Our Guide

The UpLIFT Guide to Medical School Admissions: All you need to know about starting your journey in medicine.

Our 18-chapter guide covers everything about applying to medical school from start to finish, all in one place.

Deciding if medicine is right for you

Writing your personal statement

Shadowing opportunities

Preparing for interviews

Internships

Negotiating financial aid packages

Excerpts from the guide

“So how do you tell medical schools that (1) you are the right fit for each other and (2) you are proficient in the core competencies? The short answer is: your entire application. Use each component of your application—your primary application, your secondary application, your interviews, and everything in between—to tell admissions committees something meaningful about yourself. You can refer to Part 2 of this guide for an in-depth look at this application process.”

“A sample email to a potential research lab could look as follows. It may be beneficial to attach a resume or cover letter to your email as well.”

“The review process after submitting all components of your application varies from program to program, but there are a few general categories that programs tend to fall into (though any one program may be different). Remember that committee members can include faculty members at the school, current students, community members, and more.”

“In the days leading up to your shadowing experience, you can reach out to the physician or their assistant for updated information about their schedule. Determine when and where you should arrive and how long you can expect to stay. Bring a snack if you will be there for a while. Several more tips are as follows:”

Frequently asked questions

How should I use the guide?

We recognize that sitting down and reading our guide cover to cover isn’t for everyone. We recommend that users look through the table of contents to identify topics that are most relevant to them based on where they are in their journey to medical school. Are you at the start of your undergraduate career? Read about the different types of health professions before becoming dead set on becoming a physician. Not sure what the MCAT is yet alone what kind of score you might need to get into a good school? We have a chapter for that, too. Did you already apply? Check out our tips for navigating financial aid and second look weekends. Overall, our guide is for you, so use it in a way that works best for you, too!

How will I know if the guide is updated?

The most up-to-date version of our guide will always be available for download on our website. Any time there is a new version of the guide available, we will send a notification to all who have downloaded the guide in the past to let them know of the new version and any updates.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the guide?

As we strive to provide our users with an up-to-date and comprehensive resource, welcome all feedback about the guide. If you have any questions or concerns about the guide, please contact us via email, which can be found on our contact us page. We will do our best to respond to your email within 5 business days.

Where do I go if I'm looking for mentoring during the application process?

UPLIFT has partnered with Prescribe It Forward. Prescribe It Forward connects pre-medical students with mentors who can guide them throughout their journey to medical school free of charge. We recommend all users of our guide visit their website for more information about how to access their free mentorship.