Personality Traits of Successful Medical Students

One of the new trends in medical school admissions is examining personality traits of applicants, in addition to considering more cognitive factors such as GPA and MCAT. Because medical school is so difficult, and because schools invest so much time and effort in training physicians, it is becoming increasingly important to predict which type of student will be most successful. According to studies, there are certain personality traits that medical schools are looking for because these traits have been shown to be good predictors of success. They are:

Self-discipline and competence: The first two years of a medical school program has a strong emphasis on science courses. The very rigorous curriculum can take a toll on students if they are not motivated and self-disciplined, not to mention extremely competent in study, learning, and test-taking skills. Before any other trait is considered, medical schools must determine that an applicant has the self-discipline to get through four tough years and the unusually high intelligence required to absorb the amount of material necessary to become a physician.

Conscientiousness: Following two years of science courses, students will transition to clinical experiences, where interpersonal skills like dependability and attention to detail are especially important. For students to succeed, they not only need to be conscientious, but also honest, agreeable, and have a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others. They also need to have a genuine interest in what they are doing.

Interpersonal skills: During the first two years of medical school, students will depend on each other for support and cooperation in preparing for courses and studying for exams. They cannot be afraid to ask for help if they need it. The last two years are the clinical years, where interpersonal skills and team effort are critical. Students who do not cooperate, who are not agreeable, and who do not work as a team are not going to be successful in clerkships and residencies.

Emotional stability: It goes without saying that getting through medical school requires a lot of sacrifices, and there will be times when students get depressed and feel as if they cannot handle the pressure. Being emotionally strong and having a good support system is essential for success. One of the things that admissions interviewers look for is whether they feel the applicant has the emotional fortitude to make it through their program.

Time Management Skills: If there is one constant in medical school, it is stress. If a student cannot cope with stress because of procrastination or poor time management skills, he or she will have a difficult time getting things done, may get physically ill, and will find it impossible to stay on track. The most successful students are the ones who thrive in stressful situations because they know how to handle the pressure and have learned to manage their time well.

No single personality type makes the best doctor but lacking certain traits will make it that much more difficult to successfully complete an M.D. degree. Prospective applicants need to take a step back and consider whether they have the personality and the motivation that it takes to become a physician. If they do, then medicine may very well be the perfect career choice.

From: The New Medical School Preparation & Admissions Guide, 2025, 5th Edition