Session 134

Today, we answer some questions coming from the mailbag. If you have questions you want us to answer, here are a couple ways to drop them in:

• www.medicalschoolhq.net/feedback
• Email Ryan at ryan@medicalschoolhq.net
• Join the over 425 other premeds in our Facebook group at www.medicalschoolhq.net/group

Here are the answers to questions from some of our beloved listeners:

Should you start studying for the MCAT alone or should you just dive right in with a tutoring program?

• It depends. Everybody has different methods of studying
• Taking a test prep course will more than likely give you a boost in your score by several points.

Should surgeons have to get used to blood and flesh?

• Either you like it or not.

Taking finance as premed?

• What you’re majoring has no bearing on your ability to get into medical school.
• How well you do in your major and the med school pre-requisites make all the difference in the world.
• Follow your passion.

Shadowing or volunteering hours requirement to be competitive?

• Shadowing:  What you need to show is that you have shadowed and gotten close enough to the patient and understand what you’re getting yourself into.
• Volunteering:  For your sense of pride and accomplishment and for the admissions committee to see that you are willing to give and take time to go volunteer and give to others

*The University of Utah dictates the required shadowing hours to apply.

• Community volunteer services: 36 hours in the last 4 years (Average of 100 hours within the last 4 years)
• Physician shadowing: 8-24 hours

What type of study-er are you? How much time do you have dedicated to studying for the MCAT?

• The MCAT is one of the biggest admissions criteria and requirements that you need to do as well as you can on. So you NEED to be serious and #respecttheMCAT. Do well in it. So plan ahead and work backwards from there.

Links and Other Resources

• Free MCAT Gift: Free 30+ page guide with tips to help you maximize your MCAT score and which includes discount codes for MCAT prep as well.
• Check out our partner magazine, www.premedlife.com to learn more about awesome premed information.
• Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep): Get one-on-one tutoring for the MCAT and maximize your score. Get $50 off their tutoring program when you mention that you heard about this on the podcast or through the MSHQ website.
• Get us free on your device. Subscribe and listen to new episodes each week. Visit www.medicalschoolhq.net/listen
• Hang out with us over at medicalschoolhq.net/group. Click join and we’ll add you up to our private Facebook group. Share your successes and miseries with the rest of us.
• Listen to our podcast for free at iTunes: medicalschoolhq.net/itunes and leave us a review there!
• Email me at ryan@medicalschoolhq.net or connect with me on Twitter @medicalschoolhq