Skip to main content
5 answers
5
Updated 499 views

What is the best way to identify what colleges that you want to go to?

I am going into 11th grade and looking for colleges to go to.#medicine

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

5

5 answers


0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Martina’s Answer

The best way to identify what college you want to attend is to (1) check the cost, (2) confirm their degree program and what do you plan to major in, (3) location.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Angela RM’s Answer

With tuition so high, look for schools willing to offer scholarships to defray cost. After that, think about your major and quality of the academics.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richard’s Answer

In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.

Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.

Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters

Try to find opportunities to pursue research.

Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.


During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.

My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
Kaplan Test Prep
Sold by: Amazon.com Services, Inc
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.



Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.


Some questions to consider when choosing a college include:
1) Do they have the major you want?
2) Will be happy? Does the social situation fit your personality?
3) Does it fit your financial situation?
4) Do they have clubs that fit your interest?
5) Do they have resources to get you summer internships and eventually a job or graduate school
6) Is it a desirable location? You may end up living in the city in which you attend college.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Tracy’s Answer

You should start by talking to your school's guidance counselor. Ideally you want to select a school that meets your future career objectives and something that stays within your budget. If you aren't certain and perhaps have some financial challenges go to a local community college and get your basic courses out of the way. There you may decide to do something different. You will certainly change your mind many times over the year. Also, follow your passions if you enjoy doing something you're more likely to devote your time and energy to learning and studying !

Tracy recommends the following next steps:

Check in with your guidance or career counselor at school
Do you know someone that your admire for their decication to work talk to them about their job
Look into a summer hire or volunteer program in your community. You'll have a chance to discuss different career options directly with an employer.
Thank you comment icon Hi Tracy, Thank you for this great advice! Talking to individuals in the community and counselors at school are a great way to explore different career options. I particularly liked your advice on being open to attending community college and using that space to explore different interests! I would add that many high schools have partnerships with local community colleges that allow high schoolers to take college level courses for free/reduced cost which is something worth looking into it. Gurpreet Lally, Admin
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Andrea’s Answer

If you know what you want to study, find those schools that offer those degrees and have a solid academic reputation and related degrees.
Prioritize other important factors, which might include:
Funding. Research schools that have scholarship assistance and have a good reputation for helping the student navigate those waters. Also look at public schools within your state to help lower course costs. If you're not sure of your major, explore community or junior colleges that can help you explore various areas of study.
Logistics. Do you want to stay at a school with campus life or more commuter lifestyle? Do you want to live in a big city or have a more remote environment?
Campus atmosphere. Do you want a school that is big on sports? or the arts? political activism? diversity? The college experience is much more than hitting the books.
School size. Do you have a preference? There are advantages of each (small v large).
These are a few top areas I'd be sure to think about. Good luck, I know it's often a tough decision!
0