If you’d like to step around the MCAT, you’re not alone. Plenty of hopeful med students find that test’s length and intensity pretty intimidating. Fortunately, certain U.S. programs—or even some Canadian schools—can sometimes let you bypass the MCAT. Let’s look at how this works and whether it might be right for you. Feel free to [...]
Waiting to find out if you’ve landed a medical school interview can feel like the longest stretch of the admissions process. Typically, many U.S. schools start sending invitations around mid-August and continue well into March. Canadian programs tend to be more uniform, often mailing out invites in January or February. Still, those timelines can vary [...]
I remember opening my email one morning—my hair was still half-wet from a rushed shower—and discovering the prompt: “Describe a significant challenge or hardship you’ve faced, and how you overcame it.” I actually laughed out loud, and not in a funny way. More like, “Great, now I have to spill my guts to total strangers.” [...]
If you’re applying for residency, one question is probably on your mind: what do residency program directors really care about? Knowing exactly what qualities these directors value can make your residency application stand out in ERAS, CaRMS, or other residency match systems. This guide gives you the inside track, clarifying exactly what program directors prioritize—and [...]
Thinking about anesthesiology as your medical specialty? It’s a rewarding choice—great income potential, stable working hours, and plenty of interaction with patients and surgical teams. Even though it isn't as notoriously tough to get into as some surgical specialties like neurosurgery, anesthesiology residency slots are still highly sought after. In this guide, I'll take you [...]
If you're filling out the Common App right now, you might be wondering how to tackle the Activities section. It's basically a snapshot of your high school life beyond grades and test scores—your hobbies, jobs, and passions. This section gives admissions committees a peek into your personality, leadership, and how you spend your time when [...]
Applying to medical school often means facing a wide range of secondary essay prompts. One that frequently appears centers on adversity and how you’ve handled difficulties. Admissions committees request this type of essay to see whether you’re the kind of applicant who can stay determined when problems arise, remain flexible in chaotic situations, and learn [...]
Applying to medical school involves a lot of moving parts, but it doesn't have to be confusing. Here's exactly what medical schools look for in 2025, broken down simply, clearly, and authentically—without the usual fluff. This guide covers: Required classes (prerequisites) Target GPA and how to boost it Competitive MCAT scores Clinical experience hours Choosing [...]
Worried your GPA isn't good enough for medical school? You're not alone—and you're not out of options. Even if your grades fall short of the medical school averages, there are practical ways you can still succeed. This article will share seven actionable strategies to strengthen your application and secure a spot in medical school, even [...]
When applying to medical school, one of the biggest questions students face is: How many clinical hours do I really need? While there's no universal number, most competitive applicants have roughly 100–150 clinical hours. Medical schools want applicants who know what they're getting into—students who've spent meaningful time working directly with patients. At SOS Admissions, [...]
