Your academic record is a very important factor in the application to professional school. Applicants who demonstrate a strong academic performance and standardized test scores have a distinct advantage in gaining admission.
Additionally, admission committees try to accept an entering class with a broad range of skills, interests, and abilities. They desire a diverse class of interesting and talented people, which is why we encourage you to pursue academic and extracurricular experiences that have meaning and value to you. Successful applicants, as varied as their backgrounds may be, have all provided compelling evidence to admission committees that they are high achievers and that their achievements have been accomplished with excellence. The successful applicant has shown a realistic grasp of their strengths, weaknesses, and reasons for wanting to be a health professional.
Successful applicants usually are:
- Highly motivated
- Have experience in clinical settings to build their knowledge of and exposure to their desired healthcare field
- Exhibit outstanding personal qualities
- Demonstrate evidence of genuine concern for others through volunteer work and community service
Successful applicants possess personal qualities such as:
- Maturity
- Integrity
- Compassion
- Leadership
- Creativity
- Perseverance
- Cultural sensitivity
- Dedication
All of which are reflected in their involvement in helping others, community service, research, and clinical or other experiences (see AAMC core competencies). These competencies are relevant for individuals pursuing ANY health profession!
