As you feel that mix of excitement and fear (okay, probably more fear at this point) as you are getting ready to choose a medical school, try not to fret too much and follow these guidelines to find the perfect fit for you. After all, it’s almost like finding that perfect relationship partner right?! Looks Aren’t EverythingYou’ve probably heard this quite a few times; that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Well, the same applies to medical school. This means, it’s not always about going to the highest ranked school. When searching for that perfect medical school, look beyond the rankings and find out what the school really has to offer. You want to be in an environment where you will thrive and get the best education possible. Sometimes, your learning style is much better suited for a school that’s not top of the line in rankings. Some Extra Attention Never HurtsIn fact, it could be the difference between a long-lasting relationship and a short-lived one. When searching for the right medical school, keep in mind that this is where you will be spending the next four years of your life. Doing some research and attending career/health professions fairs to find the best-fit school for you will be well worth your time and energy. Be HonestBeing honest is at the core of building a strong relationship. This also holds true in your medical school application as well as being honest to yourself about what school is the best choice for you. Don’t talk yourself into a certain school based on something arbitrary. Make sure you have clear reasons why the decisions you make on school choice will work for you. Learn From Past ExperiencesThere’s a reason things worked or didn’t work out with you and a significant other in the past. When considering medical schools, think about what has worked and not worked in your previous medical studies and experiences. If you participated in some sort of volunteer work or hospital shadowing (maybe with theAtlantis Project?!) use those experiences to your advantage! Think about what parts of that work you liked or did not like. What does that say about the medical school you should choose? Maybe you really liked the personal interactions of working closely with doctors and other hospital staff. In that case, you may be better off looking at medical schools with smaller rather than larger class sizes. Trust Your InstinctsAbove all, it is important to walk away when you have that feeling that it just isn’t working out. Your instincts are almost always right. If a medical school does not seem like a good fit, know that it is in your best interest to move on and choose a different school. You don’t want to waste valuable time and money on a school that is not quite right for you. source
