Author Archives: Liza
Posted on March 24, 2025 by Liza
The Liaison Committee on Medical Education accredits medical schools in the US and Canada. Accreditation ensures that medical schools meet standards set by the LCME. Medical schools are required to “demonstrate that their graduates exhibit general professional competencies that are appropriate … Continue reading →
Posted on March 20, 2025 by Liza
What is a medical school “letter of intent” and what role do they play in the medical school admission process? A letter of intent is like a love letter that’s sent to a medical school: it expresses an applicant’s fervent … Continue reading →
Posted on March 12, 2025 by Liza
The medical school application process starts in June of the year prior to medical school enrollment and extends to the following April. But for some applicants—those placed on waitlists—the long process extends into the late spring and summer. I have … Continue reading →
Posted on February 24, 2025 by Liza
Several new medical schools are in the pipeline. Any new school must go through the application and accreditation process at the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. As of this writing, new schools which have applied for full status are: Aria … Continue reading →
Posted on January 25, 2025 by Liza
Medical school applicants often wonder whether they should update schools. An “update letter” can keep medical schools informed as the application process unfolds. Applicants often wonder what merits sending an update; only significant additions to an application should be … Continue reading →
Posted on September 20, 2023 by Liza
As the former director of both the Johns Hopkins and Goucher Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Programs, I have in-depth knowledge of the post-bac application process; I have screened, interviewed, and made decisions on thousands of post-bac applicants. The post-baccalaureate premedical program application … Continue reading →
Posted on June 12, 2023 by Liza
The Multiple Mini Interview format is now commonplace among US medical schools. Here is a list of MD schools using MMI in the 2023-2024 application cycle; this list is subject to change, please check with each school to which you … Continue reading →
Posted on June 7, 2023 by Liza
Secondary applications arrive soon after the primary application is transmitted to the medical schools. It is important to return secondary applications quickly; an application is not considered complete until the secondary has been received. The suggested time window for returning a … Continue reading →
Posted on May 20, 2023 by Liza
Casper (Computer Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) an exam that is used by some medical schools in the admissions process. It assesses an applicant’s situational judgment in various scenarios. Here is the most recent list of MD schools requiring it; … Continue reading →
Posted on September 8, 2022 by Liza
Medical school admissions personnel have identified core competencies that are necessary to be a successful medical student and physician. The competencies are grouped into four categories: interpersonal, intrapersonal, thinking/reasoning, and science. The 15 competencies that are considered essential are: 1. … Continue reading →