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Valeria
Student
Santa Ana, California
1
Question
Updated
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What’s something you wish someone had told you before starting pre-med?
I'm a senior in high school thinking in majoring in Biochemistry and later going to medical school but I'm scared for the future. What are some tips to survive medical school or surviving biochemistry in college.
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3 answers
Chris Alvarez
5
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Chris’s Answer
Hi, great question! I graduated pre-med in college but realized late my Freshman year that I would likely pursue business instead of my high school medical school aspirations. What I hadn't realized while in high school was 1) the late payoff of pursuing medicine, 2) the quality of life sacrifices due to that late payoff, and 3) the amount of debt required to fund a medical school education
Ever since I was young I wanted to be a father. And like my father, who had me when he was was 26, I wanted to coach my children's sports, be active with them, and be involved with many activities that are easier to do while younger. Given the time it takes to graduate med school and pursue specialty, unless one is able to start a family while in school (which I wasnt confident I could do), starting a family could be delayed until ones mid-30s. This was later than I hoped, and ended up being a determining factor.
Second, the salary one makes while in specialty is small, and wouldnt enable me to live the life I wanted to. In many ways, one would need to make their finances work similar to college - questioning every expense and living in locations that may be less desirable. This wasn't a sacrifice I wanted to make for 10+ years.
And third, medical school is expensive. Without financial support, loans can near $1M, and while the doctor salary can offset this relatively quickly, it can mean making financials sacrifices until about 40.
I have tremendous respect and admiration for Doctors and those that pursue medicine. For me, despite being pre-med in college, the late payoff didnt align with my life aspirations, and I pursued business instead. That all said, there numerous paths for one who pursued pre-med but then doesnt attend medical school, or for those that attend medical school but then do not practice. However the easier one commits to their industry and future profession, the easier succeeding in that profession is.
Ever since I was young I wanted to be a father. And like my father, who had me when he was was 26, I wanted to coach my children's sports, be active with them, and be involved with many activities that are easier to do while younger. Given the time it takes to graduate med school and pursue specialty, unless one is able to start a family while in school (which I wasnt confident I could do), starting a family could be delayed until ones mid-30s. This was later than I hoped, and ended up being a determining factor.
Second, the salary one makes while in specialty is small, and wouldnt enable me to live the life I wanted to. In many ways, one would need to make their finances work similar to college - questioning every expense and living in locations that may be less desirable. This wasn't a sacrifice I wanted to make for 10+ years.
And third, medical school is expensive. Without financial support, loans can near $1M, and while the doctor salary can offset this relatively quickly, it can mean making financials sacrifices until about 40.
I have tremendous respect and admiration for Doctors and those that pursue medicine. For me, despite being pre-med in college, the late payoff didnt align with my life aspirations, and I pursued business instead. That all said, there numerous paths for one who pursued pre-med but then doesnt attend medical school, or for those that attend medical school but then do not practice. However the easier one commits to their industry and future profession, the easier succeeding in that profession is.
Roopa Murthy
Product Leader
7
Answers
Franklin, Tennessee
Updated
Roopa’s Answer
As a mom of a pre-med student who's about to start her junior year in college, I want to share some thoughts that might help. Remember, the choices you make are key to your success. You have the power to shape your future and life. I would have recommended looking into a BS/MD program before going the traditional med school route, just to see all your options. Best of luck on your journey!
Lindsey Adams
Strategy Consultant
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Hi Valeria! It's awesome that you're interested in studying biochemistry. I went to North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and got my B.S. in Biology.
Here are some things I wish I knew before starting:
- If you're on a pre-med track, expect lots of labs almost every semester. These labs can be long, around 1 to 3 hours. I loved doing experiments, but it meant missing some parties and hangouts with friends.
- Pre-med can get competitive quickly, and no one really tells you how tough that can be. People focus a lot on grades and comparing scores, which can make you feel like you're not doing enough, even when you are.
- If you realize medicine isn't for you, that's not a failure; it's being self-aware. It can save you years. Many friends of mine switched paths to become researchers, work in public health, or go into hospital administration.
The fact that you're asking these questions shows you're already ahead. You care, you're curious, and you're planning your future thoughtfully. That matters more than any GPA or test score.
Remember, the healthcare field needs all kinds of people. It needs researchers, innovators, advocates, and educators. It needs people who lead with empathy and ask tough questions. You might be a doctor, a policy maker, a scientist, or a counselor. Every role is important.
You're at the start of something exciting. The path will have twists and surprises, and that's a good thing. Stay open, be kind to yourself, and trust your curiosity. The world needs you, in whatever role you choose. The connections you make with mentors, classmates, and patients will be the most meaningful part of your journey. Good luck!
Here are some things I wish I knew before starting:
- If you're on a pre-med track, expect lots of labs almost every semester. These labs can be long, around 1 to 3 hours. I loved doing experiments, but it meant missing some parties and hangouts with friends.
- Pre-med can get competitive quickly, and no one really tells you how tough that can be. People focus a lot on grades and comparing scores, which can make you feel like you're not doing enough, even when you are.
- If you realize medicine isn't for you, that's not a failure; it's being self-aware. It can save you years. Many friends of mine switched paths to become researchers, work in public health, or go into hospital administration.
The fact that you're asking these questions shows you're already ahead. You care, you're curious, and you're planning your future thoughtfully. That matters more than any GPA or test score.
Remember, the healthcare field needs all kinds of people. It needs researchers, innovators, advocates, and educators. It needs people who lead with empathy and ask tough questions. You might be a doctor, a policy maker, a scientist, or a counselor. Every role is important.
You're at the start of something exciting. The path will have twists and surprises, and that's a good thing. Stay open, be kind to yourself, and trust your curiosity. The world needs you, in whatever role you choose. The connections you make with mentors, classmates, and patients will be the most meaningful part of your journey. Good luck!