8 Ways to Enhance Your Medical School Application
The journey to medical school is highly competitive, demanding more than good grades and MCAT scores. Admissions committees seek well-rounded candidates demonstrating a genuine passion for healing and a lifelong commitment to the discipline. If you're a pre-med student aiming to strengthen your application, follow these actionable tips to stand out.
1. Take on compelling clinical work
Shadowing physicians and volunteering in healthcare settings offer insights into the realities of practicing medicine. Application requirements vary widely by medical school, but gaining experience in clinical settings shows dedication to patient care. Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN) master's program offers extensive opportunities to build clinical experience. Students can take a course that offers structured observations with varied health professionals. They can also practice their skills at Columbia Student Medical Outreach (CoSMO), a free clinic serving uninsured patients in Washington Heights and Northern Harlem. The clinic offers medical, mental health, physical therapy, social work, and health coaching services, so students can find hands-on opportunities that align with their interests.
2. Engage in volunteer opportunities
Volunteering service not only looks good on your application, but it also sharpens your skills, informs your perspective and helps shape your career decisions. Students accepted into medical school log an average of 100 volunteer hours.
At Columbia’s one-year Master's in Human Nutrition program, students can volunteer at the IHN Food Co-op by designing nutritious food menus, supporting local urban farms and organizing annual food drives. Working in underserved neighborhoods and free clinics demonstrates compassion and is an affordable way to gain real life exposure.
3. Seek out immersive experiences
Your future patients will come from different backgrounds and will have varied needs. Columbia IHN master’s program offers an unmatched opportunity to acquire clinical experience in such settings. Located in Washington Heights, a highly multicultural neighborhood of New York City, it exposes an aspiring pre-med student to patients of many backgrounds and cultural heritages.
This uniquely immersive experience will help you build understanding and respect for people of different cultures and demographics, which will reflect favorably on your medical school application. A willingness to reach patients at their comfort levels and understand their perspectives on healing will make you a more compassionate physician.
4. Add research experience to your resume
Engaging in research demonstrates intellectual curiosity and a commitment to scientific inquiry, both admirable qualities for future doctors.
During Columbia’s one-year Master's in Human Nutrition program, students have plenty of opportunities to engage in research, from working on their thesis to publishing papers. The research topics aren’t limited to nutrition. The program graduates have studied subjects ranging from microbiome to non-invasive liver tests and from celiac disease to links between maternal and children’s mental health.
5. Develop leadership skills early on
Medical schools are looking for the next generation of medical leaders. To improve your application, take supervisory roles in pre-med clubs, student government, or local organizations. Show that you’re proactive, work well with others, and drive positive change.
“Although Columbia’s IHN is a one-year program, students have plenty of opportunities to lead,” says Kim Hekimian, PhD, Director of the IHN’s Master of Science in Nutrition program. “They can serve as leads for a variety of efforts, including a wellness committee, community service committee, the culinary medicine club, and the IHN Food Co-op.” Students can also launch new committees and efforts, Hekimian adds. “We encourage students to do so.”
6. Don’t neglect your personal statement
The personal statement portion of an application is an essay in which you explain your motivation for becoming a physician. It showcases an applicant’s personality, values, and commitment to medicine. The Princeton Review states this part of the process represents 60 percent of your admissions score in combination with interviews.
Writing and communication skills are critical. You could be the most qualified applicant, yet be passed over due to your inability to captivate your submission's audience.
To maximize your chances, start working on your statement early. Write down thoughts, keep a journal, or document your goals as your pursuit of medicine evolves. Allocate time to work on your statement to test different introductions and narratives. Consult a friend, advisor, or family member for feedback and revisions.
7. Establish relationships with mentors and advisors
Cultivate relationships with professors, mentors, or supervisors for guidance throughout your academic and professional career.
The best recommendation letters come from those who know an applicant well and have witnessed their growth and adversity. These perspectives validate the person’s character, work ethic, and potential, complementing other application materials.
During Columbia’s one-year IHN master’s program, students build the much-needed personal connections as they work closely with their assigned mentors, faculty and advisors. Upon graduation, students receive a composite letter of recommendation for their medical school applications, written by the director of the program, which also incorporates comments from the faculty. These trusted individuals highlight the graduates’ strengths, dedication, and achievements to elevate their applications.
8. Earn your MS in Human Nutrition
A Master’s in Human Nutrition sets you apart as a medical school applicant by demonstrating a fresh perspective on complex healthcare challenges.
Graduate programs at Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition offer courses specifically for pre-med students. Participants find that the curriculum aligns with their career goals and increases preparedness for medical school. “The IHN provided me with invaluable training in considering and understanding the multiple components of health,” says Vivian Cao, (MS ’20). “Both my thesis setting, and my classes encouraged this way of thinking and set me up with a strong academic foundation as I entered into medical school. I felt well equipped for the rigor of medical school and am excited to integrate my knowledge and passion for nutrition developed at the IHN into my career."
Conclusion: Enhance your application with Columbia IHN
Applying to medical school is stressful and time-consuming, but you can boost your chances by actively seeking enriching experiences.
Dedicate consistent time to clinical volunteer work, research opportunities, and student or community organizations. Gain exposure to varied populations to practice culturally sensitive patient care. Partake in research, clinical work, and other extracurriculars that will catch the eye of admissions offices. Build relationships with mentors and stay in touch come recommendation time.
All this lays the groundwork for a stellar personal statement that showcases your potential as a future physician.
Earning a Master's in Human Nutrition from Columbia's IHN further distinguishes you from other candidates. Pursue a one-year graduate degree to elevate your chances of acceptance to medical school.
Apply today to enhance your med school application with a Master’s in Human Nutrition.
References
12 Professions That Benefit From Studying Human Nutrition
7 Ways Studying Nutrition Supports Health Professionals
IHN’s Culinary Medicine Club Provides Educational Materials for the Community
IHN Spotlight: MS Student Audrey Describes Her Experience
Nutrition Education in Action: Chinese Heritage and Identity Through Food and Nutrition Project