You’ve probably heard that there are far more applicants than places to study every semester. According to statistics, every year there are around three to five times as many applicants as there are places on the course. This means that only every third to fifth person has the chance to study medicine. Unfortunately, the probability of getting a place on the course is much lower in the summer semester. Only a few universities/colleges even offer medical studies in the summer semester.
Due to the large number of applicants, the number of rejection notices is increasing. But no fear! Anyone who receives a rejection notice is now part of the majority. In this article we want to show you some ways that you can improve your chances of admission and still fulfill your dream of studying medicine.
In order to work specifically on your chances of success, you should make a precise plan. Of course you can try again and again with the same application at the same state universities/colleges. Taking some guidance from experienced dentistry interview tutors may help. However, you shouldn’t be surprised why it doesn’t work out with admission to a university place. There are still so many alternatives that you can use instead to get a place at university.
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Option 1: Gain practical experience
If you decide to study at a state university/college in the USA, there is one important way to make your application even more attractive: practical experience!
With the 2020 master plan, the selection process for medical degree programs has been reformed since the 2019/20 winter semester. The waiting time quota no longer exists. In return, the practical experience of the applicant is now given greater consideration in the application. Some universities/colleges credit future students with completed vocational training, professional experience or a voluntary social year (VSY). You can find out how much the respective university credits the different qualifications for the application in our university comparison.
At 90 days, the nursing internship is the shortest practical experience you can have before you go to college. You can also do this abroad. Note that the nursing internship can only be credited for your studies later if you work at least 30 days at a time and not during your school days/holidays. During the internship you can learn a lot about everyday medical life. It may be easier for you to find out whether the medical profession is something for you or in which field you might want to specialize later.
As the name suggests, the voluntary social year (VSY) lasts at least one year and is therefore considerably longer than the nursing internship if you complete it in a medical field. This time is very versatile and useful, even if you don’t want to study medicine anymore in the end. Not only do you get to know hospital processes, you also get direct contact with patients. You will find out how difficult it can be to work in a hospital or in nursing facilities in general, regardless of whether you are a doctor, nurse or intern.
You will have the longest practical experience as part of vocational training in the medical sector (e.g. to become a nurse, paramedic or midwife). The training usually lasts three years. You will usually be paid from the first year of apprenticeship, so that you have a regular monthly income. During the training you will gain valuable knowledge and experience for your studies. You will learn how to deal with the patient and their relatives, how to put on infusions or bandages, how certain medications work and how everyday hospital life works.
Even if you have gained practical experience in one of the three options before applying for a medical degree, you are not guaranteed a place on the course. The experience can only increase your chances or give you a slight advantage over your competitors.
Option 2: Study abroad
For many, studying abroad is an attractive alternative to studying medicine if they have received a rejection notice. But before you decide to study abroad, you should do some research. Even if such a study at private foreign universities/colleges can be very expensive, there are many countries where the cost of living is even lower. You also have the opportunity to study at cheaper state institutions.
If you want to apply for a medical degree abroad, you should think about a few questions in advance. How much money do I have available for my studies? In which language do I want to study? How far do I want to be from my home country?
Foreign universities/colleges also credit their applicants with practical experience in the industry. Whether nursing internship, FSJ, vocational training or completing an advanced course in the natural sciences: All achievements already made have a positive effect on your application. It is best to find out directly from the university/college of your choice how you can collect bonus points when applying!
One of the most important prerequisites for studying abroad is of course the language. Even if some foreign universities/colleges offer medical studies in the USA, it is helpful to understand the national language.
Apart from high tuition fees, many universities/colleges abroad unfortunately also have a very time-consuming and complicated selection process. This often consists of scientific or standardized tests that examine the applicant’s ability to react, cope with stress or cognition. In addition, the applicants are tested in doctor-patient conversations or interview/interaction scenarios and their handling of unknown, challenging situations is assessed.
Option 3: Study medicine at a private university
Private study is usually quite expensive. However, these universities/colleges offer you the opportunity to realize your dream of studying medicine even after a rejection letter from a state university/college.
Many private universities/colleges also offer their applicants alternative financing options. Funding your studies at a private university/college is easier than you think with the help of a loan, student loan, or scholarship. If you would like more detailed information on this topic, then it is best to read our article on the topic “Medical studies at a private university: yes or no?”
Since the private universities only offer very few places, the applicants can expect a very complex selection process. They have the opportunity to show who they are and how motivated they are. At the same time, the high-school grade is not weighted as heavily as in the usual selection process. Practical experience is much more important and is decisive for approval.
A completed internship is often required when applying for a medical degree. The rule here is: the more, the better! The more experience you have gained, the clearer your motivation for studying medicine becomes. It is best to find out more about the conditions for an application directly from the website of the university/college of your choice.
A personal interview is essential for a successful application to a private university. During a kind of interview, the selection committee would like to get to know you and find out what your strengths and weaknesses are and whether you are suitable for the future profession.
Option 4: Lateral entry into a higher semester
The way to study medicine can also include a scientific detour. There are countless unrestricted admission subjects that come very close to studying medicine or cover a similar area. As a rule, you can start a medical degree without waiting and without an additional selection process from the universities after you have received a rejection letter for medical studies.
The trick with lateral entry is as follows: You try to collect as many certificates (subjects completed) as possible so that you can later have them credited for your medical studies. In this way, you can immediately start a higher semester (usually the second semester) without wasting any time. If you would like to know more about lateral entry, then you should read our article “The lateral entry into medical studies – the long way to the goal” . There we explain the complete process of lateral entry and what you have to consider.
The regulation of lateral entry into a higher semester in the field of medicine differs depending on the university/college. In general, however, two “large” and two “small” certificates are required to change to a medical degree. This is the only way you can have a complete semester credited to you.
If you are thinking about lateral entry, it is best to contact the state examination office in the federal state in which you were born. There you will find out which regulations apply to you. In order to increase the chances of a successful career change, you should apply to as many universities/colleges as possible.
Master plan 2020: what has changed?
As we have already described in the article ” Master plan 2020: The future of medical studies “, the admission regulations have changed from 2020 onwards. From the winter semester 2019/20, the following changes will apply to admission and the course of your medical studies:
- State study aptitude test with free and repeatable participation as a selection criterion
- Courses and support programs with an insight into general medicine within the course of study
- Uniform, transparent selection process
- only a selection quota
- Abolition of the waiting time quota
- Establishment of chairs for general medicine
- Changed allocation of study places: 10% of the study places to students who commit to practicing for at least ten years in a country doctor’s practice
New criteria within the selection process:
- Result of the subject-specific study aptitude test
- High-school note
- completed vocational training
- Voluntary services e.g. voluntary Social Year
For you, this means that your preparations for a successful application will look different. It is best to adapt your application strategy to the new regulations.
