I know HPA suggests that we apply to medical schools that will be a good fit for us in terms of the school's mission, but when I read mission statements, they all seem to say the same thing. Is there something I should be looking for? How do I convince a school that I’m a good fit for their mission?
There are some schools with very distinct missions, while some may seem more general, but each mission statement has been crafted intentionally to convey the school’s guiding principles and focus concisely. Use your close reading skills to dissect these short statements. The more that you read, the more you’ll be able to start discerning differences and picking up on key ideas that have meaning for you as a future trainee and physician. Using MSAR and Choose DO Explorer, going to info sessions, and listening to podcasts can be more efficient than trying to read school websites.
Also, delve into programs highlighted by the school. Beyond looking for keywords around research in the mission statement, for example, think about the kinds of research you’ve been doing that you want to continue. See what the school has to offer. Look for schools that require a research thesis / scholarly project, have a lot of research funding, and/or have dedicated time built into the curriculum for research. On the social justice side, look for schools with a required service component, highlight opportunities to work with underserved communities, incorporate social determinants of health into the curriculum, or have areas of concentration that speak to social justice. Schools may also mention selection factors on their websites or in MSAR—what they emphasize will also give you an idea of their focus. Think about how you have demonstrated those qualities, and how you can convey them in your application.
As far as demonstrating your fit within the mission, your actions speak the loudest, and your words should back them up. For example, for a school like Cooper Rowan that emphasizes its commitment to serving underserved communities in its vision statement, your volunteer work, especially within these communities, will convey your fit, as will how you discuss why this work is meaningful to you. If a school emphasizes biomedical research and leadership, like Wash U in St Louis, and you were a MOL major who led two student organizations, you may stand out as attractive to them.
A couple more short articles:
What Does it Mean to Make Sure You “Fit” with a School’s Mission | AAMC
Deciding Which Schools to Apply to Using the Medical School Mission | AAMC
QOTW 2024: What Happens at HPA Over the Summer?
QOTW 2023: Summer Clinical Opportunities