A Guide for Preparing and Applying to Allopathic and Osteopathic Medical Schools

Prepared by: Chelsea Schwartz English 202C

Table of Contents
Preface
A. B. C. D. E. Contents of the Guide Audience of the Guide Assumptions of the Guide Organization of the Guide Tips for Using the Guide

Page Number
2 2 2 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Electron Database
A. PubMed

Scholarly Journals
A. Journal of the American Medical Association B. International Journal of Health Science

Government Resources
A. Catalog of U.S. Government Publications B. Statistical Abstract of the United States

Health Professional Schools

A. Association of American Medical Colleges, MD B. U.S. Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, DO

Resources
A. Kaplan B. Pre-medicine Advising at Penn State

Fast Facts

Preface
Contents of the Guide:
This guide contains useful information for students who are considering and applying to medical schools. There a links included for specific databases, journals, and websites that benefit students in this field. The content ranges from resources containing current news and research and places to find past and present scholarly journal articles. Government resources are provided for a place to find statistics and publications related to medicine or supporting fields. Websites for both MD and DO schools are presented, which give a description of the type of medical school and medical schools to apply to for each. Many of these websites contain information on the MCAT, medical school prerequisites, applying, and ways to stand out as a candidate.

Audience of the Guide:

This guide was created for undergraduate students at Penn State University who are interested in applying to either allopathic or osteopathic medial schools. The websites presented throughout this guide include all of the necessary items you will need to know when preparing and applying to medical schools. Even some of these resources can be a great place to look back on during your future career has a physician.

Assumptions of the Guide:

The assumptions of this guide are that you are an undergraduate student at Penn State University who is planning on applying to a medical school after graduation. It is assumed that you have some background knowledge on researching and reading scientific articles based on the majority of the majors of applicants. With the assumption that you are a college student, there will not be directions on how to navigate the Internet because these skills should be acquired at this level.

Organization of the Guide:

The guide is organized to be user friendly and in a way to quickly and efficiently find information. The Table of Contents helps you navigate throughout the guide by listing the topic, followed by the title of the websites. Page numbers are included for each section and website, which is beneficial for using the guide in the future and when looking up specific topics. Each page includes the reasons to use this site for you to see if this is a resource you want to read more about and use based on your needs. There is a detailed description of each website, followed by useful tips.

Tips for Using the Guide:

The guide will be most useful if you start at the table of contents to see what topics you need more information about that will relate to your needs. Then look at the assumptions section to make sure you are at the level the guide assumes so you receive the most benefit from this guide. A great place to start when getting into the websites provided would be to read the Reasons to Use this Site bullet points so you can decide whether the source will be useful to you. The Fast Facts section is a useful for finding general information on admission requirements such as courses, GPA, and MCAT score.

Electron Database
PubMed
Found at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/ Reasons to use this site:
Looking for trusted journal articles in the medical field Useful in any undergraduate course when writing a research paper Useful in a future career as a physician when researching and writing journal articles

Description:
PubMed is a database, developed by the National Center of Biotechnology Information and the National Library of Medicine, which consists of over 23 million citations all related to biomedical literature. The database mainly accesses citations from MEDLINE and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics. PubMed has many resources available such as printable references dating back from 1951, references from journals, and abstracts. A collection of books and journal articles are available in full-text. It is beneficial to people in medical, nursing, dental, veterinary, health care and preclinical sciences because it provides journal articles primarily in these fields. PubMed is a great resource when trying to find trusted articles to get information when conducting your own research. PubMeds main features include a See Related Articles feature, which allows you to access articles that are related to the article you are currently viewing. Also, LinkOut directs you to full-text articles on the publishers web sites and Clinical Queries is helpful with focusing on clinical studies and systematic reviews.

Tips:
The Resources section at the bottom of the page gives links to databases pertaining to specific topics such as DNA & RNA, Genetics & Medicine, Homology, and many others. This is an easy and quick way to go to databases particularly for the topic you are researching about. The Advanced search option is useful for typing in keywords to help narrow your search criteria. After you complete a search be aware of the filters that can be helpful with narrowing your search criteria. PubMed allows you to pick the dates of articles you are looking for, the type of document whether it being a summary, abstract, or from MEDLINE, and the organization of the search results. The Full Text option enables you to receive the full journal article. If the full-text is unavailable click on the Try this link to find an alternative source.

Scholarly Journals
The Journal of the American Medical Association
Found at: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/journal.aspx Reasons to use this site:
Education in specific fields in medicine Current news, research, and articles written by physicians Useful for upperclassman and physicians

Description:
The Journal of the American Medical Association contains original research, editorials, essays, medical news, commentaries, abstracts, and essays published by the American Medical Association. There are a total of nine specialty journals all dedicated to shaping the future of medicine. It is one of the top peer-reviewed journals on biomedical and health related information. The journal is available for subscription or some of the articles can be viewed online. The current issue can be found at the top left hand corner of the website, along with the current highlights on the main page. There are articles for every topic and specialty imaginable and separate journals that are more specific to a specialized field in medicine. For example, there are journals available specifically for dermatology, facial plastic surgery, psychiatry, and pediatrics. This is a great resource to get medical information on a broad range of topics and information specifically for your field. These articles are a great reference for research projects as well.

Tips:
Go to the Quizzes and Polls section of the website to test your knowledge on certain articles. The Specialties & Topics tab is a great place to find a list of articles for specific areas of medicine to help narrow your search. When you click on an issue, look at the left side of the page because it will have a break down of the contents of that issue with links to each section. Go to the Subscribe tab to subscribe to the Journal of the American Medical Association. Here you can choose your criteria and receive a price quota. The bottom of the website has explicit headings followed by links to help navigate through the website. Under the About tab there is a video available for a quick tour of the JAMA Network. Use the advanced search option at the top of the page to narrow your search down to specific keywords, authors, or articles.

The International Journal of Health Sciences

Found at: http://ijhs.org.sa/index.php/journal Reasons to use this site:
International information in all areas of medicine In need of ideas for research or experiments Useful for upperclassman and physicans

Description:
The International Journal of Health Sciences is a scientific publication by Qassim University in Saudi Arabia. This journal contains scientific articles on research, clinical work, experimental work and scientific studies only pertaining to areas in medicine. Also, educational articles, and papers that focus on clinical, political, and economic factors affecting health are included. For example, an article may contain new experimental methods, results, new interpretation of existing data to clinical problems, or epidemiological work. The journals main focus is to have well written articles that allow physicians to continue to be informed about their field, to share knowledge, document medical problems, and to be ethical. The main page of the website has the current issue with PDFs of all of the articles it encloses. This is a valuable resources for anyone interested in or has a career medicine because it has information that will keep you up to date on your field world wide, a place to get your own ideas about research and clinical experiments, and eventually submit your own work.

Tips:
Click to Additional Search Options under the Search tab to enter more specific search criteria such as title, author, publication date, and keywords When searching on this site remember common words are ignored, only articles containing all terms will be shown, combine multiple words with or to find articles containing either term, use parentheses for more complex searches, and use the * in a term to match any sequence of words. The Archives tab has a list of links in order, starting with the most current, of all of the volumes for each issue.

Government Resources
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Found at: www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ Reasons to use this site:
Statistical information related to many areas pertaining to the medical field or supporting areas Useful for undergraduates, graduates, and physicians

Description:
The Statistical Abstract of the United States publishes a summary of statistics on a variety of categories such as social, political, and economic organization. The sources of the statistics available have been published since 1878 from the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and other Federal agencies. On the main page there is a list of tabs on the left hand side of specific categories and sub categories. Once a category and sub category is chosen, a list of current detailed statistics become available coinciding with the topic selected. The main overall categories are people, business, geography, data, research, and news. The topics of education, health and nutrition, and science and technology would particularly benefit and individual in the health care field. For example, if you click on the Health and Nutrition heading, then the subheading Health Conditions and Diseases, one of the documents available contains statistical information on estimated new cases and survival rates of cancer. It is important to familiar with aspects such as health care, employment in the science careers, students and degrees, and current diseases if you plan on becoming a physician.

Tips:
The topics that would be most beneficial to a student with the interest in medicine would be the education, health and nutrition, and science and technology tabs on the left side of the web page. Having either Excel or Adobe to open a PDF file is necessary to view these documents.

Catalogue of U.S. Government Publications

Found at: http://catalog.gpo.gov/F Reasons to use this site:
Current information and publications from the branches of government Useful information on healthcare and government funded research Useful for undergraduates, graduates, and physicians

Description:
The catalog of U.S. Government Publications is a tool containing over 500,000 publications from the different branches of the United States Government. It contains records for past and present publications. The publications date back from the late 1800s and are updated daily. The catalogue consists of direct links to the online versions of the publications and a search engine that allows for basic, advanced, and expert search options. The Locate a Library feature can be used for each publication to find a nearby Federal depository of the publication or if you need assistance from an expert. You can email yourself specific search results or publications as well. The resource pertains to anyone interested in the medical field because this would be a useful place to find current information on topics such as healthcare and government funded research. One role of a physician is not only to be knowledgeable on the clinical aspects of the medical field, but also stay up to date with the political aspect as well.

Tips:
Use the advanced search option to help narrow down your results. After your search, click on the source you would like to review. A lot of information is provided therefore, look for the Internet Access heading in the left column to find the direct link to the publication. Take advantage of the Email option at the top of each publication. This would be a great way to keep tract of all of the publications you would like to look back on in the future.

Health Professional Schools

Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Found at: www.aamc.org Reasons to use this site:
Information on the MCAT Primary application for most MD schools can be found here Information and list of MD schools About careers in medicine Most useful for undergraduate juniors preparing for the application process

Description:
The AAMC is a not-for-profit association, which represents all of the 141 accredited US and 17 accredited Canadian medical schools. It has almost 400 major teaching hospitals and health systems. It supports education, research, and patient care. Their main goal is improving the overall health of the United States. The content of the website has the most current news articles on the main page for updates on medical information from around the world. The initiatives of the AAMC, data, and statistics are available, along with a services tab containing links to helpful resources for medical students, residents, and professionals. The AAMC provides a useful section dedicated to Aspiring Docs, Med Students, and Residents with links relevant to each status of students. This website relates to MD schools, but still contains helpful information useful to DO applicants as well.

Tips:
Focus on the Aspiring Docs section because this focuses on all of the important information for students who plan on or who are applying to medical schools. Under the Aspiring Docs section the MCAT link is extremely important because it contains information about the MCAT, registration, tips, and test dates. Your score on the MCAT is a major deciding factor on medical school admission. Under the Services link, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) section should be reviewed because this is where information can be found about the centralized application processing services that is only available to first- year medical schools applicants. The majority of medical schools use this as their primary application method.

Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM)

Found at: http://www.aacom.org/about/colleges/Pages/default.aspx Reasons to use this site:
Information about Osteopathic Medicine Accessing the universal application for DO schools List of specific Osteopathic Medical Schools Most useful for undergraduate juniors preparing for the application process

Description:
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine was founded in 1898 and serves to collaborate with the federal government and allied organizations with administration, education, research, and services in osteopathic medicine. The website is useful because it provides information for any student interested in applying to DO schools. If someone is unsure exactly what osteopathic medicine is the About section provides a well-written description. The Data and Trends section is useful because it consists of trends in applicants, enrollment, curriculum, financial aid, and tuition. The Info for section is broken down into specific information for applicants and medical students. This section is crucial for applicants to review because all of logistics about the application, deadlines and the universal AACOMAS application is found here. This application is used for admittance for many DO schools. Links to specific programs provided, upcoming events, and additional resources are available.

Tips:
At the bottom of the homepage click on the Site Map link to help navigate throughout the website. This is helpful to see a complete overview of all the specific links organized. Go to the Applicant link under Info for to find the link to the AACOM universal application. The Data and Trends section is a great place to find information on the average admission requirements such as GPA and MCAT scores.

Resources
Kaplan Inc.
Found at: www.kaplan.com Reasons to use this site:
Information on the content of the MCAT MCAT test dates and registration Test preparation programs Most useful for undergraduate sophomores and juniors to get a head start on studying for the MCAT

Description:
Kaplan is a company that gives students from first grade through college education to help prepare for postgraduate training for those pursuing professional careers. The company is broken down into three segments. Kaplan Higher Education, which prepares students for employment in professional fields in healthcare, business, law, and technology by offering masters, bachelors, associates, certificates and diplomas. Kaplan Test Prep, which offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including the MCAT. Kaplan International, which is composed of international programs to enable students to compete in the global market. The Kaplan website consists of a section of the programs they have to offer, about the company, careers available at Kaplan, current news, and popular searches. This resource is particularly beneficial to students interested in medical school because there is a dedication section to the MCAT. The MCAT section contains information on everything about the MCAT such as what to expect, test registration, scores, practice tests, and paid programs for MCAT preparation. A dedication section to details about admission into medical school is also available.

Tips:
Go to Our Programs then Test Prep to be directed to the section of the Kaplan site specifically for preparation for the MCAT. Here information can be found about different Kaplan programs offered to help you prepare for MCAT. There are in classroom options and online options to accommodate your different needs. The Our Programs tab also will direct you to an area of the site directly containing information on medical school prerequisites.

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Pre-Medicine Advising at Penn State

Found at: http://science.psu.edu/premed Reasons to use this site:
Information on required courses for medical school Advisor contact information Opportunities to get involved and gain experience Most useful for undergraduate freshman

Description:
As a Penn State student this website is the central source to find advising information if you are interested in any health profession. This website contains information on specific majors and requirements for medical school. Also, academic plans to help maintain a balance in your courses, while still staying on track. The FAQs link takes you to a question and answer section on general information about the preparation of applying to medical schools such as acceptance rate of Penn State students, majors, GPA, MCAT preparation, letters of recommendation, and the Health Sciences Preprofessional Evaluation Committee letter. If you are looking for ways to get involved or gain experience, links are provided for different volunteer opportunities, shadowing, externships, and internships. A list of advisors and their contact information is provided as well.

Tips:
Sign up for the Pre-medicine and Pre-health E-Newsletter Listserv. This will enable you to receive weekly emails on any current information and opportunities available for those interested in a health professional career. Make an appointment with a pre-med advisor! This is crucial to make sure you are on track and have the requirements for being accepted to medical school. Also, they give great advice on ways to get involved and will give you an academic plan that fits your schedule best. Here is the link for their contact information: http://science.psu.edu/premed/advising Review the Health Sciences Pre-Professional Evaluation Committee Interview link. This is important for all Penn State students because you need to interview with the committee so they can assist you with a letter of evaluation for your application.

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Fast Facts
Average MCAT score of Students Accepted in 2013:
MD: 31.3 DO: 26.87

Average GPA of Students Accepted in 2013:

MD o Science GPA: 3.63 o Non- Science GPA: 3.76 o Total GPA: 3.69 o Science GPA: 3.45 o Non-Science GPA: 3.61 o Total GPA: 3.52

DO

Admissions Requirements:
MCAT must be taken Courses o One year of biology o One year of physics o One year of english o One year of general chemistry o One year of organic chemistry Get involved in extracurricular activities

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