Find A Mentor
Mentorship can come from many sources, and each offers unique perspectives and benefits. Mentors are crucial to the medical school application process. Below is a breakdown of potential mentors and what they can provide:
professional mentors
professors
Building relationships with professors can lead to a wealth of opportunities. Professors can connect students with research projects, write strong letters of recommendation, and introduce them to other professionals or resources.
When working with professors, it’s important to communicate specific goals and needs. Unlike physicians or medical students, who may inherently understand premed objectives, professors often work with students pursuing diverse career paths and may need more context about a student’s aspirations.
health professionals
Physicians and health professionals are an excellent resource for understanding the realities of medicine and exploring opportunities such as research, clinical experience, or volunteering. While they may not always be equipped to assist directly with admissions or the MCAT—especially if they are removed from the application process—their knowledge about the field and professional pathways is invaluable.
Other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physician assistants, or public health practitioners, can offer a broader perspective on patient care and healthcare systems. They can help premed students understand interprofessional collaboration and explore non-physician career paths, should their interests evolve.
pre-health advisors
Advisors, including pre-health advisors, play a critical role in a student’s journey, though interactions with them can sometimes feel challenging. Advisors often focus on guiding students toward achievable outcomes, which may include tempering overly ambitious plans.
While their caution is well-intentioned, students may occasionally need to take calculated risks to achieve their goals. Advisors are essential when applying to medical school, but their guidance should be balanced with self-awareness and personal aspirations. For students without access to a pre-health advisor at their institution, the National Association of Advisors for Health Professions (NAAHP) can help locate one.
medical students
Current medical students are a fantastic resource for insight into the application process and medical school itself. They can offer advice on preparing for interviews, writing personal statements, and navigating prerequisite courses. Medical students have recently gone through the process, so their knowledge is fresh, and they can provide actionable tips.
Additionally, they can share their experiences about transitioning into medical school, balancing coursework, and finding opportunities for extracurricular involvement like research or leadership roles.
professional organizations
Leaders or members of professional organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA), the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), or the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) can offer mentorship. These mentors can provide support, networking opportunities, and guidance on advocacy and leadership in medicine.
community leaders
For students passionate about health equity, community leaders or organizers can provide mentorship on how to engage with underserved populations, lead outreach programs, and advocate for social change. They may help you understand the broader context of healthcare disparities and how you can address them as a future physician.
support network
peers
Peers are often the most accessible mentors, particularly those who have navigated the admissions process. They can offer valuable advice, answer questions, and share their experiences. However, it’s important to remember that peers are not experts. Their strategies may not align with what works best for you.
For example, advice on the MCAT can vary significantly between individuals, and some peer mentors may unintentionally create feelings of insecurity about grades or test preparation. It’s wise to seek guidance from peers with similar backgrounds and circumstances. Consider how the advice of someone who matriculated immediately after undergrad might differ from someone who took a gap year or returned to school after time away.
family
While friends and family often mean well, their advice may not always align with the needs of a premed student, particularly if they lack direct experience in medicine or education. Their opinions, though heartfelt, can inadvertently steer students away from productive decisions.
For instance, while family members might encourage moving back home for convenience, such a decision could hinder the focus and flexibility required for studying or gaining relevant experiences. Similarly, casual suggestions like “just take the MCAT and see what happens” fail to appreciate the gravity of the premed journey.
mentorship etiquette and professionalism
You’ve likely heard much of this before, but a reminder never hurts. Being professional—or being perceived as professional—is crucial. It ensures you make the most of every opportunity and leave a positive impression.
Dress Code
When it comes to attire, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, particularly for important meetings or interviews. Your overall presentation includes not just your clothing but also your eyewear, piercings, visible tattoos, shoes, hair, nails, and makeup. Choose an outfit that feels comfortable yet exudes confidence, aiming for business casual or formal. When in doubt about the appropriate dress code, don’t hesitate to ask the event host. Even in one-on-one meetings, such as with a potential mentor, dressing up signals your seriousness and respect for the occasion.
Communications
Effective communication is vital for building relationships and making a strong impression, especially when applying for opportunities. How you communicate can shape the trajectory of any professional relationship. Below are key aspects to keep in mind:
Writing
Always ensure your writing is free from spelling and grammatical errors. While casual emails don’t need to be professionally edited, tools like Microsoft Word’s grammar check, Chat GPT, and Grammarly can significantly improve your clarity. Clear, concise language is essential—avoid profanity, slang, or overly casual expressions.
When working on applications or critical documents, start early. Seek feedback from multiple reviewers, especially those with relevant expertise. Their insights can refine your work and showcase your professionalism.
Be On-Time
Being on time is non-negotiable. Chronic lateness can be seen as unprofessional and insensitive in many settings. If you’re late, take responsibility and ensure it doesn’t become a pattern. Here’s an example of how to address tardiness without over-apologizing:
"Thank you for your patience, I hope I did not keep you waiting too long. I did not account for traffic when I mapped and timed my route, but now that I'm here we can get started."
This acknowledges the delay, takes ownership, and refocuses the conversation.
Medium
Choose appropriate channels for communication. Email is often best for professional interactions, and using your school or institutional email adds credibility. While platforms like LinkedIn or Handshake are appropriate for networking, avoid unsolicited personal social media interactions unless invited.
If someone shares their phone number, maintain the same level of formality as you would in an email. Use proper grammar, full sentences, and professional language.
Following Through
If someone requests a document (e.g., resume, cover letter, transcript) or invites you to meet, respond promptly. Similarly, don’t skip meetings or commitments you’ve made. If you must cancel, notify the other party as soon as possible and offer to reschedule.
Consistency is key. Failing to follow through can harm your reputation, and you never know when you might need a letter of recommendation, a grade adjustment, or support for an opportunity.