2 answers
Kat
Student
Hicksville, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What is the optimal way to increase my chances of admission to a top-tier medical school as an undergraduate What personal qualities, scores, extracurriculars, and personal experience do medical school admissions committees value most?
Also, How can you tell if you will be a good fit for the medical field?
Given that a majority of college students enter freshman year on the "pre-medical" pathway, and most of those students switching to another career pathway due to the competitive nature, what other potential jobs are there for a biology, neuroscience, or psychology degree?
With the long hours required to study for medical school, what is the best way to incentivize studying (making it rewarding and interesting) to prevent burnout?
To introduce myself, my name is Kat and I'm a senior in high school about to enter my first year in college! As of now, I am interested in the "pre-medical" pathway and would like some advice on the aforementioned questions. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to answer my questions :)
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2 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
74
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
It certainly can be a challenge to get into medical school, and you pose good questions.
The pre-medical pathway can help you get into a large number of careers, so do not despair if you end up not becoming a physician (although I wish you well). Nursing, laboratory scientist, veterinarian, dentist, physician assistant, paramedic, pharmacist, hospital administrator, optometrist, psychologist, zoologist... these are all possibilites (and I am certain I am leaving ideas out).
To optimize your chances of being chosen, you do need to maintain excellent grades and generally score highly on MCATs. Then you need to stand out in some way. Pursue something you find rewarding. Some stand out for being student-athletes. Some for being artists or musicians. Some are writers/bloggers. Some do wonderful volunteer work that helps you demonstrate that you care for people (helping those in need with housing, food, access to care, student mentoring...). Some work in research labs - ideally being named on a paper or two in a peer-reviewed journal. Letters of recommendation are important, so do go to professors' office hours and get to know a few in a positive way so they will write strong letters for you. A fair number of medical students have done other careers for awhile, and the story they can tell about how and why they desired pursuing their MD or DO degree can be compelling.
As for being a "good fit", doctors come in all shapes and sizes. Unless you are unpleasant, which would greatly surprise me, you will fit in with enough people to make great friends and colleagues.
There are no "bad" medical schools. I did not get in to my top choices based on reputation, yet when I started internship I found that I was much better prepared than many colleagues who did go to big-name schools. Osteopathy is also worth considering, as is international training (althought that poses its own challenges of adding extra years of training).
If you need incentives to keep up your studies, perhaps medicine isn't the right fit. The incentive should be that medicine is fascinating, diverse, and always changing. One learns because one wants to give great care to others. No decent physician ever stops studying and learning (in fact to remain licensed to practice, most states require many hours/year of ongoing medical education).
Burnout is sadly common, and it is important that you always assure you find ways to get enough sleep, eat healthfully, and exercise. Also be sure to maintain a social life. If you do ever feel your sense of self-worth is falling, do seek help. It is not a sign of weakness for physicians (nor anyone else) to see therapists.
The pre-medical pathway can help you get into a large number of careers, so do not despair if you end up not becoming a physician (although I wish you well). Nursing, laboratory scientist, veterinarian, dentist, physician assistant, paramedic, pharmacist, hospital administrator, optometrist, psychologist, zoologist... these are all possibilites (and I am certain I am leaving ideas out).
To optimize your chances of being chosen, you do need to maintain excellent grades and generally score highly on MCATs. Then you need to stand out in some way. Pursue something you find rewarding. Some stand out for being student-athletes. Some for being artists or musicians. Some are writers/bloggers. Some do wonderful volunteer work that helps you demonstrate that you care for people (helping those in need with housing, food, access to care, student mentoring...). Some work in research labs - ideally being named on a paper or two in a peer-reviewed journal. Letters of recommendation are important, so do go to professors' office hours and get to know a few in a positive way so they will write strong letters for you. A fair number of medical students have done other careers for awhile, and the story they can tell about how and why they desired pursuing their MD or DO degree can be compelling.
As for being a "good fit", doctors come in all shapes and sizes. Unless you are unpleasant, which would greatly surprise me, you will fit in with enough people to make great friends and colleagues.
There are no "bad" medical schools. I did not get in to my top choices based on reputation, yet when I started internship I found that I was much better prepared than many colleagues who did go to big-name schools. Osteopathy is also worth considering, as is international training (althought that poses its own challenges of adding extra years of training).
If you need incentives to keep up your studies, perhaps medicine isn't the right fit. The incentive should be that medicine is fascinating, diverse, and always changing. One learns because one wants to give great care to others. No decent physician ever stops studying and learning (in fact to remain licensed to practice, most states require many hours/year of ongoing medical education).
Burnout is sadly common, and it is important that you always assure you find ways to get enough sleep, eat healthfully, and exercise. Also be sure to maintain a social life. If you do ever feel your sense of self-worth is falling, do seek help. It is not a sign of weakness for physicians (nor anyone else) to see therapists.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi,
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking ahead about your pre-med journey. Medical school admissions are competitive, but with the right approach and mindset, you can maximize your chances. Let’s break down your questions one by one:
1. How to Increase Your Chances of Admission to Top-Tier Medical Schools:
Key Components:
Strong Academic Performance:
Aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher (science GPA is particularly important).
Perform well on the MCAT (510+ is competitive for top-tier schools).
Take challenging courses like Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology.
Extracurriculars:
Clinical Experience: Work as a medical scribe, EMT, or volunteer at clinics.
Research: Join a lab early and aim for a publication or poster presentation.
Leadership Roles: Take on positions in clubs, student government, or community service organizations.
Community Service: Show long-term commitment to helping underserved communities.
Shadowing: Spend time with physicians in various specialties to gain a broad perspective.
Personal Qualities:
Empathy and Compassion: Engage in patient care roles or volunteering with vulnerable populations.
Resilience: Demonstrate how you’ve handled challenges and stayed committed.
Teamwork: Highlight experiences where you worked collaboratively, especially in healthcare settings.
Communication Skills: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, as this is crucial during interviews.
Stand-Out Personal Statement:
Focus on your “why”—why medicine, why you, and why now.
Use specific stories to demonstrate your passion and resilience.
Strong Letters of Recommendation:
Choose mentors who know you well and can vouch for your dedication, character, and academic abilities.
2. How to Know if You’re a Good Fit for the Medical Field:
Self-Reflection:
Are you genuinely passionate about science and helping others?
Do you handle stress and long hours well?
Are you resilient in the face of failure or setbacks?
Test It Out:
Shadow Doctors: See the day-to-day realities of the profession.
Volunteer at Hospitals or Clinics: Experience healthcare environments firsthand.
Talk to Medical Students and Residents: Get an honest perspective on the challenges and rewards.
Personality Traits:
Problem-Solver: Enjoys working through complex situations.
Curious Learner: Passionate about lifelong learning and continuous education.
Compassionate Listener: Can empathize and communicate effectively with patients.
If you consistently feel drawn to the field despite its challenges, that’s a good sign you’re on the right path.
3. Alternative Careers with Biology, Neuroscience, or Psychology Degrees:
If you decide medicine isn’t for you, there are plenty of rewarding careers that leverage your background:
Healthcare and Patient Care:
Physician Assistant (PA)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Physical or Occupational Therapist
Genetic Counselor
Public Health Analyst
Research and Academia:
Research Scientist (biology, neuroscience)
Academic Advisor for Pre-Health Students
Laboratory Technician
Healthcare Administration and Policy:
Healthcare Consultant
Medical and Health Services Manager
Health Policy Analyst
Mental Health and Therapy:
Clinical Psychologist
Psychiatric Technician
Behavioral Therapist
Business and Industry:
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Medical Writer or Editor
Data Analyst in Biotech Companies
Exploring these areas early on can help you understand whether you truly want to stick with medicine or pivot to a related field.
4. Preventing Burnout While Studying:
Incentivize Your Study Routine:
Set Short-Term Goals:
Break study sessions into manageable chunks (like 25 minutes of work, 5-minute break).
Reward yourself after completing each session with something small—a snack, a walk, or a quick video.
Make Studying Fun:
Use apps like Anki or Quizlet for active recall.
Join a study group to discuss material and stay motivated.
Try teaching what you’ve learned to a friend or family member—it reinforces concepts.
Self-Care Routine:
Include physical activity, hobbies, and downtime in your schedule.
Prioritize sleep—it’s crucial for memory retention and avoiding burnout.
Keep Your “Why” in Mind:
Remind yourself regularly why you want to go into medicine.
Visualize yourself reaching your goal—graduating medical school or helping patients.
Final Thoughts:
Entering the pre-med pathway is both exciting and daunting, but being proactive about planning and self-care sets you up for success. Remember, resilience and passion are just as important as grades and scores. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors along the way.
Let me know if you’d like help crafting a personal statement or tips on finding pre-med opportunities as you start college! You’ve got this, Kat!
It’s awesome that you’re already thinking ahead about your pre-med journey. Medical school admissions are competitive, but with the right approach and mindset, you can maximize your chances. Let’s break down your questions one by one:
1. How to Increase Your Chances of Admission to Top-Tier Medical Schools:
Key Components:
Strong Academic Performance:
Aim for a GPA of 3.7 or higher (science GPA is particularly important).
Perform well on the MCAT (510+ is competitive for top-tier schools).
Take challenging courses like Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy, and Physiology.
Extracurriculars:
Clinical Experience: Work as a medical scribe, EMT, or volunteer at clinics.
Research: Join a lab early and aim for a publication or poster presentation.
Leadership Roles: Take on positions in clubs, student government, or community service organizations.
Community Service: Show long-term commitment to helping underserved communities.
Shadowing: Spend time with physicians in various specialties to gain a broad perspective.
Personal Qualities:
Empathy and Compassion: Engage in patient care roles or volunteering with vulnerable populations.
Resilience: Demonstrate how you’ve handled challenges and stayed committed.
Teamwork: Highlight experiences where you worked collaboratively, especially in healthcare settings.
Communication Skills: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, as this is crucial during interviews.
Stand-Out Personal Statement:
Focus on your “why”—why medicine, why you, and why now.
Use specific stories to demonstrate your passion and resilience.
Strong Letters of Recommendation:
Choose mentors who know you well and can vouch for your dedication, character, and academic abilities.
2. How to Know if You’re a Good Fit for the Medical Field:
Self-Reflection:
Are you genuinely passionate about science and helping others?
Do you handle stress and long hours well?
Are you resilient in the face of failure or setbacks?
Test It Out:
Shadow Doctors: See the day-to-day realities of the profession.
Volunteer at Hospitals or Clinics: Experience healthcare environments firsthand.
Talk to Medical Students and Residents: Get an honest perspective on the challenges and rewards.
Personality Traits:
Problem-Solver: Enjoys working through complex situations.
Curious Learner: Passionate about lifelong learning and continuous education.
Compassionate Listener: Can empathize and communicate effectively with patients.
If you consistently feel drawn to the field despite its challenges, that’s a good sign you’re on the right path.
3. Alternative Careers with Biology, Neuroscience, or Psychology Degrees:
If you decide medicine isn’t for you, there are plenty of rewarding careers that leverage your background:
Healthcare and Patient Care:
Physician Assistant (PA)
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Physical or Occupational Therapist
Genetic Counselor
Public Health Analyst
Research and Academia:
Research Scientist (biology, neuroscience)
Academic Advisor for Pre-Health Students
Laboratory Technician
Healthcare Administration and Policy:
Healthcare Consultant
Medical and Health Services Manager
Health Policy Analyst
Mental Health and Therapy:
Clinical Psychologist
Psychiatric Technician
Behavioral Therapist
Business and Industry:
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Medical Writer or Editor
Data Analyst in Biotech Companies
Exploring these areas early on can help you understand whether you truly want to stick with medicine or pivot to a related field.
4. Preventing Burnout While Studying:
Incentivize Your Study Routine:
Set Short-Term Goals:
Break study sessions into manageable chunks (like 25 minutes of work, 5-minute break).
Reward yourself after completing each session with something small—a snack, a walk, or a quick video.
Make Studying Fun:
Use apps like Anki or Quizlet for active recall.
Join a study group to discuss material and stay motivated.
Try teaching what you’ve learned to a friend or family member—it reinforces concepts.
Self-Care Routine:
Include physical activity, hobbies, and downtime in your schedule.
Prioritize sleep—it’s crucial for memory retention and avoiding burnout.
Keep Your “Why” in Mind:
Remind yourself regularly why you want to go into medicine.
Visualize yourself reaching your goal—graduating medical school or helping patients.
Final Thoughts:
Entering the pre-med pathway is both exciting and daunting, but being proactive about planning and self-care sets you up for success. Remember, resilience and passion are just as important as grades and scores. Stay curious, be open to new experiences, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from mentors along the way.
Let me know if you’d like help crafting a personal statement or tips on finding pre-med opportunities as you start college! You’ve got this, Kat!