5 answers
Estefany
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
283 views
What do during college if you want to go to Medical School?
I've been wondering how to prepare for medical school, but I am still not sure if Medical school is something I really want to do.
Login to comment
5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3824
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Estefany!
If you're pondering over a career in medicine and aren't quite sure if medical school is your cup of tea, don't worry! There are several things you can do during your college years to help you make a well-informed decision and prepare for the possibility of attending medical school. And hey, even if you decide not to pursue medicine, these steps can still be useful for other healthcare professions.
1. Get to Know the Medical Field:
Before you jump into medical school, it's super important to get a good feel for the medical field. Grab any chance you get to shadow doctors or volunteer at hospitals or clinics. This will give you a real taste of what it's like to work in a healthcare setting. You'll get to interact with patients, see different medical specialties in action, and understand the daily tasks and challenges that healthcare professionals face.
Also, think about joining pre-medical clubs or organizations at your college. These groups often offer resources, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities that can help you connect with other students who are also interested in medicine. Attending workshops, seminars, or conferences related to medicine can also give you a deeper understanding of the field.
2. Keep Your Grades Up:
Getting good grades is key to getting into medical school. Admission committees usually look at your undergraduate GPA as one of the main things when they review your application. So, make sure you give your coursework the attention it deserves and aim for the stars in your studies.
While there's no specific major you need for medical school, many applicants choose to study a science-related field like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. These majors often include prerequisite courses that line up with the requirements of medical schools. But remember, medical schools also like applicants with different academic backgrounds, so you can still choose a non-science major as long as you complete the necessary prerequisites.
In addition to your major coursework, make sure to finish the required pre-medical courses, which usually include biology, chemistry (both general and organic), physics, and mathematics. Doing well in these courses is important as they lay the groundwork for the medical school curriculum.
3. Get Some Real-World Experience:
Medical schools love applicants who have shown a commitment to healthcare and have some practical experience in the field. Look for opportunities to get involved in clinical or research experiences during your college years.
Think about volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to get a feel for patient care and build your people skills. Many places offer volunteer programs especially for pre-medical students. You can also look for research opportunities within your university's science departments or look for summer research programs at other schools.
Getting involved in extracurricular activities that show leadership, teamwork, and community involvement can also boost your application. Doing things like tutoring, mentoring, or organizing health-related events shows your dedication to service and can give you valuable experiences that shape your understanding of healthcare.
4. Get Ready for the MCAT:
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standard test that checks your knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. Most medical schools require MCAT scores as part of the application process.
Getting ready for the MCAT usually involves studying on your own using review books, practice exams, and online resources. Many students also choose to take MCAT prep courses or hire tutors to help them understand the content and structure of the test.
Make sure to set aside enough time for MCAT prep while also keeping up with your coursework and other commitments. Taking practice exams under timed conditions can help you see how you're doing and figure out what areas you need to study more.
5. Find a Mentor:
Throughout your college journey, it's a good idea to find a mentor who has experience in the medical field. This could be a professor, a healthcare professional, or an upperclassman who has successfully gotten into medical school. Mentors can give you guidance, advice, and support as you make your way along the pre-medical path.
Also, think about using your college's pre-medical advising services. These offices often have resources and advisors who can give you information about medical school requirements, application processes, and tips for success.
Conclusion:
Getting ready for medical school during your college years involves exploring the field, focusing on academics, gaining relevant experience, preparing for the MCAT, and finding a mentor. Doing these things will not only help you make an informed decision about a career in medicine but also increase your chances of getting into medical school.
Remember, the road to medical school is pretty competitive, and there's no surefire guarantee of acceptance. So, it's important to keep a balanced approach to your college experience by also doing things you love outside of medicine.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - www.aamc.org
2. U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com
3. Khan Academy - www.khanacademy.org
If you're pondering over a career in medicine and aren't quite sure if medical school is your cup of tea, don't worry! There are several things you can do during your college years to help you make a well-informed decision and prepare for the possibility of attending medical school. And hey, even if you decide not to pursue medicine, these steps can still be useful for other healthcare professions.
1. Get to Know the Medical Field:
Before you jump into medical school, it's super important to get a good feel for the medical field. Grab any chance you get to shadow doctors or volunteer at hospitals or clinics. This will give you a real taste of what it's like to work in a healthcare setting. You'll get to interact with patients, see different medical specialties in action, and understand the daily tasks and challenges that healthcare professionals face.
Also, think about joining pre-medical clubs or organizations at your college. These groups often offer resources, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities that can help you connect with other students who are also interested in medicine. Attending workshops, seminars, or conferences related to medicine can also give you a deeper understanding of the field.
2. Keep Your Grades Up:
Getting good grades is key to getting into medical school. Admission committees usually look at your undergraduate GPA as one of the main things when they review your application. So, make sure you give your coursework the attention it deserves and aim for the stars in your studies.
While there's no specific major you need for medical school, many applicants choose to study a science-related field like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. These majors often include prerequisite courses that line up with the requirements of medical schools. But remember, medical schools also like applicants with different academic backgrounds, so you can still choose a non-science major as long as you complete the necessary prerequisites.
In addition to your major coursework, make sure to finish the required pre-medical courses, which usually include biology, chemistry (both general and organic), physics, and mathematics. Doing well in these courses is important as they lay the groundwork for the medical school curriculum.
3. Get Some Real-World Experience:
Medical schools love applicants who have shown a commitment to healthcare and have some practical experience in the field. Look for opportunities to get involved in clinical or research experiences during your college years.
Think about volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to get a feel for patient care and build your people skills. Many places offer volunteer programs especially for pre-medical students. You can also look for research opportunities within your university's science departments or look for summer research programs at other schools.
Getting involved in extracurricular activities that show leadership, teamwork, and community involvement can also boost your application. Doing things like tutoring, mentoring, or organizing health-related events shows your dedication to service and can give you valuable experiences that shape your understanding of healthcare.
4. Get Ready for the MCAT:
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standard test that checks your knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. Most medical schools require MCAT scores as part of the application process.
Getting ready for the MCAT usually involves studying on your own using review books, practice exams, and online resources. Many students also choose to take MCAT prep courses or hire tutors to help them understand the content and structure of the test.
Make sure to set aside enough time for MCAT prep while also keeping up with your coursework and other commitments. Taking practice exams under timed conditions can help you see how you're doing and figure out what areas you need to study more.
5. Find a Mentor:
Throughout your college journey, it's a good idea to find a mentor who has experience in the medical field. This could be a professor, a healthcare professional, or an upperclassman who has successfully gotten into medical school. Mentors can give you guidance, advice, and support as you make your way along the pre-medical path.
Also, think about using your college's pre-medical advising services. These offices often have resources and advisors who can give you information about medical school requirements, application processes, and tips for success.
Conclusion:
Getting ready for medical school during your college years involves exploring the field, focusing on academics, gaining relevant experience, preparing for the MCAT, and finding a mentor. Doing these things will not only help you make an informed decision about a career in medicine but also increase your chances of getting into medical school.
Remember, the road to medical school is pretty competitive, and there's no surefire guarantee of acceptance. So, it's important to keep a balanced approach to your college experience by also doing things you love outside of medicine.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names Used:
1. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - www.aamc.org
2. U.S. News & World Report - www.usnews.com
3. Khan Academy - www.khanacademy.org
Alyssa Browning
cardiologist
12
Answers
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
I would suggest speaking to a career advisor at your college or university, and also if you have an advisor in your major, it may help to speak to him/her. Also especially if you are in your last year or two of school, if you haven't volunteered yet at a hospital or medical clinic, I would recommend to do that. You need to see if this is something you really like to do. Also, study very hard including your science courses, if you want to be an MD or DO...will need A's and B's...don't have to have perfect grades but need above average grades for med school. Talking to a pre health professions advisor at your school woudl probably help a lot to help chart your path and see what your options are.
Myrda Belizaire
2
Answers
Lake in the Hills, Illinois
Updated
Myrda’s Answer
You should be focus on your study and have an excellent scholarship. Medicine is a noble science, you must cultivate patience and also be ready to put patient's live first.
You should be focus on your study and have a great scholarship. Medicine is a noble science, you must cultivate patience and also be ready to put patients' lives first.
Myrda recommends the following next steps:
Adriana Saldaña
Medical Assistant
1
Answer
Fort Pierce, Florida
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
Hi Estphany!
Planning for the future is super scary already so I understand your concern, like Mydra recommended definitely focus on your grade so you have more options for scholarships and financial help.
Reach out to local clinics and hospitals and see if they offer volunteer/shadow opportunities so you can also get some first experience. That helped solidify my decision. Surround yourself with people that share similar goals!
Good luck with your future endeavors!!😊
Planning for the future is super scary already so I understand your concern, like Mydra recommended definitely focus on your grade so you have more options for scholarships and financial help.
Reach out to local clinics and hospitals and see if they offer volunteer/shadow opportunities so you can also get some first experience. That helped solidify my decision. Surround yourself with people that share similar goals!
Good luck with your future endeavors!!😊
Lauren Caldwell
Retail Associate
7
Answers
Hazard, Kentucky
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi! Making the leap into a career choice can be confusing and scary. If you are unsure, I recommend volunteering at your local hospital if possible. You could also get your CNA license and work as an aid for a while to see if it is truly something you want to pursue. The medical field is a great and rewarding career, but it can be difficult. Be sure to explore the medical profession, and take your time!