The AAMC states 15 essential competencies that are expected of prospective medical students. These are divided into four categories (Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Thinking and Reasoning, and Science). We know it can at first look overwhelming! BUT don't panic! You are not required to hit all 15 core competencies with 15 individual extracurriculars. For example, volunteering at a local hospital hits competencies in service orientation, cultural competence, teamwork ... You get the point. 

While they may overlap, DO NOT attempt to include competencies that are not readily clear. Medical schools will be able to tell if you do not hit a core competency, especially during the interview. A good starting point is to list out your extracurriculars and see which competencies that you may still need to work on (we can help with this too!). Below we summarize each of the competencies. We hope it helps in making these 15 competencies less overwhelming.

As you enter college, we hope that you keep these competencies in mind and take part in activities that will help you not only develop the skills that medical schools want to see, but also cultivate tools that can help you be the best healthcare provider.

Service Orientation

• Show your desires to serve the community. Show that you care. Help those in need, no matter how small or grand the gesture may be. Be aware of your influence as a fellow citizen, neighbor, and friend.

Social Skills

• Perhaps the most basic yet a very important set of traits. Health professions are one of the most interactive careers, and having a great set of social skills will aid you greatly on your medical journey. Also, sometimes your most valuable interactions come from the most unexpected encounters. So get out of your seats and go talk to people!

Cultural Competence

• You will inevitably interact with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds. It is very important to be knowledgeable, and keep an open-mind about others’ cultural backgrounds. Interaction with other cultures is often an opportunity to learn and appreciate one another’s cultures.

Teamwork

• Collaborate with the members of who share a common goal. Communicate effectively, and respect others’ opinions. Appropriate teamwork helps significantly reduce time constraint and stress on each member.

Oral Communication

• Often the most effective and direct form of communication. An effective oral communication is composed of two parts which are: speaking AND listening. It is very important that you convey your ideas clearly, but it is equally as important to listen to others’ opinions and feedback as well.

Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others

• Adhere to ethics and act accordingly. Do not fall for peer-pressure, instead influence others to behave ethically.

Reliability and Dependability

• Make plans to complete all given tasks the given time and adhere to it. Take responsibility for your actions and do not shift the blame. Do not stress about elements out of one’s control.

Resilience and Adaptability

• Persevere through difficult situations. Adapt to the situations effectively. Do not let mistakes hold you back. Make adjustments and keep moving forward.

Capacity for Improvement

• Set small milestones towards goals. Continue to be a learner. Do not be afraid to take feedback. There is always room for improvement.

Critical Thinking

• Through logic and reasoning, seek alternative methods of solving and approaching problems. Determine the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative to find the best course of action. 

Quantitative Reasoning

• Look to explain natural occurrences and real world problems with mathematical concepts and skills.

Scientific Inquiry

• Be curious and incorporate your knowledge of scientific processes to discuss with others how to create hypotheses and potential solutions to those questions. Being comfortable with the languages of the sciences will be a great tool when collaborating with others. 

Written Communication

• Be clear and concise when communicating using written words and sentences.

Living Systems

• Apply and approach a problem related to living systems (cells, organs...) using knowledge and skills in the natural sciences.

Human Behavior

• Apply and approach a problem related to human behavior (psychological, socio-cultural...) using knowledge in social structures.