The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Application Process: Everything You Need to Successfully Apply

by Ryan Gray MD

Overview

The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application is a 30,000-foot view about the medical school application.

The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application is the ultimate resource for the 60,000+ students applying to medical school every year in the US. With a detailed breakdown of each part of the medical school application, discussion about knowing when the student is good enough, and a self-reflection checklist if a student doesn’t get into medical school, The Premed Playbook: Guide to the Medical School Application is the must-have companion for students as they are filling out their applications every spring.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631955235
Publisher:	Morgan James Publishing
Publication date:	05/25/2021
Pages:	354
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Ryan Gray, MD is the expert in helping premed students get into medical school. Author of the book series The Premed Playbook and publisher of Meded Media, Dr. Gray has helped hundreds of thousands of students on their journey to medical school. He has been interviewed for numerous sites, including US News World Report, and has spoken at conferences throughout the United States and Canada. He is a faculty member at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and resides in the Boulder, CO area with his wife, Dr. Allison Gray, and two children.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Quick Takeaways xix

Definitions xxvii

Application Timeline 1

Application Basics 9

Core Competencies 13

Paying for the Application 17

MCAT 27

GPA 39

Section I Primary Application 51

Chapter 1 Transcripts 53

Chapter 2 Early Decision Programs 57

Chapter 3 Disadvantaged Status Essay 61

Chapter 4 Arrests, Convictions, and Institutional Actions 71

Chapter 5 Work and Activities 81

Chapter 6 Personal Statement 125

Chapter 7 Letters of Recommendation 165

Chapter 8 School List 177

Section II Everything After the Primary Application 197

Chapter 9 Secondary Applications 199

Chapter 10 Situational judgment Tests 223

Chapter 11 Interviews 231

Section III Outcomes 279

Chapter 12 Waitlisted 281

Chapter 13 Accepted, Now What? 285

Chapter 14 Rejection and Reapplying 291

Chapter 15 When to Reapply 299

Chapter 16 Gap Years 303

Chapter 17 You've Got This 307

About the Author 309

Resources 311

Editorial Reviews

I love this book! It is complete in its coverage of topics related to the medical school application and admission process. I can easily see prospective applicants picking it up and getting a great overview of what is involved. It is an excellent resource for applicants as they make their way through the gruesome admissions journey. I can also imagine students giving a copy of the book to friends and family members who don’t know anything about the process to introduce them to what students will be facing in the weeks and months of their application cycle. It is straightforward in addressing the more nuanced and difficult topics sometimes faced by students. Dr. Gray has established a reputation for being honest and frank with students, and I believe this book continues that legacy.”
—James Scott Wright, Ed.D., Vice President for Academic Advising, Mappd, LLC, Retired Executive Director, Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service, Former Director of Admissions, UT Southwestern Medical School

“The instruction manual that the premedical community has needed is finally here! This book is a comprehensive resource for all aspects of the application to medical school. In addition to the clear advice that Dr. Gray provides, he offers examples of strong and weak responses and, most importantly, why they are strong or weak.”
—Leila Amiri, PhD, Assistant Dean for Admissions & Recruitment, University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, Co-Chair AAMC BA/MD Affiliate Group

“The Guide to the Medical School Application Process is a very practical tool for medical school applicants, especially for those new to this journey. Dr. Gray included the hottest topics in the premed world, so reading this book would equip most with everything they need to navigate this journey successfully. Although this book is designed for applicants, the content is very relevant to all premed students. If there were a Premed 101 college course, this would be the textbook!”
—Joanne Snapp, MSEd, Former Director of Health Professions Advising, University of California, Davis, Former Director of Admissions, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

“What a wonderfully thorough and comprehensive resource! Dr. Gray has provided a very thoughtful and methodical approach to the medical school application. Through a multitude of examples, he demonstrates how to highlight one’s passions and strengths while avoiding common pitfalls that are easy to make. The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Application Process is much more than a compilation of dos and don’ts. It’s a fun and easy read that will help applicants navigate each part of the process and stay on track during a very busy and sometimes stressful time in their professional journey!”
—Gregory M. Polites, MD, FACEP, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Chair, Central Subcommittee on Admissions, Washington UniversitySchool of Medicine

“The challenge today is there’s just too much information available on the topic of admission to medical school. However, Dr. Gray synthesizes the most essential concepts and principles into his latest book with authentic examples to help demystify the entire process.”
—Joon Kim, EdD, Senior Program Director of Postbaccalaureate Programs, Keck Graduate Institute

From the Publisher