Medical School Application Guide

The Ultimate Guide to the MCAT: How I Studied, What I Used, and What I’d Do Differently

Looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for the MCAT? Learn how I studied, including my study schedule, favorite resources (UWorld, Kaplan, AAMC), and what I’d do differently.

Rinka | June 28, 2026 | 6 min read

TMDSAS Application Guide: Every Section Explained

Applying through TMDSAS for the first time? In this guide, I’ll walk you through every section of the application—from essays and activities to transcript entry, MCAT scores, and letters of recommendation—so you know exactly what to expect before you hit submit.

Rinka | June 25, 2026 | 5 min read

personal biography

TMDSAS Personal Biography Section: Every Subsection Explained

Wondering what actually goes in the TMDSAS Personal Biography section? This guide breaks down every category, explains what admissions committees are looking for, and shares tips that can strengthen your application.

Rinka | June 25, 2026 | 7 min read

Medical School Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Received a medical school interview invitation? Congratulations—you’ve already passed one of the biggest hurdles in the application process. In this guide, I explain the different interview formats, share preparation tips, and discuss strategies that helped me feel more confident going into interview season.

Rinka | June 20, 2026 | 4 min read

essays

TMDSAS Essays: How I Approached All 3 Essays

Learn how to write the TMDSAS essays, including the personal statement, personal characteristics essay, and optional essay with tips from a medical student.

Rinka | June 20, 2026 | 7 min read

Understanding the CASPer Exam: What It Is and How I Scored in the 4th Quartile

Heard of the CASPer exam but not sure what it is or how to prepare? In this guide, I break down the format, scoring system, and preparation strategies I used to earn a 4th-quartile score, along with sample practice questions to help you get started.

Rinka | June 20, 2026 | 5 min read

How I Chose Which Medical Schools to Apply To

Not sure how to choose which medical schools to apply to? Learn how to build a balanced school list, use resources like MSAR, compare Texas and out-of-state schools, and avoid common mistakes that can cost applicants both time and money.

Rinka | June 20, 2026 | 5 min read

Volunteering Opportunities for Premed Students (Non-Clinical and Clinical)

Looking for premed volunteer opportunities? Learn about clinical and non-clinical volunteering experiences that can strengthen your medical school application.

Rinka | June 20, 2026 | 8 min read

Group of medical graduates celebrating by tossing caps and holding diploma outdoors

6 Medical Schools That Offer Free Tuition

Medical school is expensive, but there are a handful of schools that offer free tuition or substantial financial aid. Here are some programs I discovered while researching schools that may be worth adding to your application list.

Rinka | June 20, 2026 | 2 min read

Pre-med Advice: 6 Things I Wish I Had Done Differently Before Medical School

Thinking about medical school? As a current medical student at TCOM, I’m sharing six lessons I learned during my premed journey that I wish I had known from freshman year onward.

Rinka | June 19, 2026 | 5 min read

Top 5 Advice As a Pre-Med Student

Are you pursuing a medical profession but don’t know where to start? Read on for some valuable advice from a fellow pre-med student and receive guidance.

Rinka | August 9, 2024 | 4 min read