2 answers
Victor
Student
Hamden, Connecticut
1
Question
Updated
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How does one align themselves, and prepare, for a Pre-Med track, and eventually the application process for Medical Schools?
My name is Victor, and I'm a graduating senior. I plan on majoring in Biology to set myself up for Medical School. I have a question regarding the Pre-Med track for various colleges. Although some colleges don't have a certain medical major, how do college students align themselves with a "Pre-Med track"? I have visited many colleges, and most of them all have a similar Pre-Med track. Is there a difference between what they teach, or is it classes that the college already has that you must take to align yourself to just prepare yourself for Medical school? Additionally, what does the application process look like when applying for medical schools?
Thank you!
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2 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
312
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I don't feel there is a "pre-med" track. There are certain classes you will be required to take. Most pre-med students are science majors. I feel that science major students might score higher on the MCAT but that's it.
Medical school was very different. It's learning another language, LOTS of information. I did well in high school and college. When I got into medical school, I was overwhelmed. I've never taken a test and wondered if I failed or passed. I always wanted the A's. I'm a slow learner and they kept giving me more and more information to learn. Being a science major did not help me. Looking back, I wish I could work in a doctor's office and learning the language of medicine. This would have helped me more but unfortunately, I did not know anyone. Volunteering in PT or VA did not help me.
I'm also by nature very shy. Third year of medical school was painful at times. You present in front of group. They want people who spoke up. If I knew the answer and no one answered, I assumed maybe I didn't really know the answer. They want confident people.
There were no scribes during my time going to medical school but that is would I would recommend everyone interested in medicine do. You learn the language, you see what doctors do, you see how to deal with difficult patients, you see what your life will be like as a doctor. You see how doctors think and the good, bad, and ugly. It is not often a 9-5 job. It's a lot of hours and if after seeing what a doctor does, you may not want to be a doctor. Unfortunately, AI is probably taking a lot of these jobs. I would even try to work as a scribe for free. The medical students that rotated with me who were scribes were so much sharper. They may not have been brighter but they were already introduced to medicine. They knew how to present.
This job is not for everyone. It's definitely not easy. There are pros and cons to being a doctor as there is in every field. It's a matter of figuring this out before you go to medical school.
Medical school was very different. It's learning another language, LOTS of information. I did well in high school and college. When I got into medical school, I was overwhelmed. I've never taken a test and wondered if I failed or passed. I always wanted the A's. I'm a slow learner and they kept giving me more and more information to learn. Being a science major did not help me. Looking back, I wish I could work in a doctor's office and learning the language of medicine. This would have helped me more but unfortunately, I did not know anyone. Volunteering in PT or VA did not help me.
I'm also by nature very shy. Third year of medical school was painful at times. You present in front of group. They want people who spoke up. If I knew the answer and no one answered, I assumed maybe I didn't really know the answer. They want confident people.
There were no scribes during my time going to medical school but that is would I would recommend everyone interested in medicine do. You learn the language, you see what doctors do, you see how to deal with difficult patients, you see what your life will be like as a doctor. You see how doctors think and the good, bad, and ugly. It is not often a 9-5 job. It's a lot of hours and if after seeing what a doctor does, you may not want to be a doctor. Unfortunately, AI is probably taking a lot of these jobs. I would even try to work as a scribe for free. The medical students that rotated with me who were scribes were so much sharper. They may not have been brighter but they were already introduced to medicine. They knew how to present.
This job is not for everyone. It's definitely not easy. There are pros and cons to being a doctor as there is in every field. It's a matter of figuring this out before you go to medical school.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
260
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Although many colleges and students speak of a pre-med "track", really all you need to do is assure that you have all the pre-requisite courses that medical schools demand. I have worked with many excellent physicians who did their undergraduate majors in unexpected things like classics, English, Psychology, and even business.
I was a biology major, but although I did get into medical school, I think I may have made it harder because so many others were also biology majors.
I am not trying to talk you out of biology as a major. I was certainly well-prepared for medical school once I got in, and I generally loved my classes. Instead, I am suggesting that you do whatever feels most exciting and rewarding to you. I had many interests, and enjoyed music, theater, and intramural sports during college. I hope you also find a way to enjoy the many joys of college life.
I was a biology major, but although I did get into medical school, I think I may have made it harder because so many others were also biology majors.
I am not trying to talk you out of biology as a major. I was certainly well-prepared for medical school once I got in, and I generally loved my classes. Instead, I am suggesting that you do whatever feels most exciting and rewarding to you. I had many interests, and enjoyed music, theater, and intramural sports during college. I hope you also find a way to enjoy the many joys of college life.