Why should we accept you over another medical student with the same qualifications?
Every year, the admission and acceptance rates vary at the Indiana University School of Medicine. The most recent 2024 data shows the school received 5,988 applications and admitted 365 students, showing a little over 6% acceptance rate. Looking at this information, it is imperative that you stand out among other candidates to be placed on the shortlist and accepted into the program.
On the FAQs page on the school's website, one of the questions is, "What will make me stand out as a candidate?" The school is pretty vague in its response, which says, "To stand out on your medical school application, be your authentic self and step outside your comfort zone to broaden your educational background." However, if you have made it to the interview, you must have stood out in the first place.
Review your application to see what could make you stand out and expand on that in your response. For example, several medical school admissions committees have described what makes applicants stand out as community service, leadership experiences, extracurricular activities, research experience, publications, and medical exposure, either shadowing or work-related. You can choose several reasons you stand out above others and why the interviewers should offer you a spot in their program.
"While I understand you have many qualified candidates, you should accept me for several reasons. I grew up volunteering with my family overseas since I was eight years old. My parents are both healthcare professionals who would volunteer their time and services to those in need. I learned how to give back to the community and serve others, which I continue to do to this day. I learned basic and advanced medical skills from my parents and other volunteers I worked with, and I already have a lot of experience in the medical field. In addition, I speak four languages fluently and am accustomed to working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. My experience has helped form me into who I am today and will prove invaluable when I achieve my goal of becoming a physician."
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