03 Jan 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Med School Application

Around 60% of medical schools in America deny students the opportunity to get into their dream programs. Unsurprisingly, the process feels overwhelming, especially with the pressure to stand out in such a competitive landscape.

When the stakes are this high, even small mistakes can make a big difference.  Avoiding common pitfalls can help you increase your acceptance odds. Below, we’ve outlined five major missteps to watch out for, along with actionable tips to help you rise to the top of the shortlist.

1. Not Showing Why You Want to Be a Doctor

Saying “I want to help people” isn’t going to make your personal statement stand out. Admissions committees want to know the real why behind your decision to pursue medicine. Unfortunately, many applicants fall into the trap of writing what they think med schools want to hear—and that’s mistake #1.

Instead, focus on the personal experiences that sparked your passion for medicine. Maybe volunteering at a free clinic opened your eyes to healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Or perhaps shadowing a surgeon gave you a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of patient care. These stories are what make your motivation feel genuine and relatable.

Admissions committees are looking for resilience, empathy, and a clear understanding of what it takes to be a doctor. Sharing specific moments that shaped your journey can help your application stand out from the crowd while showing off your personality.

How to Effectively Communicate Your “Why”

• Think About Your Journey: What pivotal experiences made you certain you want to become a doctor? Highlight moments that shaped your perspective on medicine.
• Stay True: Don’t write what you think they want to hear—write what’s meaningful to you. Authenticity will always trump a sycophant.
• Show Growth: Admissions committees want to see that you’ve faced challenges, learned from them, and are ready to grow as a future physician.

Use a clear narrative voice and connect with your reader via your experiences. This is your time to shine as the author you never wanted to be.

2. Ignoring the Power of Extracurricular Activities

Academic achievements may have once been the top dog, but that’s changed. In fact, most top med schools strive to admit well-rounded students. Ignoring your extracurriculars or focusing only on your grades can be a big mistake. Activities like research, volunteering, and leadership roles highlight your passion, character, and readiness for a career in medicine.

Leading a health education campaign or mentoring underprivileged students looks good on paper, but it also shows that you take the initiative and care deeply about community healthcare. Admissions committees love seeing sustained involvement in activities that align with your goals and demonstrate your commitment to serving others.

Many students undersell themselves on their application, and this is mistake #2. This is not a time to be humble. Just like you would on a resume, include everything on your application. Even if you don’t think one specific experience is relevant, include it somewhere on your application. 

It can be difficult to understand which achievements should be included in your essay, personal statement, or interview, which is why many successful students work with admissions counselors. They can provide an unbiased outsider’s perspective on what your application should look like.

Why Do Extracurriculars Matter So Much?

• They highlight transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Whether you’re working in a lab, organizing a fundraiser, or volunteering at a clinic, these experiences show you actively contribute to the world around you.
• They tell a story about your values and how they connect to medicine. For example, long-term volunteering at a hospital or leading a community project can signify resilience, compassion, and the ability to handle real-world challenges.

How to Make Your Extracurriculars Shine

1. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: You don’t need a laundry list of activities. Pick a few meaningful ones where you’ve made an impact, and stick with them.
2. Show, Don’t Just Tell: In your application essays, share specific stories about what you did and what you learned. Did you help a struggling patient navigate the healthcare system? Did you lead a team to solve a problem? Highlight those moments.
3. Connect It to Medicine: Explain how these experiences prepared you for the challenges and responsibilities of being a doctor.

Admissions committees want to see someone who’s ready to apply all of their strengths to the world of medicine. When you show how your extracurriculars have shaped your journey and prepared you for this path, you can stand out in the best possible way.

3. Earning a Low MCAT Score

Applying to med school with a low MCAT score is a great way to land you in the “maybe” pile—a spot you definitely want to avoid. You don’t need the highest score in the world to impress admissions committees, but if your score is 490 or lower, it could raise some serious red flags. Why take that risk when you can retake the MCAT and do better?

The average MCAT score for all matriculants is 500.7, so you should aim for at least 501. This isn’t just a numbers game, this shows admissions committees that you’re willing to work hard and improve. 

The best way to achieve a high score on the MCAT whether it’s your first time or a retake is by incorporating MCAT practice tests into your study schedule. This is the only way to simulate real test conditions and prepare for questions you might encounter on test day.

If you’ve taken the MCAT before and boosted your score, highlight that growth in your personal statement. It tells admissions committees that you’re serious about med school and ready to rise to the challenge.

Let’s say you crushed the Biological Sciences section but struggled with Critical Analysis. That can signal to admissions that your critical thinking skills need work—something med schools take seriously. Many applicants apply too soon, and this is mistake #3. 

Remember, the MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes, extra prep time can make all the difference.

How to Improve Your Low MCAT Score

• Know Your Weak Spots: Take full-length practice tests and figure out where you’re falling short. Is it a specific section? Test stamina? Timing?
• Build a Study Plan That Works for You: Once you know your weak areas, focus your energy there. Don’t just keep doing what feels easy—push yourself to tackle those tougher sections.
• Get Extra Help if You Need It: If you’re not getting it, consider working with a tutor or joining a prep course. A little guidance can go a long way.

If your first attempt didn’t go as planned, don’t worry. Retaking the MCAT after putting in the work shows commitment—and med schools love to see that.

4. Rushing Through Secondary Applications

So, you’ve submitted your primary application—congrats! But now it’s time for secondary applications, and this is where you can really stand out. These essays are your chance to show each school why you’re a perfect fit. However, rushing through them or recycling generic responses can seriously hurt your chances of acceptance.

Secondary applications often ask about topics like diversity, resilience, or your interest in their program. Giving a generic answer won’t get you an acceptance letter. Admissions committees want to know that you’ve taken the time to research their school and that you’re genuinely excited about joining their community.

What Does “Tailored” Actually Mean?

If a school emphasizes rural healthcare, they’ll want to hear about any experience you’ve had working with underserved communities. For research-heavy programs, highlighting your involvement in innovative projects will make you stand out. Tailoring your responses is more than just mentioning the school’s mission–it’s about connecting your experiences and goals to what they value most.

How to Nail Your Secondary Applications

• Do Your Homework: Research each school’s mission, values, and focus areas in depth. What makes them different? Show you’ve done your research.
• Get Personal: Share specific experiences that align with the school’s priorities. Think about what makes you a great fit for them.
• Stay Polished: Proofread everything—seriously, don’t skip this step. Mistakes can come across as careless and undermine your effort.
• Don’t Procrastinate: Submitting your essays close to the deadline can make you seem less enthusiastic. Aim to submit them as early as possible while keeping quality in check.

Secondary applications are the perfect opportunity to build on your primary application and show that you’re not just applying to med school—you’re applying to their med school. Thoughtful, personalized responses can make all the difference in getting you one step closer to an acceptance letter.

5. Not Seeking Feedback

When you’ve worked hard on your med school application, it’s tempting to hit submit and call it a day. But it’s almost impossible to spot every flaw in your own work. Skipping feedback could mean overlooking typos, unclear ideas, or even missing opportunities to highlight your biggest strengths. Don’t let small mistakes hold you back.

The right reviewer can help you identify areas where your essays might fall flat, feel repetitive, or miss the chance to truly highlight your unique qualifications. Even the smallest tweaks can take your application from “good” to “outstanding.”

Whom Should You Ask for Feedback?

• Mentors or Advisors: They’ve likely guided others through the process and can offer targeted advice.
• Peers: A trusted friend or classmate can provide a fresh perspective and spot unclear points you might have missed.
• Professional Med School Admissions Consultants: Experts can take it a step further by offering deep insights into what medical school admissions committees look for in successful applicants.

A polished, well-reviewed application shows admissions committees that you’re serious about med school and have put in the effort to make your best case. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your application. Seeking feedback is a must if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Your medical school application is your opportunity to highlight your passion, dedication, and readiness for a career in medicine. Avoid these common mistakes to make your application stronger than your competition. You can stand out as a future physician by showing authenticity, balance, and attention to detail. Remember, every effort you put into crafting a thoughtful application brings you closer to achieving your dream.

 

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Last Updated on January 3, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD