How To Choose A Medical Specialty: A Book Review
By Brent Schnipke Central to the skillset of every physician is the differential diagnosis; this ... Read more
Brent Schnipke
Updated June 26, 2022 by Brent Schnipke
For Applicants
Explore programs, learn from students, and stay on track through the application cycle.
1. Choose a Path
Select your profession and focus on the stage of the process that matters most right now.
2. Study the Process
Use guides and articles to prepare for applications, secondaries, interviews, and decisions.
3. Compare and Discuss
Pair structured school research with perspective from applicants, students, and advisors.
4. Ask an Advisor
Ask a confidential question and receive guidance from SDN verified expert advisors. Always human, always free.
5. Work with a Coach
Work one-on-one with a professional pre-health coach when you need structured application support.
True Pass-Fail Curriculum: Key to Learning and Collegiality
Republished with permission from here. Being a pre-medical student is largely about the numbers — ... Read more
Cassie Kosarek
Updated June 26, 2022 by Cassie Kosarek
Book Review: When Breath Becomes Air
If you read one book this year, make it When Breath Becomes Air. Do yourself ... Read more
Chivas Owle
Updated March 14, 2019 by Chivas Owle
Protecting the World’s Food Supply, One Student at a Time: An interview with Jacque Pelzer, DVM
From building surfboards to helping veterinary students achieve their goals, Jacque Pelzer’s career path was ... Read more
Suzanne Barston
Updated June 26, 2022 by Suzanne Barston
Scary Smart: The Widespread Use of “Study Drugs” on American Campuses
While the American college experience can be a time of great discovery and learning, the ... Read more
Brian Wu
Updated June 26, 2022 by Brian Wu
Residents and Fellows: Your Guide to the Right Career Path
You’ve earned your medical degree, worked your way through your residency or fellowship program, and ... Read more
Melissa Byington
Updated June 26, 2022 by Melissa Byington
When is the Right Time to Take the MCAT Exam? Three Questions to Ask Yourself.
It’s not surprising that one of the questions we’re asked most frequently is, “When should ... Read more
AAMC Staff
Updated June 26, 2022 by AAMC Staff
Four Errors Students Make In Their First Semester of Medical School
Updated November 4, 2021. The article was updated to correct minor grammatical errors. Settling into ... Read more
Cassie Kosarek
Updated June 26, 2022 by Cassie Kosarek
How to Volunteer in a Hospital – What You Need to Know About Medical Volunteering Abroad
There are several different reasons that inspire people to volunteer, and these reasons can be ... Read more
Dronacharya Dave
Updated June 26, 2022 by Dronacharya Dave
5 Things You Need to Know About Ranking Residencies for the Match
As you continue researching residency programs, applying, and interviewing with these programs, you’ll begin to ... Read more
ExamGuru
Updated June 26, 2022 by ExamGuru
Having Children In Medical School
When my husband was in medical school, we had a social gathering for medical students ... Read more
Amy Rakowczyk
Updated June 26, 2022 by Amy Rakowczyk
Advice from 20+ interviews: Part 2
Don’t miss Part I of this article, which covered how to prepare before the interview and ... Read more
bluestreaks
Updated June 26, 2022 by bluestreaks
Advice from 20+ interviews: Part 1
I did 21 interviews. Don’t ask how much it cost because I don’t enjoy thinking ... Read more
bluestreaks
Updated June 26, 2022 by bluestreaks
Pediatrics In Review: A Look at Clerkship #2
Central to the skillset of every physician is the differential diagnosis; this is the process ... Read more
Brent Schnipke
Updated June 26, 2022 by Brent Schnipke
Reflections On An Encounter During My Elective in Vanuatu
Despite being on the top of a hill, the hospital was remarkably unimposing and unimpressive: ... Read more
Emma Cox
Updated June 26, 2022 by Emma Cox
Reclaiming a Passion
Republished with permission from here. Note: Interview conducted by medical student editor Evan Torline. Sometimes ... Read more
Evan Torline
Updated June 26, 2022 by Evan Torline
A Comprehensive Guide To Medical Career Interviews
Interviews are often stressful—even for those who have gone on countless interviews. The best way ... Read more
Melissa Byington
Updated August 8, 2022 by Melissa Byington
The Soft Skills You Need to be a Leader in Medicine
Medicine needs a strong core of leadership now more than ever. Medical students and new ... Read more
Sidney Christiansen
Updated June 26, 2022 by Sidney Christiansen
It’s Real: The Sophomore Slump
I strolled into second year, fresh off the plane from my South American adventures and ... Read more
Adelle
Updated June 26, 2022 by Adelle
Nonprofit Support
Keep free advising available to every student.
SDN is a nonprofit service. Your support helps sustain free advising, trusted guidance, and a more accessible path for future health professionals.