by Lauren DiProspero, former admissions officer at Columbia University

Did you know that there are two medical degrees that lead to becoming a physician?

There is the MD (allopathic) and the DO (osteopathic). Application requirements for these degrees are similar: they both require the MCAT, experience in the field in the form of clinical exposure and research, and pre-requisite courses. Each degree’s medical training is similar: both are four-year medical school programs followed by three or more years of residency. Post-graduation outcomes are also similar: each program’s graduates are physicians who are trained and licensed to practice medicine – prescribing medicine, performing surgery, and practicing in specialty areas.

In another segment in our Med School Series, we’ll consider post-baccalaureate programs, including what they are and who would benefit. We’ve been giving a lot of attention to early action, early decision, and priority decision admissions plans, but this week we’re all about regular decision lists and planning. Finally, for those of you hoping to establish better financial habits in the new year, we have suggestions on developing a spending plan.

by Lauren DiProspero, former admissions officer at Columbia University

As college students studying pre-med progress towards the end of their junior year, they may start to wonder if they should begin applying to medical school. If you happen to be one of these pre-med juniors, it may feel like all of your peers are on track to do just that.

Guest Post By Valerie Jaquith, Senior Manager on the Academic Coaching team with Bright Horizons EdAssist

If you have started the journey toward medical school, you may have a good understanding why it is not for everyone. The path to becoming a doctor is a very long and arduous, though rewarding, one that requires a hefty investment of your time and money.

Even though you may be at the beginning stages of your path toward a lifelong dream, it is still worthwhile to consider other opportunities in the vast world of healthcare. At the very least, you may discover a new-to-you field that piques your interest and can serve as a viable backup plan!

by Lauren DiProspero, former admissions officer at Columbia University

Did you discover a passion for medicine in junior or senior year of college – or you graduated and want a career change? Maybe you weren’t able to complete all pre-requisite courses or you need to improve your science GPA before applying to medical school. It can seem overwhelming to know where to start. The good news is that you have options! One option is a post-baccalaureate (post-bac) program. Post-bac programs come in many different formats but the two main categories are career changer and record enhancement.

by Michelle Richardson, former Assistant Vice President at Chase Student Loans

Obtaining a medical degree can pave the way for adults to follow their dream of becoming a medical doctor. However, that dream can be shattered once the newly graduated medical doctor realizes that they are buried in educational loan debt. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the class of 2019 medical students’ median debt was $200,000, and about 18% of those graduates incurred $300,000 in premed and medical school educational loan debt combined.    

by Lauren DiProspero, former admissions officer at Columbia University

The process of applying to medical school requires a lot of reflection on the part of applicants. As you start considering when you want to apply, the very first question you should be asking yourself is: Am I competitive for medical school? You need to do an honest assessment of your academics, MCAT score, experiences, and motivation. It can be helpful to include your pre-med advisor in this process as that person has seen many students from your college apply to medical school. They can also provide suggestions for next steps to take to improve your application. Remember, gap years are incredibly common and you do not want to apply to medical school unless you have prepared the strongest application possible.

For those students interested in pursuing med school post-college, engaging with your pre-med advisor will be an important part of the process. Our resident med school admissions expert, Lauren DiProspero, will offer her suggestions for making the most of this relationship. We’ll also answer as many of your burning college finance and admissions questions as we can.

by Lauren DiProspero, former admissions officer at Columbia University

Every college has advisors dedicated to helping students interested in pre-professional paths like medicine, dentistry, law, or pharmacy, among others. These advisors can be found in many types of offices on campus, from those of academic deans and professors, to centralized locations like career counseling centers. At many colleges, there is an office dedicated to these pathways, and it is most commonly called pre-health or pre-professional advising. If you are having trouble identifying the person or office on your campus, ask your academic advisor or the student services office. They will be able to point you in the right direction!

by Lauren DiProspero, former admissions officer at Columbia University

Congratulations! You have been invited to interview at a medical school. Making it to this point is a big deal. No applicant is admitted to medical school without an interview and most applicants do not receive an invitation to interview.