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, [...]
“Tell me about yourself” might seem simple, but it's the medical school interview question that leaves many applicants scratching their heads. It’s often the first thing you'll be asked, and your answer sets the tone for the rest of your interview. So, how can you confidently tackle this open-ended question without sounding rehearsed or robotic? [...]
Thinking about applying to medical schools outside your home state? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of students look beyond their local medical schools, aiming to broaden their options or target programs better suited to their career goals. But applying as an out-of-state candidate can be tricky—some schools are welcoming, while others heavily favor residents. [...]
If you're stressed about the MCAT, you're not alone. Many future med students find the test long and overwhelming. But there’s good news: Some U.S. and Canadian medical schools actually don't require MCAT scores. At SOS Admissions, we've helped many applicants find programs where they can skip the MCAT altogether. Let's explore these schools and [...]
The University of California (UC) system includes nine campuses that grant undergraduate degrees, each with a longstanding reputation for excellence. While UC San Francisco is part of the system, it only serves graduate and professional students, so it won’t appear in the undergraduate rankings below. Thousands of applicants worldwide strive to attend these highly regarded [...]
Medical School Admissions Consulting: Medical Internships for High School Students When you’re in high school and dreaming about a future in medicine—maybe thinking you want to become a doctor, nurse, dentist, or vet—it can feel like you’re light-years away from that goal. But guess what? There are plenty of ways to get a head start. [...]
