Tips for International Students Applying to U.S. Medical Schools

Association of American Medical Colleges admissions statistics from 2011 note that 88.4 percent of foreign applicants didn't matriculate to a U.S. institution, versus a range of approximately 40 percent to 60 percent of applicants from each U.S. state. Public institutions, it also emphasized, rarely admit out-of-state U.S. applicants, and virtually no international ones, due to funding constraints.

If you want to attend an American medical school, what is the best strategy?

1. Research early: This may sound obvious, but depending on your stage in the medical school search process, thorough research can be very important to avoid potential disappointment or missed opportunities.

It is important to decide, for example, where you want to complete your undergraduate work. Determining the financial aid policies for international students at your schools of choice is even more important, as some schools require four years of tuition deposited up front into an escrow (or third party) account, or proof of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of assets.If schools do not specifically require financial information, it may be needed anyway to apply for a F-1 student visa.

A good place to start is the website of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions, which provides a comprehensive list of school-specific policies regarding how they define "international students" and what opportunities may be available to those students.

[See what you should know before applying to U.S. colleges.]

2. Consider completing some coursework in the U.S.: The schools that do admit international applicants typically require a bachelor's degree issued by a U.S. institution, or at least one year of U.S.-based coursework. The schools prefer that the coursework at a U.S. school be in the sciences.

If you are already finishing, or have finished, your undergraduate degree outside the United States—or Canada for some schools—it may be worth your while to plan a year of coursework at an American institution. That will help you not only meet requirements and open doors to applying to more schools, but it will also help you determine whether studying in the United States is ultimately right for you.

3. Consider M.D./Ph.D. programs: Because slots for these positions are usually fully funded, due to the Ph.D. component, international students are generally thought to fare slightly better in gaining admission and funding for pursuing a medical education through this route in the United States.

However, international students are subject to the same requirements, must have a solid research track record, and should be committed to a career as a physician-scientist. Schools value applicants' career ambitions heavily, as it can cost more than $350,000 to train students in these programs. A list of institutions offering positions via the Medical Scientist Training Program is available through the National Institutes of Health.

Don't be discouraged if you are determined to attend a medical school in the United States. In 2011, 174 non-U.S. applicants matriculated at a U.S. medical school, according to the AAMC.

Many schools have the same admissions standards for domestic and foreign applicants and would offer admission in the same manner, although for foreign admits, they are contingent on financing. There are also school-specific loan programs, such as at Yale, in addition to programs offered by major banks, some of which require American cosigners. 

Ibrahim Busnaina, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicineand coauthor of "Examkrackers' How to Get Into Medical School." He has been consulting with prospective medical school applicants, with a special focus on minority and other nontraditional candidates, since 2006.

Eat Healthy and On Time

Foods which are low in nutritional value and have too many calories can pose serious health problems, including weight gain, cardiovascular problems and diabetes. It is important to stick to a healthy diet and a strict routine.

• Instead of starchy foods, choose wholegrain variants which contain more fibre, and keep you feeling full.
• Feel like snacking in the middle of the day? Stock up on nuts and seeds or citrus fruits that are known to cure fatigue and stimulate alertness.
• To keep your energy up and your metabolism on overdrive, eat breakfast and smaller meals throughout the day, rather than 3 big meals.
• Have sufficient liquids through the day to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid processed or packaged foods that contain too much sugar. Excess sugar has been linked to energy spikes followed by a crash, while too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of strokes and heart disease.

Sleep is Important

Finding it difficult to get a good night’s sleep? Sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, confusion, memory lapses and irritability.

To get a restful sleep:

• Create a sleep schedule and stick to it. Reading a book, listening to relaxing music, or taking a warm shower can help in relaxing your body.
• Avoid watching TV or surfing on your mobile as this can interfere with your sleep.
• Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Going to bed hungry or stuffing yourself too much can cause discomfort and keep you awake.

About Brian

Brian has been an avid researcher and developer of integrative medicine for the past 45 years and from this created Quantum Embodiment(r). This is how he integrates the five levels of consciousness and existence to help individuals make powerful shifts to improve their mental,emotional and spiritual abilities and awareness while while greatly improving their physical wellness and enhancing the interpersonal relationships in their life. 

Sheen was born in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York to Marilyn and Mickey Sheen. His father was a notable jazz drummer that played with such musicians such as Chubby Jackson, Coleman Hawkins and Dizzy Gillespie. Sheen has three children, Springsong, Ariel and Jaz. Brian began exploring altered states of consciousness as a hippie in the 1960's and had many powerful experiences that opened his Inner Eye to experience out of body and past life experiences. 

After exploring the teachings of Buddhism, meditation,yoga and other eastern philosophies, Sheen began studying Metaphysics at age 17 and began training in New York. After beginning at Brooklyn College in New York he then traveled to London to attend Hubbard College  in East Grinstead, Sussex . From here he went on to study advanced metaphysical techniques in specialized programs in Portugal and Spain. After completing his studies, he moved to Boston and worked as a management consultant, life coach and alternative therapist at the Executive Education Center. In 1975 he moved to West Palm Beach, Florida to co-manage a group of struggling enterprises involved in International Communications while establishing a new counseling group to share the research and techniques he had been trained in.

In 1978 he began studying the new field of financial planning and joined the second graduating class of the College of Financial Planning to earn his CFP designation. He became one of the first independent CFP’s and then formed the Sheen Investment Management Group. During his time as President of the firm, he wrote "Your Money or Your Life”, which later was further developed in his GP Putnam Son’s best selling book Nest Egg Investing. During these years his financial advice he appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, USA Today and on hundreds of other radio, TV and media outlets throughout the United States. He also established his own radio show called the Sheen Investment Hour. This show began airing locally in South Florida before his show was placed on stations nationwide. During this time period he was also involved with the Jaycees, and was elected to be the president of the West Palm Beach, North Palm beach and later Boca Raton chapters before accepting the position of Personal Development Chairman for the Florida Jaycees state organization. In 1984 after receiving numerous awards for his charitable work and personal development he received the Seiji Horiuchi Award from the United States Jaycees for the success with his personal development programs.