Preparing for medical school means dealing with a lot that requires your attention at the same time. Between studying for the MCAT, doing well in your undergraduate course load, finding clinical experience, and much more, it’s easy to neglect some aspects of the application process that may seem more trivial, such as a resume.
However, the resume is one of the most important tools at your disposal. While not a direct part of your application, having a good resume can make the process much easier, making it simpler to find strong talking points, intriguing things to write about, and providing a powerful summary of your skillset and profile. Another important reason to improve your resume is that it will be required for other opportunities along your medical application journey, such as research, internships, and other extracurriculars that may improve your application process. To help you get started on making or refining your resume, we’ve shared a couple of tips and tricks below!
Have a Clear Objective with Your Activities
Who are you trying to impress? Applying for a research position will look very different from a position as an EMT, so make it clear who you are looking to advertise yourself to.
- Explore different routes. Get involved in different clubs, pathways, and fields to discover what you enjoy and find new ways to round out a resume.
- Build multiple resumes. Different roles will want to see different skills. Consider building ones that showcase your leadership, highlight your academics, and anything else you may need. While this can be difficult at first, gradually building that experience you need will allow you to expand and specialize your resume.
- Understand your narrative. Before building or tailoring any resume, take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture of your pre-med journey. By identifying the overarching narrative you want your resume to convey, you can be more intentional with the opportunities you pursue and the way you frame them. A clear narrative helps committees or employers quickly understand who you are and what drives your interest in medicine.
Don’t Trade Academic Success for Involvement
- Stay on track with classes. Don’t delay classes you’ll need for the MCAT. Make sure to list them on your resume once you begin. Do your best to plan your coursework, and balance your difficult required classes with electives that can help broaden your perspective.
- Protect your GPA. Although it can be easy to get caught up in the act of finding other opportunities to develop your profile and even easier to get swept in the rush that is college, remember that your GPA is the first statistic that admissions offices will see. Maintain a high GPA to make sure you can get through the first round cuts, and make sure to keep your GPA updated for recruiters.
Focus on the Fundamentals
Even with all of the complexities you can accomplish within a resume, it is important to cover the traditional bases of a resume.
- Use action-oriented language. Write in an active voice and make yourself the main character. Avoid anything in a passive voice or make it seem like you were just along for the ride.
- Keep it concise and organized. Keep your resume neat and free from graphics or other distractors. Stick to a standard font, normal font size, and keep it 1 page long.
- Follow a layout guide. If you are struggling to start your resume, look up a guide and populate it with your own information. It can streamline the process and provide a much less intimidating starting point.
Regardless of your goals, keep your academic success a top priority, as all medical programs will be factoring in your grades to your application.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a strong resume is more than just listing your experiences; it is about telling your story as a future medical professional. Every activity, position, and project you pursue adds to that story, and shapes how others see your dedication and growth. Whether you’re applying for research, clinical work, or medical school itself, remember that your resume is a culmination of your efforts. Keep refining it as you gain new experiences, and use it as both a reflection of your hard work and a roadmap for where you want to go next.
Want someone to look over your resume and let you know if you’re on the right track in terms of both involvement and representing your achievements well? Ask us about one of our advising clinics today! Contact us here for more information.