Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of becoming a physician or you’re narrowing down your list of schools, having the right information at each stage is essential.
This guide from St. George’s University School of Medicine brings together key resources to help you every step of the way, from exploring if medicine is right for you to preparing for interviews and selecting a school that fits your goals.
Decide if medicine is right for you
If you’re questioning whether to become a doctor, you’re already taking the first step. These blogs can help you reflect on your goals and better understand what a career in medicine involves.
- 8 Unexpected Aspects of Pursuing a Medical Career
- Should I Go to Medical School? 7 Questions You Should Ask First
- 5 Excuses You Should Ignore When Considering Being a Doctor
- What Major Should I Choose to Become a Doctor?
- Primary Care Doctors Share Reasons for Becoming a Physician
As you consider a future in medicine, SGU offers a variety of in-person and virtual information sessions to help you learn more. These events are a great way to explore the MD program, connect with students and grads, and get your questions answered. Also be sure to check out Medical School Info Sessions: Maximizing Your Impact at Recruitment Events to learn how to get the most benefit from your experience.
Preparing in high school and college
Laying the groundwork for medical school starts long before you apply. From choosing the right courses to gaining relevant experience, there’s a lot you can do in high school and college to strengthen your path to medicine. The following blogs offer practical tips and guidance for aspiring doctors at both stages.
- How to Become a Doctor After High School
- Preparing for Med School in High School and College
- Educational Prep for Medical School You Can Do in High School and College
- What to Look for in Postbacc Pre-Med Programs
- 7 Ways To Prepare for Medical School During College
- What Major Should I Choose to Become a Doctor?
Paying for med school
Financing your medical education is a major part of the journey to becoming a doctor. Understanding your options can help you plan with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress. The blogs below break down everything you need to know about paying for med school, estimating costs, finding scholarships, and exploring financial aid.
What to know about paying for med school
- Paying for Med School May Not Be as Daunting as You Think
- How to Pay for Medical School: Tips from Doctors
- SGU Alumni Dish on What Paying for Medical School Is Like
Tuition and other expenses
- Weighing the Cost of SGU Tuition
- What to Know About Comparing the Cheapest Medical Schools
- A Closer Look at the Cost of Medical School
- Cost of Applying to Medical School
Scholarships
- Medical School Scholarships to Consider
- Scholarships for Medical School & How To Find Them
- Are There Scholarships for Medical School?
- Medical School Scholarships: An Expert’s Insight
Financial aid
- Understanding Student Loans & Financial Aid for Medical School
- 5 Tips for Paying Off Med School Loans
- 5 FAQs About FAFSA for Medical School
- 8 Questions to Ask about Medical School Financial Aid
Medical school requirements
Understanding medical school requirements early on can make your path to acceptance much smoother. Knowing which courses to take, experiences to pursue, and qualifications to meet is essential for building a competitive application.
- Medical School Prerequisites: A Quick Guide
- Guide to Prerequisites for Medical School
- 5 FAQs About SGU Medical School Requirements
- Examining Caribbean Medical School Admissions Requirements
- Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR)
Clinical experience and volunteer experience
Hands-on clinical experience provides a real-world perspective on the medical profession. They help you develop essential skills while demonstrating your commitment to healthcare. Check out the blogs below for advice on how to find and make the most of these opportunities.
As for volunteer experience, there are many ways to get involved in your community. Here are just a few activities you might consider:
- Volunteering at a hospital or clinic
- Participating in a medical service trip
- Working as a volunteer EMT
Med school considerations
What should I know about the application process?
The medical school application process can feel complex, but understanding each step helps you stay focused and confident. From preparing your materials to meeting deadlines, having the right guidance is key. Below is a collection of resources packed with tips to help you create a strong, standout application.
- Understanding the Medical School Application Process
- 7 Questions About Medical School Applications
- Medical School Admissions Advice: Resources to Help You Prepare
- Completing Your SGU Medical School Application
- Understanding the Holistic Evaluation of Medical School Applications
- 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Medical School Application
- AMCAS Application: 6 Tips for Aspiring Medical Students
- 8 Questions You Should Be Asking the Medical School Admissions Team
- What Is a Secondary Application for Medical School?
How many medical schools should you apply to?
Applying to a well-rounded list of medical schools can significantly boost your chances of acceptance. In fact, AMCAS reports that applicants apply to an average of 16 programs. The resources below offer guidance on how many schools to apply to and how to build a smart, balanced list.
- How Many Medical Schools Should I Apply To?
- 7 Common Mistakes Med School Applicants Make
- Will I get into Medical School: 6 Insights into the Process
- Myths About the Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into
When should you submit your medical school application?
Timing your medical school application is crucial for making a strong impression. Submitting early can improve your chances, as many schools operate on a rolling admissions process. Below, you’ll find resources with tips on the best time to apply and how to stay on track throughout the process.
- Planning Your Medical School Application Timeline
- When Do Medical School Applications Open?
- Why One Aspiring Doctor Thinks Starting Medical School in January Made All the Difference
- 5 Advantages to Starting Medical School in January
- What to Consider Before Taking a Gap Year Before Med School
Elements of a med school application
A strong medical school application is made up of several key components, each offering a different view of who you are as a future physician. These include your MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and resume or activities list. Below, you’ll find dedicated resources to help you approach each element with confidence and make your application as compelling as possible.
GPA
MCAT
MCAT format and policies
- MCAT Exam Timing and Format Explained: What Every Pre-Med Student Should Know
- MCAT Sections: A Detailed Breakdown
- How Long Is the MCAT? Uncovering the Facts You Need to Know to Be Prepared
- How Many Times Can You Retake the MCAT? Important Considerations for Retaking the Exam
- What Is a Good MCAT Score? Understanding Your Results
Preparation and resources
- How to Study for the MCAT: 6 Tips and Tricks to Try
- MCAT Test: 4 Tips for Preparation and Studying
- MCAT Prep Materials: The Pre-Med Student’s Guide
- MCAT Resources to Help You Feel Confident and Prepared
Letters of recommendation
- Medical School Letters of Recommendation: Who Should Write Them and What Should Be Included?
- 8 Tips for Securing Great Letters of Recommendation for Medical School
Personal statement
Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
Prepare for medical school interviews
Once you’ve submitted your application and completed any secondary materials, it’s time to start preparing for interviews. These conversations are your chance to showcase your strengths, explain why you’re pursuing medicine, and demonstrate genuine interest in each program. The resources below offer guidance on how to prepare, including tips for answering common questions and making a strong impression.
- How to Prepare for Medical School Interviews: Steps for Success
- 10 Medical School Interview Questions All Future MDs Should Expect to Answer
Be sure to bring a few thoughtful questions of your own. Avoid anything you could easily find online, and instead focus on specifics—such as asking about recent curriculum updates, community outreach opportunities, or faculty research interests.
Choosing a medical school
Once you’ve received acceptances, the next big decision is choosing where to go. With so much to consider—location, curriculum, support services, outcomes—it’s important to take your time and make an informed choice. The resources below can help you compare your options and identify the school that best aligns with your goals.
- How to Choose a Medical School: 8 Things to Evaluate
- Why I Chose SGU: MD Graduates Reflect on Their Decisions
As you weigh your options, focus on key indicators of student success such as graduate outcomes, residency placements, and USMLE Step 1 and 2 pass rates. The following sections break down each of these factors to help you make a well-informed decision.
How are graduates succeeding?
Are grads in competitive specialties? Are they able to practice in their desired destinations and fields? Consider what success as a doctor would look like for you and if there are alumni living out similar goals.
- 9 SGU Medical School Grads Who Are Improving Patients’ Lives Around the World
- 5 SGU Grads Excelling in the Most Competitive Medical Specialties
- 5 SGU Grads Who Are Hometown Doctors
What percentage of students secure a residency?
After earning your medical degree, securing a residency is a critical next step in your training. It’s important to consider how well a medical school supports its students in this process by looking at residency placement rates. For example, SGU students and grads have secured a 94 percent US residency placement rate over the last five years.¹
It’s also helpful to explore the variety of specialties students pursue. In 2025, SGU graduates matched into 20 different specialties across 42 states and the District of Columbia, demonstrating broad opportunities and geographic reach.
- SGU Match Day 2025: How the Numbers Stack Up
- SGU Residency Placements: 6 Facts That Might Surprise You
What portion of students pass the USMLE Step 1 and 2?
Passing the USMLE exams is essential for medical licensure and landing a residency, so be sure to factor them into your decision of where to attend. For example, SGU students taking the USMLE Step 1 for the first time 2019-2023 had an 84 percent pass rate.² SGU students from the US taking the USMLE Step 2 for the first time 2020-2024 had a 90 percent pass rate.³ Learn more about USMLE pass rate.
Want the full journey to becoming an MD?
You’ve read through a comprehensive breakdown of steps getting into med school, but what comes after? Map the rest of your path from your first day of med school to board certifications by reading Journey to Becoming an MD.
Considering med school? Learn more about SGU’s Doctor of Medicine Program and how it is bringing future doctors closer to their dreams.
1 Average of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 residency placement rates. Residency placement rate is defined as the total number of students/graduates who obtained a US residency divided by the total number of students/graduates who applied to a US residency program in a given year as of April 2025.
2 Total results from the five calendar years 2019-2023. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of SGU students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of SGU students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time within the given time range. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.
3 Total results from the five academic years 2020-2024. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of US students passing USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of US students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time. USMLE Step 2 CK is typically taken upon completion of third-year core clinical rotations.
This article was updated from October 2020 with the most recent facts and figures available.
