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If I plan on going to med school what are some things Ishould be looking for when choosing where to go for my undergrad degree?

My ultimate goal is to become a surgeon. What are some of the things they will be looking for when I apply for medical school that I should consider when choosing? #college #college-admissions #medicine #healthcare

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Harshit’s Answer

To go to medical school or for that matter any tough graduate school requires a strong mindset, due diligence, and continued commitment before, during and after medical school. It is obviously a very difficult 4 years. However if you prepare well enough in high school and undergraduate and are deeply passionate about wanting to advance society through medicine then the field is for you. If you want to go to a top tier medical school, then aim to start out at a top tier undergrad school that has a reputation for sending students to top medical schools in the country. If type of school brand isn't a priority and you want to focus more on the education portion and research then there are many top public medical schools around the country. Based on my experiences of my friends who have gone on to medical school, some of the main things they look for is your due diligence in the field, what drives you to become a surgeon, what you have done so far, and how you can tie that into your future years to create a lasting impact in the medical field. Many of the majors surgeons have in their undergraduate years are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, etc. Ace the interviews, essays, obtain strong references by having a lasting record during your undergraduate years that will leave them no choice but to take you into their school. Good luck!
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Emma! You can be any major and apply to medical school; I was a Psychology major while some were History and English as well. It is important to do well in your classes (3.7+ GPA) and the MCAT (508+), a lower GPA can be compensated for by a high MCAT score and vice versa but maintaining balance in all your academics is beneficial in the long run. I would recommend to always meet with your premed adviser, get to know your professors through office hours and class interactions, prepare well for the MCAT and do well in class, as well as showcase your commitment to the medical field. You should volunteer clinically and non clinically, shadow a physician, and maybe even research because you want to show passion through example. By volunteering and getting to shadow a physician and being active in the medical field even as a premed will you give you the edge you need for medical school.

In terms of where to go to for undergrad, it doesn't matter as much as how well you do; of course some universities/colleges can offer more than others for premed students so if you do see a program or more benefits in one college then that is something to lean towards. The main thing is to do well and be an active premed! I would recommend to check out AAMC.org which is the official website for premed students applying to the medical field!

Best of luck!

Yasemin recommends the following next steps:

Check out AAMC.org
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I’s Answer

Ultimately a school that will allow for better grades - excellent grades in a less competitive/cut-throat school are better than lower grades in a fancy school.


Grades are the primary consideration but once those are solid, go to a school that will allow for you to demonstrate leadership and commitment - a smaller school with robust volunteer/lab research opportunities on or off campus is better than a larger one where lots of students will be available for the same opportunities.
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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 school that fits your personality and 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.
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