Most mentees tend to choose a mentor they share common interests, nationalities or identities with! We recommend that you read through some mentor bios before deciding who to email.

Once you have chosen who to contact, email one mentor at a time summarizing your background, and conveying what you’re hoping to get out of the mentorship experience. If a mentor has not replied to your email in 7-10 days, send a follow up reminder or reach out to another mentor. Please don’t email more than one mentor at once.

We ask that you contact one mentor at a time giving them 7-10 days to respond. However, you are more than welcome to connect with different mentors that have different areas of expertise.

Mentors can directly help with applications if they agree to do so (help proofread secondaries, answer questions about filling out the application, help tailor your school list, etc.). They can also share their experience and help guide your next steps. To get the most out of your experience we recommend that you set expectations with your mentor.

This may vary and totally depends on the relationship you establish with your mentor(s). Keep in mind that most mentors are graduate students and have a very busy schedule. Fortunately, our amazing mentors do their best to be available. Be respectful of their time and try to maintain communication each month - we love to hear back from you!

No! Mentors and mentees connect online so you can be anywhere in the world!

Yes! Keep an eye out for emails or reach out to us to assist you with that. We also offer a good amount of workshops discussing specific topics i.e student visas, application help and summer research opportunities!

DOs learn osteopathic medicine and are trained on Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), which is the embodiment of the DO’s holistic philosophy into practice. OMT allows DOs to diagnose and treat many conditions of the human body with their hands, although it is mostly focused on the musculoskeletal system. On the other hand, MDs are trained in allopathic medicine and focus more on the treatments of disease processes through the contemporary imaging and medicine. Aside from OMT, DOs and MDs receive the same training and throughout the 4 years of medical school.

MD/PhDs are also referred to as physician-scientists as they receive the full training of an MD but are also required to carry on research projects. Through these projects they have the capacity to further understand and attempt to solve disease processes that may end up leading to the creation of a clinical cure.

DMDs, known as dentists, are doctors who help care for, diagnoses and treats problems of the gums, teeth and mouth. Dentists use modern technology and equipment like X-ray machines, lasers, drills, brushes, scalpels, and other medical tools when performing dental procedures.

International Medical Graduate (IMG), is a Physician who received his/her basic medical degree from a medical school located outside the United States and Canada. The location of the medical school, not the citizenship of the physician, determines whether the graduate is an IMG. This means that U.S. citizens who graduated from medical schools outside the United States and Canada are considered IMGs. Non-U.S. citizens who graduated from medical schools in the United States and Canada are not considered IMGs.

Biology (1 year with labs) Chemistry (two full academic years of study, including four lab-based classes, three of which are general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry) English or another writing extensive academic discipline (one full year) Genetics (at least one course) Math (one full year, ideally including courses in calculus and statistics) Physics (1 year sequence with labs) Psychology (at least one course) Sociology (at least one course) Link to pre-requisite classes per school: https://students-residents.aamc.org/system/files/2023-07/MSAR_Premed_Cours e_Requirements_07.17.23.pdf

No! You can major in any topic as long as you have taken all the premed required classes (mentioned above)

Yes it does but we recommend shadowing in the US as well. The Admissions Committee likes to see that you have experienced the U.S medical system as well.

There are volunteering opportunities that are clinical i.e hospice, clinics for the uninsured etc. Your undergrad campus might also have a clinic or pharmacy where you can volunteer and gain patient interaction!

No! It is totally up to you. If you feel ready to start medical school right after college then you should apply in the summer of your junior year. If you want to take a few gap years before medical school, it is totally OK as long as you are doing something related to “WHY” you want to become a physician. Make sure you check the school requirements before taking multiple gap years because some medical schools accept pre-requisite classes taken within a certain timeframe. Many F1 mentors have taken gap years and worked as research technicians, scribes, EMTs to list a few.. The average gap year taken by a medical student is 2. (AAMC data)

We suggest starting at least 3 months before the application opens (which is typically in early June) You will most likely have a couple of drafts before your final personal statement!

There isn’t a specific timeframe for this but we recommend reaching out to your professors and LOR writers a couple of months before application opens. That gives them plenty of time to write it and send it to AMCAS/AACOMAS!

Although uncommon, some schools do offer merit-based scholarships and need-based aid to international students. The best way to know is to check the school’s website or directly email the admission’s office.

We suggest selecting schools on MSAR and checking the number of international students accepted in previous years. This is the best way to know which schools are international-friendly. You will notice that some schools state on their website that they accept international applicants but haven’t accepted international students in recent years. MSAR is the best tool so far. You may also email the school’s admission office directly to inquire about their policies.

While this is not explicitly stated, AAMC data shows that up to 90% of matriculants have some research experience prior to medical school. (MSAR)

Application requirements may change depending on the program you apply to (M.D./D.O./D.M.D, etc.). We recomend that (1) you contact your Pre-Health advising office at your institution, (2) thoroughly go through our resources page and write down any questions you may have prior to reaching out to a mentor.