6 answers
auna
Student
Kerrville, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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What can I do as a freshman in high school to help with one day becoming a pediatrician? And how does my GPA and SAT score need to look for me to qualify?
I am 14 and a student athletic trainer at my school, and im a member in HOSA.
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6 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hi Auna,
First of all, I love that you’re already involved as a student athletic trainer and a HOSA member at 14! That tells me something important: you’re proactive, dedicated, and already thinking ahead—traits that will serve you well in medicine.
Now, lemme tell you about your journey to becoming a pediatrician!
Firstly, Your GPA, SAT, and What They Mean for Your Future🤔
Honestly, To get into medical school, you’ll need strong grades, but grades alone don’t make a great doctor. They open doors, yes, but your character, resilience, and experience will shape your success.
So.....
GPA: Aim for mostly A’s, especially in biology, chemistry, and math. Medical schools prefer a 3.7+ GPA, and the most competitive ones look for a 3.8+ in science courses. But remember, a single bad grade won’t ruin your chances—what matters is how you bounce back.
SAT Score: For now, just focus on strong study habits. When the time comes, a 1300+ SAT (or 30+ ACT) makes you competitive for top colleges.
MCAT (later in college): This is a huge hurdle, but you’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. A 511+ is considered a solid score.
The truth is that GPA and scores matter, but they don’t define you. Some of the best doctors weren’t straight-A students; they were simply relentless in their passion and work ethic. 😎
Now about.... The Reality of Becoming a Doctor: The Highs and Lows, because I want to be sure you know this!
Medicine is one of the most fulfilling careers out there—but it’s not an easy road.
Firstly, It’s a Long Journey – From now until you’re practicing as a pediatrician, you’re looking at 11-12 years of education and training:
It had a 1. 4 years of college (earning your bachelor’s degree)
Then, 2. 4 years of medical school (where you learn everything from anatomy to diagnosing diseases)
And ofcourse, 3. 3+ years of residency (working in hospitals, treating real patients)
But these timings vary as well depending on country and your way of pursuing it.
Secondly, You Will Struggle – There will be days when you feel overwhelmed. Tests will be hard. You’ll be exhausted. You’ll question if you’re good enough. Every doctor has been there. But if you love this work, you’ll keep pushing through.
Thirdly, You Will See Heartbreak – In medicine, you’ll witness suffering, loss, and difficult cases. As a pediatrician, some days will break your heart. But you’ll also see incredible recoveries, and you’ll have the privilege of being part of a child’s healing journey.
Now though It’s Worth It at the end Auna– One day, a child will look up at you with trust in their eyes, a parent will thank you for saving their child, and all the sleepless nights will feel worth it. That’s why we do this.
What You Can Do Right Now
Beyond grades, what matters most is building experience and character.
And remember! You’ve Got This, because I believe in you and you ain't ever alone.
Auna, you’re already on the right path. And, If you truly want this, don’t let fear or challenges stop you. Work hard, but also take care of yourself. Surround yourself with mentors. Stay curious. Stay compassionate.
The journey is long, but one day, you’ll look back and realize every struggle was shaping you into the doctor you were meant to be.
And if you ever feel kinda down just hit me up for anything that bothers you and remember again we believe in you. Good luck! 💪🤗
Keep Involved in HOSA – Consider leadership roles, participate in competitions, and get certifications like CPR/First Aid.
Volunteer at a Hospital or Clinic – Even if you’re just greeting patients or organizing supplies, you’ll see the medical world up close.
Shadow a Pediatrician – See what a day in their life is really like. Ask questions. Observe how they interact with patients.
Develop Your Communication Skills – Doctors don’t just diagnose—they comfort, listen, and educate. Practice explaining things clearly and compassionately.
First of all, I love that you’re already involved as a student athletic trainer and a HOSA member at 14! That tells me something important: you’re proactive, dedicated, and already thinking ahead—traits that will serve you well in medicine.
Now, lemme tell you about your journey to becoming a pediatrician!
Firstly, Your GPA, SAT, and What They Mean for Your Future🤔
Honestly, To get into medical school, you’ll need strong grades, but grades alone don’t make a great doctor. They open doors, yes, but your character, resilience, and experience will shape your success.
So.....
GPA: Aim for mostly A’s, especially in biology, chemistry, and math. Medical schools prefer a 3.7+ GPA, and the most competitive ones look for a 3.8+ in science courses. But remember, a single bad grade won’t ruin your chances—what matters is how you bounce back.
SAT Score: For now, just focus on strong study habits. When the time comes, a 1300+ SAT (or 30+ ACT) makes you competitive for top colleges.
MCAT (later in college): This is a huge hurdle, but you’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. A 511+ is considered a solid score.
The truth is that GPA and scores matter, but they don’t define you. Some of the best doctors weren’t straight-A students; they were simply relentless in their passion and work ethic. 😎
Now about.... The Reality of Becoming a Doctor: The Highs and Lows, because I want to be sure you know this!
Medicine is one of the most fulfilling careers out there—but it’s not an easy road.
Firstly, It’s a Long Journey – From now until you’re practicing as a pediatrician, you’re looking at 11-12 years of education and training:
It had a 1. 4 years of college (earning your bachelor’s degree)
Then, 2. 4 years of medical school (where you learn everything from anatomy to diagnosing diseases)
And ofcourse, 3. 3+ years of residency (working in hospitals, treating real patients)
But these timings vary as well depending on country and your way of pursuing it.
Secondly, You Will Struggle – There will be days when you feel overwhelmed. Tests will be hard. You’ll be exhausted. You’ll question if you’re good enough. Every doctor has been there. But if you love this work, you’ll keep pushing through.
Thirdly, You Will See Heartbreak – In medicine, you’ll witness suffering, loss, and difficult cases. As a pediatrician, some days will break your heart. But you’ll also see incredible recoveries, and you’ll have the privilege of being part of a child’s healing journey.
Now though It’s Worth It at the end Auna– One day, a child will look up at you with trust in their eyes, a parent will thank you for saving their child, and all the sleepless nights will feel worth it. That’s why we do this.
What You Can Do Right Now
Beyond grades, what matters most is building experience and character.
And remember! You’ve Got This, because I believe in you and you ain't ever alone.
Auna, you’re already on the right path. And, If you truly want this, don’t let fear or challenges stop you. Work hard, but also take care of yourself. Surround yourself with mentors. Stay curious. Stay compassionate.
The journey is long, but one day, you’ll look back and realize every struggle was shaping you into the doctor you were meant to be.
And if you ever feel kinda down just hit me up for anything that bothers you and remember again we believe in you. Good luck! 💪🤗
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, Doc Frick! Appreciate it! Always great to learn together!
Dr H
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Auna because of the sheer volume of medical school applications admissions officers have to wade through, they have to make some initial screening decisions based largely on your GPA and MCAT scores. To remain competitive your GPA for medical school consideration should be 3.8 in science, a 3.7 non-science, with a overall 3.75 GPA. A good MCAT score for medical school is generally a score of 511 or higher the maximum score is 528.
HIGH SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULARS
• HOSA — Future Health Professionals. This national organization provides pre-professional guidance to high schoolers who are interested in becoming doctors, nurses, or pursuing other healthcare-related careers. HOSA organizations offer students an unusual opportunity to simultaneously learn about medical careers and show off their knowledge in HOSA’s competitions. (Perfect your already participating Auna).
• JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
Securing a job or internship is another way to show admissions committees that you’re serious about a future medical career. Research internships are rigorous opportunities to help you build real skills.
• SCIENCE FAIRS AND COMPETITIONS
Science competitions, can be are the pinnacle of a pre-med scholar’s extracurricular portfolio. Through these events, students conduct experiments, independent research, and more, either independently or on teams, showing off their scientific prowess. Participating, let alone earning recognition, in national contests will certainly make admissions committees take note and possibly even earn you monetary prizes and scholarships.
• VOLUNTEER WORK
Volunteer work is a way to show colleges and universities that you care about contributing to society, an important quality for future healthcare professionals and develop your interpersonal skills. Pre-med students should consider volunteering in clinical settings like hospitals and healthcare-related organizations. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to interact with patients or handle equipment, even seemingly menial tasks such as data entry can help you gain experience in the medical world and show colleges that you’re serious about your future career and willing to start from the
ground up.
☑️ STEP BY STEP PEDIATRICIAN GUIDE
For students aiming for a medical career, top grades and test scores aren’t enough to get into the best programs in the country. Grades and test scores might be great examples of your scholastic aptitude, but they don’t reveal much about your personal characteristics. Qualities like dedication, empathy, and leadership are critical to success in medical school and in a medical career, so admissions committees look for these traits in applicants. You’ll need to use your extracurricular involvement to let these qualities shine through if you want to set yourself apart in the admissions process.
STEP 1️⃣ EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
The first step in becoming a pediatrician is earning your bachelor's degree. Medical schools don't typically require candidates to choose a specific major, but they usually have mandatory prerequisite courses to complete before you can gain entry. Earning a degree in biological science or chemistry can help you meet these requirements as part of your undergraduate degree program. Excelling in mathematics and science courses may improve your chances of receiving admission to selective universities. To bolster your undergrad and med school applications, you can also take part in extracurricular or volunteer programs. These programs allow you to gain practical experience in an academic and professional setting that may help you succeed in medical school and your career.
STEP 2️⃣ MEDICAL FACILITY VOLUNTEER
Volunteering isn't necessary for admission to medical school, but it provides you with an opportunity to observe and take part in the daily operations at a hospital or clinic. Many schools with pre-med programs will help arrange for you to gain a volunteer position through their career offices. Volunteer positions might sometimes be referred to as internships, but don't confuse that with a medical internship — only medical school and nursing students may participate in a medical internship.
STEP 3️⃣ PASS THE MCAT EXAM
During the third year of your undergraduate program, you can take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This standardized exam measures your preparedness for medical school, and your score can determine whether you receive acceptance. Score requirements vary by university, but many have a minimum for entrance. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and tests your problem-solving and verbal skills.
STEP 4️⃣ GRADUATE MEDICAL SCHOOL
During a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program, you'll accumulate medical knowledge and clinical experience, develop your communication skills and learn how to manage patient care. The first two years of your program will be devoted to in-depth classroom and clinical study of human anatomy and the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, nervous and other systems. In the third and fourth years, you'll begin preparing for your residency by completing supervised rotations through several medical specialties and assuming a larger role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
STEP 5️⃣ CHOOSE A RESIDENCY PROGRAM
While finishing your final year of medical school, you can find a residency program that allows you to gain experience as a pediatrician. Submit an application for residency to your medical school, which allows the school's administration to match you with an open residency program at a medical facility. Typically, residency programs last for three years. During this time, you can work as a full-time resident pediatrician, which allows you to assess and treat patients while under the supervision of experienced medical professionals. To complete your residency, pass the third part of the USMLE exam. This section of the exam assesses your ability to practice medicine safely and provide high-quality care to patients. It also tests your clinical management abilities and knowledge of ethics in the medical field.
☑️ CONCLUSION
Typically, it takes eight years to complete your undergraduate program and medical school, but the length can vary depending on the length of residency, anywhere from 11 to 12 years from the time you graduate high school.
Hope this was helpful Auna
HIGH SCHOOL EXTRACURRICULARS
• HOSA — Future Health Professionals. This national organization provides pre-professional guidance to high schoolers who are interested in becoming doctors, nurses, or pursuing other healthcare-related careers. HOSA organizations offer students an unusual opportunity to simultaneously learn about medical careers and show off their knowledge in HOSA’s competitions. (Perfect your already participating Auna).
• JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS
Securing a job or internship is another way to show admissions committees that you’re serious about a future medical career. Research internships are rigorous opportunities to help you build real skills.
• SCIENCE FAIRS AND COMPETITIONS
Science competitions, can be are the pinnacle of a pre-med scholar’s extracurricular portfolio. Through these events, students conduct experiments, independent research, and more, either independently or on teams, showing off their scientific prowess. Participating, let alone earning recognition, in national contests will certainly make admissions committees take note and possibly even earn you monetary prizes and scholarships.
• VOLUNTEER WORK
Volunteer work is a way to show colleges and universities that you care about contributing to society, an important quality for future healthcare professionals and develop your interpersonal skills. Pre-med students should consider volunteering in clinical settings like hospitals and healthcare-related organizations. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to interact with patients or handle equipment, even seemingly menial tasks such as data entry can help you gain experience in the medical world and show colleges that you’re serious about your future career and willing to start from the
ground up.
☑️ STEP BY STEP PEDIATRICIAN GUIDE
For students aiming for a medical career, top grades and test scores aren’t enough to get into the best programs in the country. Grades and test scores might be great examples of your scholastic aptitude, but they don’t reveal much about your personal characteristics. Qualities like dedication, empathy, and leadership are critical to success in medical school and in a medical career, so admissions committees look for these traits in applicants. You’ll need to use your extracurricular involvement to let these qualities shine through if you want to set yourself apart in the admissions process.
STEP 1️⃣ EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
The first step in becoming a pediatrician is earning your bachelor's degree. Medical schools don't typically require candidates to choose a specific major, but they usually have mandatory prerequisite courses to complete before you can gain entry. Earning a degree in biological science or chemistry can help you meet these requirements as part of your undergraduate degree program. Excelling in mathematics and science courses may improve your chances of receiving admission to selective universities. To bolster your undergrad and med school applications, you can also take part in extracurricular or volunteer programs. These programs allow you to gain practical experience in an academic and professional setting that may help you succeed in medical school and your career.
STEP 2️⃣ MEDICAL FACILITY VOLUNTEER
Volunteering isn't necessary for admission to medical school, but it provides you with an opportunity to observe and take part in the daily operations at a hospital or clinic. Many schools with pre-med programs will help arrange for you to gain a volunteer position through their career offices. Volunteer positions might sometimes be referred to as internships, but don't confuse that with a medical internship — only medical school and nursing students may participate in a medical internship.
STEP 3️⃣ PASS THE MCAT EXAM
During the third year of your undergraduate program, you can take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This standardized exam measures your preparedness for medical school, and your score can determine whether you receive acceptance. Score requirements vary by university, but many have a minimum for entrance. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and tests your problem-solving and verbal skills.
STEP 4️⃣ GRADUATE MEDICAL SCHOOL
During a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program, you'll accumulate medical knowledge and clinical experience, develop your communication skills and learn how to manage patient care. The first two years of your program will be devoted to in-depth classroom and clinical study of human anatomy and the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, nervous and other systems. In the third and fourth years, you'll begin preparing for your residency by completing supervised rotations through several medical specialties and assuming a larger role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
STEP 5️⃣ CHOOSE A RESIDENCY PROGRAM
While finishing your final year of medical school, you can find a residency program that allows you to gain experience as a pediatrician. Submit an application for residency to your medical school, which allows the school's administration to match you with an open residency program at a medical facility. Typically, residency programs last for three years. During this time, you can work as a full-time resident pediatrician, which allows you to assess and treat patients while under the supervision of experienced medical professionals. To complete your residency, pass the third part of the USMLE exam. This section of the exam assesses your ability to practice medicine safely and provide high-quality care to patients. It also tests your clinical management abilities and knowledge of ethics in the medical field.
☑️ CONCLUSION
Typically, it takes eight years to complete your undergraduate program and medical school, but the length can vary depending on the length of residency, anywhere from 11 to 12 years from the time you graduate high school.
Hope this was helpful Auna
Thank You Dr. H. We volunteer for a cause, not for applause. Remembering to live our lives to express, not to impress, but striving to make our presence noticed should we be absent.
Doc Frick
Thank You Ach. We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Doc Frick
Thank you, Doc Frick! Your words resonate deeply — it's all about purpose over recognition. Striving to make a meaningful impact, whether present or absent, is the real essence of true service. Keep shining!
🙌
Dr H
Albert Giannone, M.D
Retired physician/former pharmacist
28
Answers
Center Moriches, New York
Updated
Albert’s Answer
Getting into medical school is still very competitive despite the shortage of physicians in this country. Having said that, it goes without saying that you need to do well in High School so as to get into a good college. In college you will need to take pre-med courses (heavy in science) along with liberal arts course and do exceptionally well in all of them. Assuming you get into medical school you're looking at two years of pre-clinical courses (anatomy, etc.) before you begin clinical training. School curriculums may vary, but the point is you won't be exposed to the major specialties of medicine (Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Pediatrics) until your later years in medical school. For most people this is when they start thinking about what specialty to go into. So, follow the road I just outlined and when you get to that point you'll know if pediatrics is for you.
Let's look at other routes you could take if you don't achieve admission to medical school in this country...you could go abroad to get your medical degree. The road back to the American system is a little arduous, but not unsurmountable. The other ways that you could become a clinician that practices pediatrics are either a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner requires going to Nursing school, obtaining a Nursing degree, practicing nursing and then doing more post-graduate training. In some States, Nurse Practitioners can practice independently. Becoming a Physician's Assistant requires a college program geared to it and two years more training afterwards in most cases.
Physician Assistants work under the supervision of physicians, but in many cases that's via phone,
In summary, there are several routes to practice Pediatrics if that is your goal.
I hope this will be helpful to you.
Let's look at other routes you could take if you don't achieve admission to medical school in this country...you could go abroad to get your medical degree. The road back to the American system is a little arduous, but not unsurmountable. The other ways that you could become a clinician that practices pediatrics are either a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner requires going to Nursing school, obtaining a Nursing degree, practicing nursing and then doing more post-graduate training. In some States, Nurse Practitioners can practice independently. Becoming a Physician's Assistant requires a college program geared to it and two years more training afterwards in most cases.
Physician Assistants work under the supervision of physicians, but in many cases that's via phone,
In summary, there are several routes to practice Pediatrics if that is your goal.
I hope this will be helpful to you.
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
50
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
You're already on a great track with HOSA and being a student athletic trainer! To become a pediatrician, focus on keeping a high GPA , excelling in science and math courses (e.g. AP Cal and Chemistry), and scoring well on the SAT. Stay active in extracurriculars like volunteering at hospitals, shadowing doctors, and taking on leadership roles in HOSA. Research strong pre-med colleges, build good study habits, and develop strong relationships with teachers for recommendations. The journey is long, but staying dedicated, curious, and involved in healthcare-related activities will set you up for success.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I am delighted that you want to become a pediatrician. It is also fantastic that you are thinking about how to prepare for success while still a freshman in high school. It is most important that you keep excellent grades so you can get into college. Both colleges and medical schools value people who are well-rounded, so do participate in extra-curricular activities you enjoy, such as sports or music. Opportunities to shadow healthcare professionals can be difficult, but if you can do so, it is great. If you are able, follow physicians, nurses, technologists... Having a broader view of healthcare gives you a richer experience, and explaining why you want to pursue a medical degree rather than other healthcare professions is more convincing with that experience.
Perhaps you can find part-time work in child care to become more comfortable with children and infants.
Physicians are leaders, so any leadership roles you can get are good.
Please do explore as many specialties as you can. I did not plan to be a pediatrician when I started medical school, but found my passion by trying all the specialties.
Perhaps you can find part-time work in child care to become more comfortable with children and infants.
Physicians are leaders, so any leadership roles you can get are good.
Please do explore as many specialties as you can. I did not plan to be a pediatrician when I started medical school, but found my passion by trying all the specialties.
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Lisa, you are making great strides towards becoming a pediatrician by being involved in HOSA and working as a student athletic trainer. To strengthen your path to medical school, you can excel academically by taking honors, AP, or IB science and math courses, building strong study habits, and maintaining a high GPA. Preparing for the SAT/ACT is crucial for competitive pre-med programs, and starting PSAT prep early can qualify for scholarships and improve test-taking skills.
Gain healthcare experience by participating in hospital or clinic volunteer programs, shadowing opportunities with pediatricians, and continuing as a student athletic trainer. Engage in STEM and healthcare extracurriculars by staying active in HOSA, joining or starting a science club, pre-med club, or research program, participating in science fairs or summer STEM programs, and developing strong leadership and community service by volunteering with kids, working with medical-related community service groups, and taking on leadership roles in HOSA or other organizations.
For top-tier pre-med colleges, a GPA of 3.9-4.0+ unweighted, SAT of 1450+ or ACT 32+, and a GPA of 3.7+ unweighted, SAT of 1300+ or ACT 28+ are recommended. For strong pre-med programs, a GPA of 4.0+ and SAT of 1500+ or ACT 34+ are recommended.
Keep pushing yourself in academics, healthcare experiences, and leadership roles to build a strong foundation for a future in medicine.
Gain healthcare experience by participating in hospital or clinic volunteer programs, shadowing opportunities with pediatricians, and continuing as a student athletic trainer. Engage in STEM and healthcare extracurriculars by staying active in HOSA, joining or starting a science club, pre-med club, or research program, participating in science fairs or summer STEM programs, and developing strong leadership and community service by volunteering with kids, working with medical-related community service groups, and taking on leadership roles in HOSA or other organizations.
For top-tier pre-med colleges, a GPA of 3.9-4.0+ unweighted, SAT of 1450+ or ACT 32+, and a GPA of 3.7+ unweighted, SAT of 1300+ or ACT 28+ are recommended. For strong pre-med programs, a GPA of 4.0+ and SAT of 1500+ or ACT 34+ are recommended.
Keep pushing yourself in academics, healthcare experiences, and leadership roles to build a strong foundation for a future in medicine.