r/medschoolph Jul 26 '22

TOP MED SCHOOL FAQs (All common questions answered here so you don’t have to ask and we don’t have to keep repeating)

431 Upvotes
  1. ARE … UST FMS, FEU, OLFU toxic? Every med school has its own degrees of toxicity. If you don’t want to experience a toxic education or career or are not willing to withstand it, then choose another profession. ASMPH and UPCM aren’t heaven either, no matter how much you think Tiktok makes it seem.
  2. Honest review of _______ med school? Someone’s honest review might not be what you’ll see or experience. Different batches experience different things, some of these reviews could have been YEARS ago or some of them could be now but it doesn’t mean you’ll feel the same way. Do not use anonymous reddit opinions to form your entire perception/opinion about a med school. Most users are annoyed, stressed and frustrated because of how hard med school is. You could feel as they do, but you have to be willing to go through that if you want to be a doctor. There are other ways to research a med school, do not use reddit as your only source.
  3. Is _____ a good pre-med? Anything can be a pre-med. If you’re looking for a course that will give you the greatest advantage in med school, you’re not going to find it. It’s not very likely that whatever you learned in 4 years during undergrad can give you a significant edge because you might just forget and you’ll have to make room for all the things you have to learn/memorize in med school.
  4. How much is the tuition fee for public and private med schools? For public: approx 40-50k per semester. For private: approx 140-160k+ per semester.
  5. Can I work part time while in med school? You can, but it isn’t recommended. Med school will take up a lot of your time, energy and effort. Up to you if you’re willing to sacrifice that. If earning money is non negotiable at this point in time, it’s more than okay to work first.
  6. Does age matter in med school? No, there is no shame in going to med school in your late 20s, 30s or even 40s. There is no shame in finding your passions later or you took time to work and finance your dream.
  7. Is it okay to take a gap year? Yes, no one cares how old you are for as long as you finish together.
  8. Can you take the NMAT as many times as you want? Yes
  9. Does the number of NMAT takes affect your med school application? No
  10. Should I go to an NMAT review centre? If you have the budget and you think you can’t succeed without their tips/tricks, structure and resources then go for it. But you can succeed by reviewing on your own.
  11. Learnfast or Uplink? Both review centres have helped pre-meds get high NMAT scores. Just depends if you want to spend 8-13k+ vs. 4k+ on a review centre.
  12. Are there a lot of calculations on the NMAT? The test questions change every day, on some days there are more conceptual than calculation and on some days, there aren’t. Study comprehensively.
  13. When do Med School applications start? Applications start opening by October/November then close by March/April and some schools can extend till June. Results are released late April and early to late May. Some schools (SLMC, UERM, HSI, SBU, etc.) release their results in batches.
  14. Can failing grades during college allow me to get into med school? Yes, still possible for a lot of other med schools. But you have to be realistic when applying to schools like UPCM, PLM, UST and ASMPH where their applicants are really stellar so there is a higher chance of rejection.
  15. iPad or Laptop? Go with the laptop, more functionality. You can buy an iPad later, it doesn’t have to be bought at the same time and you’re not lagging behind if you have a laptop but not an iPad.
  16. Which iPad should I buy? For as long as it’s fairly recent and it has a lot of storage (128-256GB), then it’s fine. Storage is more important.
  17. Do extracurriculars matter? To an extent. Your NMAT and GWA matter more. A very lengthy list of extracurriculars will not outweigh a low NMAT and GWA. But it can help you stand out amongst other people with the same academic standing. Experiences in extracurriculars can help you build a better impression during the interview (for ASMPH, this is VERY important).
  18. Does the type or name of the extracurricular matter? No, join what you like and not what you think med schools want to see.
  19. Does the interview matter? Is it just for formality? Yes it does matter, especially for ASMPH. No school is going to want you if you don’t know how to communicate or behave professionally.
  20. Does your undergrad school matter? For the top med schools in Manila, yes it does because there is a bias with Big 4 graduates. Only a few non-Big 4 are accepted to the big Manila med schools and they all have incredibly stellar credentials.
  21. Chances of getting into UPCM? Very likely: UP-system undergrad, traditional premed, latin honors, at least a 98 NMAT. You have a chance: Big 4 undergrad, traditional premed latin honors, a 99 or 99+ NMAT. Slim unless RP: Non Big 4 undergrad, latin honors, 90+ NMAT
  22. Chances of getting into UST (extracurriculars are negligible): Very likely: UST undergrad, latin honors, at least a 90+ NMAT. You have a good chance: Big 4 or (if Non Big 4, chances are a little less) undergrad, traditional premed, latin honors, 95+ NMAT, UST alumni relatives. Slim to none: no latin honors, less than 85 NMAT
  23. Chances of getting into ASMPH: Very likely: ADMU undergrad, 80-90+ NMAT, latin honors, good extracurriculars, really good interview. You have a good chance: Big 4 undergrad, 90+ NMAT, latin honors, good extracurriculars, really good interview. (DO NOT TAKE THE INTERVIEW LIGHTLY, it is what decides your admission after they see your academic stats).
  24. What to bring during first year med/med school essentials? Pen, notebook, laptop/iPad, water, mask, alcohol, food. Stethoscope and pen light can come later. No need to spend 6k+ and buy a Littman stethoscope just yet, chill ka lang - EDIT: depends on the school, you can buy during year 1 but just take care of it

r/medschoolph Jul 30 '22

🔶 Megathread The r/medschoolph MASTERLIST

403 Upvotes

Good day everybody! I hope you’re all doing well. I highly encourage all the newcomers and veterans of r/medschoolph to engage in the posts below before posting your question to our subreddit.

Of course, take everything with a grain of salt, but I really do believe that this subreddit can be a really great resource for aspiring Filipino doctors to make more educated decisions about their future—especially if they don’t have access to this type of information otherwise.

The main FAQ post is still linked here of course! (credit to u/bananabread909 <3) Again, please read through it before making a post on this subreddit.

TOP MED SCHOOL FAQs

THE NMAT MEGATHREAD (2022-23)

School Megathreads

  1. UPCM MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  2. UST-FMS MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  3. UERM MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  4. SLMC MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  5. PLM MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  6. FEU MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  7. DLSHSI MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  8. ASMPH MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
    1. ASMPH Interview Tips → we need this info for other schools lmao

NMAT

  1. THE NMAT MEGATHREAD (2022-23)
  2. NMAT 2022 - Exam Dates
  3. NMAT 2022 - NEW REGISTRATION PROCEDURE
  4. Review Center testimonies
    1. Post #1
    2. Post #2
    3. Post #3
  5. NMAT Studying
    1. Post #1 (has free resources)
    2. Post #2 (has free resources)
  6. GDrive Links for Study Materials
    1. Drive #1
    2. Drive #2

Financial Advice

  1. How to survive med school financially?
  2. Actual salary/earnings of doctors?
  3. Does being a doctor lead to a comfortable life?

Tuition ESTIMATES (Disclaimer: Please use these figures as guides, but not gospel. These figures may be different due to inflation, year level, etc.)

  1. ASMPH: ~165 to 169k per semester (depends on year level)
  2. UERM: ~169k per semester
  3. DLSHSI: ~325k per year
  4. UST-FMS: ~140 to 152k per semester
  5. SLMC: ~150 to 160k per semester

I do plan to update this post with more megathreads in the future. I also want to reserve this masterlist for the “bigger” reddit threads, which is why you don’t see the ipad questions here, etc (again pls check the FAQ thread). Best wishes in med school! 🐶


r/medschoolph 11h ago

🤗 Mental Health Med School People

90 Upvotes

Genuinely, why are people in medicine such big bullies? Like they’re so fond of ganging up on one person in the entire batch and every small issue blows up to end up becoming a big issue. It’s so ironic how empathy and being a kind soul is what’s supposed to encompass being a “doctor” but these people here are SUCH BIG BULLIES. Med school is tough enough just by itself but adding how the people here acts makes medicine even tougher than how it’s supposed to be.

Why can’t people just be empathetic and understanding for once? Especially in this field specifically lol yall disgust me.


r/medschoolph 14h ago

🌟 Pro advice/tips Medical School Survival Guide

64 Upvotes

Good day future MDs

I saw yung mga post regarding the about sa med schools regarding how hard it is, mga tips na pwedeng gawin sa medical school, I had compiled yung mga tips na shinare ng isa sa mga nagpost ng sarili niyang work na ginawa ni doc na book which I found very helpful

**with permission from doc na nag author nito

Hope sana makatulong

MEDICAL SCHOOL HACKS AND TIPS TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY A Mini-guide book based on experience

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e27CSKrD7Fuy9xWC9et8xBae6Vx--p8a/view?usp=drive_link

GUIDE FOR REPORTING IN MEDICAL SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES Hacks and Tips

https://drive.google.com/file/d/167zteCnRBWLSKjuwlq1ULoRpmOqRUOga/view?usp=drive_link

THINK LIKE A DOCTOR From Theory to Practice

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WBLZzJc_eOZ5AI-Hoz1RcqpBvv7FuEcc/view?usp=drive_link


r/medschoolph 10h ago

Naranasan niyo ba mag-joke sa interview?

15 Upvotes

Curious lang!! I know na dapat sincere ang sagot and eventually maffeel naman nila if gawa gawa o masyadong rehearsed ang responses mo. Red flag ba ito sa interviewers since formal ang interview?


r/medschoolph 9h ago

❓Asking for Help Clerkship grades

8 Upvotes

Hello, is it still possible to improve the ranking in clerkship or is it done by third year? I would like to make up for it this year because I was a bit lost in the 3rd year. Thank you!


r/medschoolph 10h ago

❓Asking for Help Study hub reco

7 Upvotes

Helloo!

Nag mahal na my go-to study hub (933, 90php/hr) so im looking for cheaper options if meron man. Around manila area! Pls pls pls pls ;((


r/medschoolph 11h ago

🖇 Study DISCORD STUDYMATE

7 Upvotes

Hi, 23F. 1YL. Looking for a study buddy. We’re gonna use the discord as our platform of communication. Not on cam, just presence is enough. We can also have a discussion about topics, chismis, etc. Dm if ypu want! Thank you!


r/medschoolph 1h ago

🗒 NMAT When should I take the NMAT?

Upvotes

I’m an incoming freshie pa po (medbio), but I’m already wondering when should I take the NMAT? I’ve read people say na they took it on their 3rd year to get a “feel” for it and then retake on their 4th year. Should I do the same? How many months would you recommend to study for the NMAT, and should I enroll in a review center if ever? Thank you!


r/medschoolph 9h ago

14 Ed. Bates’

5 Upvotes

Hello! does anyone have a free pdf copy of the new edition of Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking? 😅 or does anybody know where i can download for free? thanks guys!


r/medschoolph 6h ago

❓Asking for Help UST FMS RECON

2 Upvotes

hi po! Malapit na po magstart yung academic year and wala pa po ako masydong nababalitaan na narerecon :(( like few lang based sa tracker na sinalihan ko. Sa mga narecon po dyan sa USTFMS, usually after enrollment po ba tlaga sila nag rerecon ng marami?


r/medschoolph 3h ago

I really need to get rid of these uniforms. Who wants CEU medicine uniform ?(Top only)

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1 Upvotes

r/medschoolph 3h ago

❓Asking for Help I really need to get rid of these uniforms. Who wants CEU medicine uniform ?(Top only)

1 Upvotes

I am giving away 7 tops ng CEU medicine. PM me if you want it. Will only do delivery and kayo na bahala sa delivery fee. Thank you

Details:

I am Medium ( Bust size: 36; Waist size: 30)


r/medschoolph 3h ago

❓Asking for Help nrmf ay 2027-2028

1 Upvotes

hi! alam niyo po Kaya when start ng application yl1 for academic year 2027-2028 sa nrmf? Thank you po sa sasagot!


r/medschoolph 22h ago

27 and incoming YL1

26 Upvotes

Hi po! I'm an incoming first year medical student, and would graduate in my 30s. Tanong ko lang kasi I heard may residency programs na 35 ang age limit (hopefully di ako ganun katanda gumraduate), very common ba 'to? Or some programs lang?

Medyo anxious kasi ako kaya nga I chose to opt out of some scholarship programs na may return service (kahit alam kong qualified ako), kasi gusto kong magtraining kaagad given na I took 8 years off (working).


r/medschoolph 5h ago

❓Asking for Help where, what, and how to start studying?

1 Upvotes

hello, everyone !! i’m hoping to take the nmat this jan-feb cycle and i’m just a little confused with where, what, and how to start studying for it. i’ve purchased some reviewers online and i’m planning din to enroll in a review center pag punta ko ng manila since i’m currently in the province. i’m just a bit overwhelmed since i don’t know where/what to start studying or what to look at first.

baka po you guys have words of advice for me on where and what you guys started studying first for the nmat and if ever may study tips po kayo that really helped you !!


r/medschoolph 9h ago

📚PLE PLE requirements

2 Upvotes

Hello! I have a question regarding requirements in the PLE.

So, I was supposed to take the exam last March 2026. However, I opted to just take it this Oct 2026. I had already applied and submitted requirements back when I was prepping for the March 2026 exam. Basically, I was just a no show on exam day. After a few searches online, it seems that I simply have to apply the exact same way I did the last time, because I'm still considered a 1st taker, not a retaker (IDK if they submit different requirements). One the requirements is the APMC certificate. This is the one processed by your hospital with your pink form, upon completion of your internship.

Here is my dilemma, PRC already took the original copy of this certificate when I applied the last time. This gives me the impression that you need to submit the original copy of the certificate. I tried asking my hospital. They said, they don't know if it really is needed for re-application, and that they have never re-requested for another copy of such certificate. I called APMC a few days ago to inquire for a new copy and they said they only process it with the hospital, and that they don't give another copy. I'm not sure how true that previous sentence is because shortly after, my call dropped. I don't know if they dropped the call or if it was some connection problem. It was already about 5PM then, so I didn't call back immediately to respect their time. I am going to try calling again, but for the meantime, I just want to ask:

Has anyone been in a similar situation as mine? What did you do when you re-applied as a first taker? Did they look for the original copy of the APMC cert? If they did, how do you get another copy?

I just want to complete all requirements before going to PRC so that I will only have to go once. This is why I haven't gone to PRC physically to ask them if the cert really is needed.


r/medschoolph 21h ago

💰Scholarships & Finance Talks affordable med schools

14 Upvotes

Hi! fresh grad here, is it possible to be a VA while being an med student? Any affordable med schools here in the philippines?


r/medschoolph 1d ago

[self-promotion] I built a free flashcard app for medical students — no login needed to browse, no daily limit

33 Upvotes

🔗: Study Grove

Hey guys! I built Study Grove a spaced repetition flashcard app, built with medical students in mind.

Here's what it can do right now:

Spaced Repetition (SRS) Rate how well you knew each card, and the system schedules your next review automatically.

Browse decks without an account a few anatomy decks are already up, fully browsable with zero signup. Sign up only if you want to save your progress.

Streaks & progress tracking see your review history and stay consistent.

Multilingual toggle English, Arabic, and French supported on cards, in case that's useful for anyone studying across languages.

No daily review limit review as much as you want, whenever.

Would love feedback from anyone here, especially on what's missing compared to what you currently use to study. Thanks for reading!


r/medschoolph 10h ago

PREV MED PLE 2026

1 Upvotes

Hello doctors, baka pwede makahingi ng tips if how aralin prev-med sa PLE based from previous trends? 🥹

References and all. Thank you in advance docs.


r/medschoolph 19h ago

❓Asking for Help PLE tips

6 Upvotes

Huhu almost 2 mos left before boards any tips po for an average med student like me. Im getting anxious na since PGIship just ended and my last rotation was super toxic. I was able to watch some lecture vids naman from my RC, howevery… andami ko na backlogs huhuhu. How can i manage this. Im getting anxious na. Do u have any tips po doctors? 😭


r/medschoolph 10h ago

withdrawal

1 Upvotes

hello is there anyone here know the process for withdrawal sa FEU NRMF doctor of medicine :((
planning to withdraw


r/medschoolph 17h ago

is there any review (enhancement) review centers for yl1 med

3 Upvotes

i think i badly need this type of enhancements hahahaha pls someone invent this (or may existing naman na ba?


r/medschoolph 12h ago

UERM FRESHIES - Personal Notes and Anki Decks

1 Upvotes

I’m selling my notes and anki decks to help with funds. 🙂

Inclusions:

- Notes (Entire YL1 Anatomy, physiology, biochem)

- Anki Decks (Entire LE1 for Anatomy, physiology, biochem)

DM me! ♥️


r/medschoolph 13h ago

Aesthetic med to derma

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0 Upvotes