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This presentation is directed to those applying to medical schools. If youare applying to dental, veterinary or other health professions schools,expectations, deadlines, application information, and national tests will bea little different so please refer to prehealth.duke.edu and/or your advisor.Page 0Page0

If you are unsure about your readiness to apply, first attend and/or reviewthe materials for the “Assessing Your Candidacy” workshop. If you needfurther advice, make an appointment and send us your RMA or resumeprior to the meeting. It is easier to advise you on readiness when we cansee your experiences and achievements. Also, please only schedule ameeting with one of us. It is better when you maintain contact with oneadvisor as you go through the application process as this helps us toknow you better and write a committee letter on your behalf.Page 1Page1

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The percentage of Duke students and alums accepted to medical schoolshas been 70% to 80% or more for many years.Page 4

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These are the things we have encouraged you to do over your 3 or 4years at Duke. Why are they important now?Page 6Page6

The experiences you have had at Duke can demonstrate the 15 CoreCompetencies that medical schools look for. Being accepted to amedical school is more than just your GPA and MCAT. They will look forthe above skills, values, attitudes and traits. You can read about theAAMC Core Competencies here: l-school/article/core-competencies/Page 7Page7

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Applying to medical schools take a long time. In the beginning, you willneed time in your schedule to study for and take the MCAT, review andchoose schools to apply to, gather all the information you need to apply,do a draft of your application (RMA) and meet with one of us for an RMAappointment, and later to complete secondary application questions andinterview.Page 9Page9

The next slides go into details about the timeline. A copy of the RMA ison our website (https://Be sure to also read the RMA instructions, mmer-2020-matriculationfall-2021). It is a word document so you can write and edit your ownversion. For the MCAT, you will need to choose a date, register, decidehow you will prepare and the length of time you need to review.Page 10Page10

The April MCAT date (or before) is optimal so that you will have yourscores back before you apply. The May dates are the last dates that willallow you to apply early enough to be among the first applicationsconsidered. Talk with your peers about their experiences in studying forthe MCAT and the differences among the ways to review. You shouldonly take the MCAT once, and prepare well for it.Page 11Page11

In 2019, AMCAS released applications to schools on June 28.Page 12Page12

Some workshops will be offered multiple times; you do not need to attendworkshops more than once (though you can repeat if it is helpful to you).If you make plans to be outside the US during the application period, besure you have reliable internet service and will have an email addressthat will remain active for the entire cycle.Page 13Page13

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Why should you submit as early as possible in June? Your applicationwill be verified and complete faster and you’ll have earlier secondaryapplications and possible interviews. Many schools have a rollingadmissions plan, and if you apply late in the cycle for those, you maycompeting for the last seats in a class. Note that Texas residents use aseparate application program (TMDSAS) with different deadlines; if youare applying to DO schools, you will also follow slightly different dates.Page 15Page15

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You need to be sure you have reliable internet throughout the summer toreceive, complete, and return secondary applications, as well as anycommunication from AMCAS, our office, or schools to clarify any details.Secondaries are an opportunity for schools to ask you particularquestions they are interested in. Write essays that demonstrate how yourpreparation and goals match the medical school's mission and values.Page 17Page17

Secondary applications often require you to answer more essayquestions and there is a fee that you will need to pay.Page 18Page18

Remember that this is a long process. Some medical schools send outacceptances in October and November, others in March. See ourwebsite on how to schedule a mock interview with us in late summer orfall, and when to send medical schools any updates about a new job,more experience, publications or achievements.Page 19Page19

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These are the basic components of an application.Page 22Page22

These are the basic components of an application.Page 23Page23

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You should start the process this spring by doing the RMA form. TheRMA can also be useful to you if you are unsure of whether or not toapply this year.If you have been working with a particular advisor, you should try toschedule your RMA with that person. However, if you have not met withone of us before and/or your schedule dictates when and who willconduct your RMA, that is understandable.Page 25Page25

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There is a helpful guide here as to what makes a strong ettersguidelinesbrochure.pdfPage 28Page28

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There is a helpful guide here as to what makes a strong ettersguidelinesbrochure.pdfPage 30Page30

The experiences you have had at Duke can demonstrate the 15 CoreCompetencies that medical schools look for. Being accepted to amedical school is more than just your GPA and MCAT. They will look forthe above skills, values, attitudes and traits. You can read about theAAMC Core Competencies here: l-school/article/core-competencies/Page 31Page31

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The year’s subscription to the MSAR (a detailed online database fromAAMC listing all medical schools, their requirements and statistics) iscurrently 28; it can be found here https://apps.aamc.org/msarui/#/landingPage 33Page33

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Note that these costs accrue over 18 months so you don’t need to pay allat once. However, you should think strategically about finances. TheAAMC has a fee assistance program (do an internet search for AAMC feeassistance program and the website will show up)Page 35Page35

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The AAMC application will state this: “If you were ever the recipient of aninstitutional action by Duke (or any other school that you attended) forunacceptable academic performance or conduct violation, even if suchaction did not interrupt your enrollment or require you to withdraw, youmust answer YES in AMCAS, even if the action does not appear on orhas been deleted or expunged from your official transcript due toinstitutional policy or personal petition.” If you have any questions aboutthis, schedule an appointment to talk with one of us and/or the Office ofStudent Conduct. This is by no means meant to be punitive, but meant toprepare you to reflect upon the experience in an advising setting.Also be careful that you appear professional in all ways ofcommunication. Your email address should be professional and shouldbe active throughout the entirety of the cycle.Page 37Page37

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If you are unsure, begin with filling out the RMA. It can help you seeevaluate your progress, accomplishments and experiences.You should also attend an “Assessing Your Candidacy” workshop thisspring.Page 39Page39

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This presentation isdirected to those applying to medical schools. If you are applying to dental, veterinary or other health professions schools, expectations, deadlines, application information, and national tests will be a little different so please refer to prehealth.duke.eduand/or your advisor.