Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Why Did We Produce This Book? 3
How Can This Book Help You? 4
Why'd They Do It? 5
Where'd They Get In? 5
The Parts of This Book 9
Editor's Note 11
Chapter 1 Following Directions: A Brief Overview of the Medical School Application Process 13
A View to Admissions 15
The Premedical Timeline 17
The Notorious GPA 20
MCAT on a Hot Tin Roof 21
Invest in Extracurricular Activities 23
Letters of Recommendation 24
How to Apply 26
Round #2: Secondary Applications 29
The Art of the Interview 30
Chapter 2 Getting Personal: Primary and Supplemental Essays 33
The Personal Statement 35
An Angle on Secondary Applications 36
Chapter 3 Having Heart: What Really Makes an Essay Tick 39
Guidance, If Needed 41
The Secrets to Your Success 41
Get to Know Yourself Better 41
Three Approaches 43
Road Map to Greatness 44
The Benefits of Peer Pressure 47
Dos and Don'ts 48
Chapter 4 They're, Their, and There: Grammar and Writing Tips 49
Good Grammar = Good Form 51
Most Common Grammar Mistakes 51
Grammar Chart 58
Using Punctuation Correctly 60
Writing Clearly 63
Eliminating Wordiness 63
Eliminating Fragments and Run-Ons 67
Limiting Your Use of Passive Voice 67
Using Non-Sexist Language 69
Avoid Clichés Like the Plague 70
Style Chart 72
Navigating the Minefield 73
Excuses, Excuses 75
Ready, Set, Write! 76
Chapter 5 Making Ends Meet: Financial Aid Overview 77
Making Friends with Money 79
What Is Financial Aid? 79
Financial Assistance: Your Basic Options 80
Don't Go It Alone 81
How Much? 82
A Little Help from the Family 82
More on Loans and Scholarships 83
Evaluating Your Financial Aid Package 87
Financial Aid Pitfalls 87
Smart Money 88
Chapter 6 Being a Doctor: Things You Should Know 89
The Meaning of an MD 91
Patient Care 93
Compensation 94
Prestige 95
Trends in Medicine 96
A Very Big Adventure 106
Chapter 7 Q&A with Admissions Officers 107
Chapter 8 Real Personal Statements and Secondary Essays 129
Chapter 9 Where They Got In 251
