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How difficult is it to get into medical school

i want to be a pediatrician #futuredoctor #medschool #doctor #medicine #healthcare #hospital-and-heathcare #pediatrics #pediatrician

pediatrics pediatrician medschool futuredoctor hospital-and-heathcare
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Sheila’s Answer

Hello Brooklyn:

Thank you for your question. I'm the proud Mom of a son who completed medical school and is currently a resident Pediatrician. In observing him on his journey to become a doctor here are some things he did to help propel him along the way for getting accepted into medical school. . . . While in high school, he was selected to participate in a program called "Medical Explorers" where he shadowed doctors at the local hospital for 2 hours a month in all areas; and participated as a United States People to People Student Ambassador traveling abroad. He also scored extremely high on the SAT/ACT. In undergraduate college, he scored well on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) exam.

Although I have no direct proof, I honestly believe that the gems mentioned above (and many others not listed in this post) helped positioned him to get accepted into medical school immediately after college. I'd say you want to make sure that you are highly motivated, dedicated, focused and have a career plan in place; simply because this journey is a "long and expensive" one (there are no short cuts on this path). AND, you will gain a lot of debt along the way. It will require a lot of hard work, which involves studying, reading, researching, collaborating, etc. etc. Just set your plan in motion and stick to it. When needed get support from others such as family, friends, church, school counselor, work, etc.

Getting into medical school could become challenging but, it doesn't have to be. My Nephew didn't quite know if he wanted to go down this path so, he started about 2 years after my son. Start as early as you can with your plan, which involves researching what you want to do, execute well, and follow through. It won't be easy but, I encourage you to surround yourself with a good support system. I wish you much success on your career journey.

Good luck to you!

~ Sheila

Sheila recommends the following next steps:

Research the medical schools you are interested in. Find out about their admission process, criteria, etc. Start early as possible
One thing that I learned when my son was going through the program is that aspiring medical students often overlook having a conversation with their Primary Care Physician about what it is like to be a doctor. If you have medical insurance under your parent's plan, talk to your Primary Care Physician the next time you go in for a visit. Or, schedule an informational. Your Doctor would love to help answer any questions you may have. Honestly, they will be flattered that you ask. Again, schedule an appointment and let them know of your interest in the medical field.
Rank the medical schools in the order of your preference. 1 = least desired. - -> 10 = highly desired. I suggest that you APPLY TO ALL from highly desired to least desired in order of your interest. You never know where you will get accepted
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Richard’s Answer

It takes hard work and discipline to get have the required high GPA and MCAT score required by US medical schools. That same hard work and discipline will help you succeed the rigor of medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is now reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
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Rachel’s Answer

There is no doubt that getting into medical school is competitive. Just focus on yourself though and perfecting your own application.

You will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better (preferably >3.8). You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Take a prep course to get the best possible score.
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