sample medical school personal statements

Many people believe that being a foreign student would greatly reduce their chances of gaining admission into a US medical school. In truth, like many US colleges, medical schools are looking to accept students coming from diverse cultural backgrounds, such as foreign students. The application process for foreign students is quite similar to that of American students. The main difference is that foreign students have a number of extra requirements to submit. Here is a guide on the application process for foreign students looking to enter into US medical schools.

1. Institution of choice

The first step to applying to a US medical school is to choose which schools to apply to. For foreign students, careful deliberation is a must, because they will likely be separated from their family. It would be a good idea to apply to schools that are near where relatives or friends live. Another consideration to keep in mind is financial aid. Because foreign students are not covered by financial aid given by the US government, it is important to apply to schools that have financial aid programs for foreign students.

2. Common requirements

Many of the requirements for application to US medical schools are the same for both American students and foreign students. These requirements include the following:

* Resume and transcripts
* Recommendation letters
* Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) scores
* Personal statement

Medical school applicants will be required to have a bachelor’s. With regard to the personal statement, it is important to mention why the decision has been made to study in the US. In order to get a better idea of what is required from the personal statement, it is essential to look at sample medical school personal statements. These sample medical school personal statements can help to decide on the themes and topics that are commonly written about in these application essays.

3. Requirements for foreign students

Aside from completing the requirements that are common to both foreign and American students, there are some special requirements needed from foreign students. Some schools will require the submission of the applicant’s scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). English proficiency is a must, regardless of whether or not the TOEFL scores are required. In most cases, US medical schools will require that foreign students have taken up at least one year of education in the US or Canada. It would be a good idea to take some of the required courses in the US before applying to a US medical school.

Another requirement that is unique to foreign students is a statement or proof of how the student will cope with financial issues while studying in the US. Many US medical schools would charge a different rate for foreign students, which is usually higher compared with those paid by American students. Finally, foreign students will need complete documentation with the US immigration services.

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