Ritu Amarnani
Hometown: Miami, FL School: Georgetown University School of Medicine Year: MS2 |
What made you interested in joining GAB as a mentor?
The process of applying to medical school is tough for a couple of reasons. In part, the competition is tough; there are so many great applicants that would make even better doctors. However, there is also an uneven distribution of resources and knowledge about the cycle. I don’t have family in medicine, and spent a lot of time looking up videos on being pre-med — the prerequisites, requirements, and opportunities I was expected to participate in to be a competitive applicant. I joined GAB to be that resource for students. I might help a student build their school list, edit their activities section, or talk through their ideas for secondaries. What's one thing you wish you knew before applying to medical school? There are two types of schools, research or service-oriented. I wish I had thought long and hard about where I would fit best and embraced it. Personally, I lean into patient care and couldn’t imagine working in medicine without clinical practice. My college degree was in Health Sciences, meaning many discussions around the social determinants of health and volunteering. I was definitely service-orientated. It was apparent on my applications. However, I had applied to research schools as well, trying to convince the admissions committee (and myself) that I would be a good fit. Looking back, I’m so glad I ended up where I did. I still do research, but can focus more on opportunities related to my future career goals. What helped you most during the application process? My mom was my greatest support during the application cycle. She was an extra set of eyes while I filled out information in the primary application. She edited 100 secondary essays, making sure the flow, grammar, and content of my essays were sound. In interview season, she practiced with me to make sure my responses sounded polished, but not rehearsed. At every stage, my mom was my biggest cheerleader. What's a tip you'd like to share with applicants? In interviews, be comfortable being a little vulnerable, if that’s part of your story. I was drawn to medicine because of a personal experience, and it did come up with interviewers. I became comfortable sharing my grief, but also the newfound strength that came with it. Your interview is the only chance to let admissions see your personality. That means embracing your story, emotions, and reflections. You want to connect with your interviewer and make them see you as genuine and human. That sounds easier than it is. You might want to practice interviewing with a friend. Try some common interview questions, to learn how to appropriately articulate your emotions. Any additional words of wisdom? You should be proud of yourself, no matter the outcome of the cycle. You’ve worked hard. Your heart is in the right place. The cycle is not always fair, but that should not affect your self-worth. You will be a great physician |