2 answers
Imani
Student
East Brunswick, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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How do I balance GPA, extracurriculars, and clinical experience as a pre-med student #Spring26
I’m currently a high school senior planning to go to college on a pre-med track. I’m really interested in science, especially biology and anatomy, and I’ve done well in those classes. I’m trying to understand how to best prepare for medical school early on, including what I should focus on during my first year of college. I’m also curious about how to balance academics with gaining clinical experience and extracurriculars. I plan on attending a college that has a medical school/ hospital attached to its name, and is also right across campus
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2 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
305
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I think the first two years of college will tell you if you can make it. During the summertime, you can work on volunteering or doing extracurricular activities. I don't know if I would do any other extracurricular activities that will take away from your study time the first year. You can add activities during your second year if you are doing well.
I don't think it's important to be near a medical school. Unfortunately, I did not feel that undergraduate studies helped me during medical school. Everyone has a different opinion. To do well in medical school, it's helpful if you have a good memory. I'm a slow learner so it was extremely difficult. If I were to do it over again, I think I'd find a doctor's office (probably privately owned so you don't need to go through red tape) and work as a volunteer. I would try to work as a medical scribe because that's how you are introduced to the language of medicine. As a scribe, you see what the doctor is doing, you see how the patients react, and you hear the language and see what is ordered. If you are introduced to these things before medical school, medical school becomes much easier.
I don't know how many doctors will let you in the office. My patients would feel uncomfortable speaking about private matters in front of a high school student. Even in college, most students look very young. I challenge every student to work the hours the doctors work. If they go into the office at 7:30 AM but see patients at 8 AM, you go in at 7:30. If they leave at 6 pm, you leave at 6 pm. This will prepare you for what you have coming as a physician. It's not always a 8-5 job especially if you own your own office.
I don't think it's important to be near a medical school. Unfortunately, I did not feel that undergraduate studies helped me during medical school. Everyone has a different opinion. To do well in medical school, it's helpful if you have a good memory. I'm a slow learner so it was extremely difficult. If I were to do it over again, I think I'd find a doctor's office (probably privately owned so you don't need to go through red tape) and work as a volunteer. I would try to work as a medical scribe because that's how you are introduced to the language of medicine. As a scribe, you see what the doctor is doing, you see how the patients react, and you hear the language and see what is ordered. If you are introduced to these things before medical school, medical school becomes much easier.
I don't know how many doctors will let you in the office. My patients would feel uncomfortable speaking about private matters in front of a high school student. Even in college, most students look very young. I challenge every student to work the hours the doctors work. If they go into the office at 7:30 AM but see patients at 8 AM, you go in at 7:30. If they leave at 6 pm, you leave at 6 pm. This will prepare you for what you have coming as a physician. It's not always a 8-5 job especially if you own your own office.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I am glad you are thinking about balance. To succeed in medicine it is important to learn to do just that - assure you get the healthy food, sleep, and exercise you need. Once you begin with that solid base, you can worry about how to do well in your studies while enjoying college life (which you absolutely should).
Medical schools generally like students who are well-rounded, so demonstrating your involvement in sports, music, art, theater, volunteer work... is all a positive. They are also interested in future academicians, so if you can get some experience in laboratory science and research that is helpful. Given the proximity of the medical school to your college, you may be able to find internships in labs to gain these skills and to build relationships.
College can be a fantastic few years. Take advantage of classes you may not be able to easily take later - I enjoyed classes in anthropology, comparative literature, drama, and music while taking all of my core science classes.
You may find it interesting and helpful to get certified in Basic (and Advanced, possibly) Life Support through the American Heart Association. You could even choose to pursue a credential as an Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, or similar role that allows you a chance to learn and find work that aligns with your future goals.
Medical schools generally like students who are well-rounded, so demonstrating your involvement in sports, music, art, theater, volunteer work... is all a positive. They are also interested in future academicians, so if you can get some experience in laboratory science and research that is helpful. Given the proximity of the medical school to your college, you may be able to find internships in labs to gain these skills and to build relationships.
College can be a fantastic few years. Take advantage of classes you may not be able to easily take later - I enjoyed classes in anthropology, comparative literature, drama, and music while taking all of my core science classes.
You may find it interesting and helpful to get certified in Basic (and Advanced, possibly) Life Support through the American Heart Association. You could even choose to pursue a credential as an Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, or similar role that allows you a chance to learn and find work that aligns with your future goals.