Preparing for Medical School

GETTING STARTED

Applying to medical school can be an enormous task, but there are many resources available to help guide premeds on their path to becoming a physician. 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Mission-Driven MD Program and institutional mission and vision of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine in order to determine if our program aligns with their goals and if SFESOM is the best fit for their medical education. 


The resources below can be a great starting point for preparing your application:
 

U of U Undergraduate Pathway Programs

SFESOM MSAR Profile

2025 AMCAS Applicant Guide

AAMC Premed Competencies for Entering Medical Students

Additional resources from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC):

 

 

WHAT MAKES A STRONG APPLICANT?

Each applicant is encouraged to include their own unique experiences to present their strongest application. 

Through your activity descriptions and essays, your application should reflect who you are, your goals and achievements, and show why you are interested in a career in medicine. 

Applicants are encouraged to be genuine and authentic throughout their application versus what may be perceived as giving “the right answers.” 

Consider:

  • Can the reader gain a sense of who you are and why you want to practice medicine?​
  • Are your experiences, roles, achievements, and goals clearly stated? 
  • Does your application accurately represent you and what you want readers to know about you?
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VISIT WITH A PREMEDICAL ADVISOR

It is strongly recommended that students meet with a premedical advisor as they prepare to apply to medical school. Advisors are familiar with various aspects of the application process and admissions requirements of most medical schools, and are a great resource for students and alumni throughout the application process.

Premedical advising offices are available on most college and university campuses, the list below includes contact information for premedical advising offices in the state of Utah and the surrounding Mountain West region.

If your college/university does not have premedical advisors, contact the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) for assistance.
 

 

INTERVIEWS AT SFESOM

The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine will be hosting virtual interviews for the 2024-2025 MD application cycle. 

Clip art virtual meeting screen

 

Applicants interviewing for the MD program will not be required to travel to our campus.

 

 


Interviews for the MSTP program will be held in person for the 2024-2025 cycle. Please refer to the MSTP Review Process & Timeline for more information.

 

  


Applicants invited to interview will participate in both Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) and longer-form Traditional Interviews in which evaluators will explore a variety of attributes and competencies, including but not limited to: 

  • Awareness and understanding of the medical profession
  • Individual experiences and motivation for seeking a medical degree
  • Problem solving and critical thinking
  • Understanding of medical ethics
  • Communication and interpersonal skills


Learn more about medical school interviews with AAMC Interview Resources for Medical School Applicants.

 


Interested in other health professions? Check out other programs offered at SFESOM: