Good trustworthy resources are important to have when applying to medical school in Pakistan. There can be a lot of misguiding information online and it’s critical to find correct resources. So let’s dive right in from the least trustworthy to the most trustworthy.
1. MedStudentz: This is an online forum to help you through your medical journey. However, keep in mind this is a forum where anyone can share their thoughts. It has information on residency, medical school life, dentistry, Pakistani medical schools, US medical schools and more. It’s super helpful because people on this forum are in the same boat as you trying to help each other out. Although, the downfall is that information can be misleading at times. Inexperienced users will put their own thoughts on there often adding to the anxiety involved in the application. Nevertheless, I still recommend using this resource because there’s tons of helpful information on there on PTAP, private colleges, self-finance and more. Some users on there are very knowledgeable and have been through the whole process of getting into medical school. Additionally, you can pose your own specific questions and other folks will help you out.
2. This Blog/Youtube Channel: Here at MedtasticDays, I’m dedicated to providing authentic information. I want to be as honest and clear as possible with my experience and the information I have collected. This really doesn’t make me any money. So I’m genuinely willing to help you through the process because I know it’s hard to be taking such a big decision. I’ve been in your place and understand your struggles, so I will try my best to provide you with trustworthy information.
3. Official Websites: By no means, EAD’s (Economic Affairs Division) website is where you’ll find the most accurate information. The advertisement they release every year clearly states their requirements for the application. They also release the form every year with the advertisement along with the list of institutions. Information outside this resource is merely based on experiences of individuals who have applied through PTAP. Although there might be truth to it, be cautious of misleading information. Along with EAD’s website, there’s HEC (Higher Education Commission), they’ve got tons of info on equivalency, SFS (Self Finance Scheme) and foreign nationals applying to medical in Pakistan. Not to forget, for SAT Subject Tests, there’s Olympiad EDU on youtube, CollegeBoard, and Prep Books as your most powerful resources.
4. IBCC’s Website: They’ve got huge documents on the whole equivalency process and I really don’t recommend reading through them (it’s different for every country the way they convert). It’s good to know about the 15% deduction but know that every student will go through this process. Equivalency doesn’t mean you’re losing marks or percentage; you’re just getting it converted to Pakistani marking system. So, don’t stress out about this. PLEASE. I found no benefit in doing so I’m advising you not to. However, carefully read through the form because it contains all very important information. For example, online courses/homeschooling are not accepted by IBCC for equivalency. They also talk about getting everything attested so it’s official. Please make sure not to miss anything because this is Pakistan and you don’t want to miss out on any forms. If you have someone in Pakistan picking up the equivalency, then make sure to write a letter giving them authority over the equivalency. If you don’t do that, you might have to fly over to Pakistan to get your equivalency!
So these are the resources you should be going out to seek help. Also, side note, most Pakistani organizations don’t pick up their phone calls or reply to emails so don’t expect too much help from them. However, if there’s someone in Pakistan to call they’ll likely pick up. When I called PTAP here in Pakistan, they picked up whereas in Canada I got no response ☹. So know where to access your correct information.
Most of all, don’t stress and have a great day.
Comments