Helpful Tips To Pursue Medicine In The US

Pursuing medicine in the United States is extremely challenging for international students, but if ones is willing to put the effort required and passionate, it is worth the hard work. After graduation, one will have the skills that can help saving people’s lives and make a real difference.


The application process is quite time taking, before applying, an international student must make sure that he have completed a four year bachelor degree  in their home country. Each school has its own requirements of the subjects, but most allow a degree in science courses such as biology, organic chemistry or chemistry. So, it is important to choose the school while pursuing under graduation to make sure one meets the requirements for the specified school.


MCAT test or medical college admissions test must be taken by students to determine their ability to think critically. Clear writing, problem solving, as well as the test measures the knowledge of different scientific concepts related to biology and chemistry.


With an acceptable bachelor’s degree and a good MCAT score, a student is good to start the application process. But an international student is at disadvantage compared to resident students of the United States as most of the public schools are required to use all or most of the funding received on students who are residents of the institutions state. But a student can apply to a private university, which will be much more expensive compared to the public funded institutions. Each student should carefully evaluate the pros and cons of the each school they are going to apply and decide which school is more suitable for them.


A medical school would typically take 4 years to complete and there is a 3 to 7 year residency where students undergo rigorous practical training in their chosen field. Students may wish to pursue a sub specialisation varying from 1 to 3 years which will lead to a fellowship.

Students receive intensive education and needs their active participation full-time. Usually first year requires extensive memorisation, with the subjects like anatomy, pathology and biochemistry. The classes are divided between classroom and lab based which gives theoretical as well as practical knowledge.


A student will also be going through clinical rotations as long as they study. This will give them firsthand experience on how to interact with the patients and enables a student to diagnose a disease and its probable cause


Before a student can get his medical degree, he will have to pass the UMLE or United States Medical Licensing Examination test which is considered as board exam. The test is divided into three parts which a student takes throughout his degree. One needs to pass all the three stages to secure a residency programme.


Because of the hard work, costs involved and the duration it is not for everyone. Only a student with real passion for the subject of medicine and mental ability to overcome the hardships should decide to pursue this challenge. However, one who is ready for the challenge can expect the world’s best quality education