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, [...]
“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. [...]
