Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 8/14/2005

Question
Hi jeff
I hope I'm finding you in the best of health.I have one final question that will make up my decision about Medical school:
Besides the MCats, Are there any other times where I would have to write an essay?When?Are they "medical" essays or real "English" essays like the Mcats?

Is it natural for me to feel like I have nothing to write about on the essay.(I just started college)(I looked inside the Kaplan book on Amazon.com and saw that those questions are really difficult to write an essay about(for me).Like,"The best kind of education encourages students to question authority.")Do you think I would have more to write about once I finish college.Are there any courses that help people brainstorm what to write about on a specific topic?(kaplan,college,any?)
Thank you so much for your help and insight into Medical school

Answer
Matt,
I am a dentist so I am not sure if I can answer your question about writing essays. I can tell you that in dental school, we did very little writing. I know I wrote a senior paper where I went to dental school (Indiana University) on the subject of our own choosing. Most tests were multiple choice format.

As far as preparation for writing an essay for your MCAT, here is an idea. Since you are now in college, try to get friendly with one or more of your English professors. Then get specific help with writing your essay for the MCAT from them. Who better than an English professor to help you with your writing skills.

If you have any dental questions, please let me know. If I tried to answer your MCAT, med school questions, I would not be too accurate. Good luck! Remember to study hard all of the way through undergrad.

Jeff Dalin, DDS