reinforced with my
I have taken stock of myself, considering my skills, experiences, and goals. I have looked to family and friends, some of whom are doctors, for advice. Because of this self-examination, I have decided to pursue a career in health care. The process has been difficult at times but always illuminating. Throughout it all, I have never lost confidence - the confidence that I will actively absorb all available medical knowledge, forge friendships with fellow students, and emerge from my training as a skilful and caring physician.