9 answers
tamar
Student
Cambridge, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What are some activities, study skills, and internships college freshmen can start implementing to maximize their chances of getting into med school?
I'm really into oncology and research but love working in clinical atmospheres.
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9 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1349
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
You are absolutely correct Tamar, it takes more than just a high GPA and MCAT score to secure a spot in medical school, but having good grades and test scores alone is not enough to ensure acceptance. Along with academics, premedical students should also engage in a number of activities that make their background compelling to admissions committees.
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE — Gaining clinical experience is crucial before applying to medical school. Your experiences show admissions committee members you’ve developed the skills necessary to become a competent doctor. It's also the only type of experience that allows you to really test-drive a medical career.
RESEARCH — Research experience is viewed favorably at most medical schools, especially ones well-known for research, such as Harvard and Stanford. Research is highly valued because it helps students sharpen various skills desired by medical schools. A big part of research is problem-solving and strengthening critical thinking – skills that will carry over into medical school and beyond. Research also shows admission committee members that you’re curious and ready to make meaningful discoveries.
TUTORING — Teaching/tutoring positions are valuable extracurricular activities for medical school. One of the many qualities admissions committees seek in applicants is strong communication skills. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to become a physician. Doctors must break down complex medical issues and explain them to their patients in a simple way. In addition, doctors rely on an extensive network of health professionals, such as nurses, assistants, students, and fellow doctors. They must form strong relationships with these individuals to keep everyone connected.
COMMUNITY SERVICE — As a prospective doctor, your application has to show your desire and willingness to help others. Doctors can work long hours, on weekends, and on-call, ensuring they’re available to help their patients as much as possible. This often involves working through breaks, over lunch, and canceling personal commitments. Being a doctor can be exhausting, but it's gratifying to those who genuinely want to help people. For most, it's the driving force that makes them want to pursue this career in the first place. Community service shows you’re dedicated to helping others.
Hope this was helpful Tamar
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE — Gaining clinical experience is crucial before applying to medical school. Your experiences show admissions committee members you’ve developed the skills necessary to become a competent doctor. It's also the only type of experience that allows you to really test-drive a medical career.
RESEARCH — Research experience is viewed favorably at most medical schools, especially ones well-known for research, such as Harvard and Stanford. Research is highly valued because it helps students sharpen various skills desired by medical schools. A big part of research is problem-solving and strengthening critical thinking – skills that will carry over into medical school and beyond. Research also shows admission committee members that you’re curious and ready to make meaningful discoveries.
TUTORING — Teaching/tutoring positions are valuable extracurricular activities for medical school. One of the many qualities admissions committees seek in applicants is strong communication skills. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to become a physician. Doctors must break down complex medical issues and explain them to their patients in a simple way. In addition, doctors rely on an extensive network of health professionals, such as nurses, assistants, students, and fellow doctors. They must form strong relationships with these individuals to keep everyone connected.
COMMUNITY SERVICE — As a prospective doctor, your application has to show your desire and willingness to help others. Doctors can work long hours, on weekends, and on-call, ensuring they’re available to help their patients as much as possible. This often involves working through breaks, over lunch, and canceling personal commitments. Being a doctor can be exhausting, but it's gratifying to those who genuinely want to help people. For most, it's the driving force that makes them want to pursue this career in the first place. Community service shows you’re dedicated to helping others.
Hope this was helpful Tamar
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Try out multiple study methods until you find one that works, don’t just do what classmates say works for them, you are unique and it’s ok to not do what they are doing! In medical school I found I studied very different than my classmates and I knew I was doing well but hearing others talk about doing something your not doing can certainly be intimidating but you just carry on doing what you know works for your own unique self once you find a method that works! Stick with what works. Plan AHEAD! This will significantly help with time management and help you not only do better in school but allow you time for volunteeering, being with family friends, and reach your goal while being well balanced and reduce anxiety! Always sleep! Sleep is so so important!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
565
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Tamar, I want to first thank you for reaching out and asking your question. I think that it is fantastic that you're considering preparing for medical school during your freshman year. Based on what you have provided, I think the following are some tips that might help answer your question:
1. Make your GPA a top priority and cultivate effective study techniques, with a particular emphasis on the fundamental sciences.
2. Immerse yourself in pertinent extracurricular activities, like becoming a member of pre-med clubs, volunteering in hospitals, and taking part in events related to oncology.
3. Proactively pursue research opportunities, with a special focus on oncology. Explore labs or projects at your university and establish connections with professors.
4. Consider internships or clinical experiences in oncology departments, cancer centers, or clinical research environments for practical exposure.
5. Allocate time to shadow physicians, particularly those specializing in oncology, to acquire a firsthand understanding of clinical aspects and reaffirm your career goals.
Lastly, Tamar, it's crucial to remember to hone your time management skills, cultivate relationships with mentors, stay updated on medical trends, commit to volunteer work, and engage in pre-med programs to enrich your path to medical school.
1. Make your GPA a top priority and cultivate effective study techniques, with a particular emphasis on the fundamental sciences.
2. Immerse yourself in pertinent extracurricular activities, like becoming a member of pre-med clubs, volunteering in hospitals, and taking part in events related to oncology.
3. Proactively pursue research opportunities, with a special focus on oncology. Explore labs or projects at your university and establish connections with professors.
4. Consider internships or clinical experiences in oncology departments, cancer centers, or clinical research environments for practical exposure.
5. Allocate time to shadow physicians, particularly those specializing in oncology, to acquire a firsthand understanding of clinical aspects and reaffirm your career goals.
Lastly, Tamar, it's crucial to remember to hone your time management skills, cultivate relationships with mentors, stay updated on medical trends, commit to volunteer work, and engage in pre-med programs to enrich your path to medical school.
Karissa Helton
Medical School Admisions
64
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Work as a scribe in an emergency room.
List all emergency rooms in the area.
Go to hospital websites and look for careers.
Create a resume that shows you are in a pre-med program.
Karissa recommends the following next steps:
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tamar !
I am so happy to give you some advice for activity that you can participate in that would look good for application to medical school. There are opportunities for you and you are smart to ask for the advice about this now. By the time you graduate undergraduate school, you can build a shining resume that will mean a lot when applying to medical school.
I would like to present a unique opportunity that is directly related to your field of medicine which will benefit your knowledge as well as be a preview of what you will be expected to do in medical school. This will be sure to impress the admissions team.
I would advise that you become what is called a Standardized Patient. That is a person who acts as patients for medical students during their exams and finals where they must demonstrate how they work with a live patient. You can get paid to do this, too, and they usually pay very well. You apply to any medical school so I have left a link for a list to your local medical schools. I will explain what is entailed.
You will have training for this position but for short time and some places hold a one hour meeting with the standardized patients prior to starting each session. It depends on the medical school. You will get a script before hand that you must learn as your part as the "patient". You will be portraying a patient that has a different illness each day you do this, but the same script for one work shift. All the information about the patients' reason for coming to the doctor and all their history and particulars are in the script. On the day of the exam, you will wear a hospital gown with shorts underneath and undergarment and shorts if you are female and wait for your first student doctor to enter the examining room. You will know what the student is supposed to do and you will portray the patient as well as observe the student for later feedback on how they performed. The student will ask you many questions about your characters' health, medications, social and mental health information and you answer according to what was in the script. This gives the student a hands on experience with working with a live person. This can also be done via Zoom, too (the student usually does the exam on a mannequin they have with them). The student will give you a non-evasive exam. During this whole time, a professor will be in the room observing the student and grading the student.
When it is over, you will give both verbal and electronic feedback about the student's performance. So, this experience would actually be a preview for you for medical school. As I have mentioned, you win all around with this opportunity because you gain knowledge as well as get paid for it. Go to Indeed and set notifications for Standardized Patient jobs and also contact the schools listed in the link below to inquire as to how to apply for this work. With this job, you mostly can choose your availability. I have been a standardized patient and it was one of the best experiences ever. It would be ideal for a future medical student.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
APPLY TO MEDICAL SCHOOLS TO WORK AS A STANDARDIZED PATIENT https://med-colleges.com/massachusetts/cambridge
I am so happy to give you some advice for activity that you can participate in that would look good for application to medical school. There are opportunities for you and you are smart to ask for the advice about this now. By the time you graduate undergraduate school, you can build a shining resume that will mean a lot when applying to medical school.
I would like to present a unique opportunity that is directly related to your field of medicine which will benefit your knowledge as well as be a preview of what you will be expected to do in medical school. This will be sure to impress the admissions team.
I would advise that you become what is called a Standardized Patient. That is a person who acts as patients for medical students during their exams and finals where they must demonstrate how they work with a live patient. You can get paid to do this, too, and they usually pay very well. You apply to any medical school so I have left a link for a list to your local medical schools. I will explain what is entailed.
You will have training for this position but for short time and some places hold a one hour meeting with the standardized patients prior to starting each session. It depends on the medical school. You will get a script before hand that you must learn as your part as the "patient". You will be portraying a patient that has a different illness each day you do this, but the same script for one work shift. All the information about the patients' reason for coming to the doctor and all their history and particulars are in the script. On the day of the exam, you will wear a hospital gown with shorts underneath and undergarment and shorts if you are female and wait for your first student doctor to enter the examining room. You will know what the student is supposed to do and you will portray the patient as well as observe the student for later feedback on how they performed. The student will ask you many questions about your characters' health, medications, social and mental health information and you answer according to what was in the script. This gives the student a hands on experience with working with a live person. This can also be done via Zoom, too (the student usually does the exam on a mannequin they have with them). The student will give you a non-evasive exam. During this whole time, a professor will be in the room observing the student and grading the student.
When it is over, you will give both verbal and electronic feedback about the student's performance. So, this experience would actually be a preview for you for medical school. As I have mentioned, you win all around with this opportunity because you gain knowledge as well as get paid for it. Go to Indeed and set notifications for Standardized Patient jobs and also contact the schools listed in the link below to inquire as to how to apply for this work. With this job, you mostly can choose your availability. I have been a standardized patient and it was one of the best experiences ever. It would be ideal for a future medical student.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Christina Stasiuk
Medical Director
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hello,
You've gotten some really good responses. In addition to the recommendations above, I strongly suggest you find doing something you love, even if it's not obviously tied to medicine. The value is the in-person community you for, which may expose you to different needs people may have to stay healthy, it gives you something to be passionate about that comes out in interviews, and it rounds you put holistically as a person.
Find an activity you're passionate about
Get to know the people and what may be different about their specific health needs
Value yourself holistically
Hobbies are a great pressure release! Use that!
You've gotten some really good responses. In addition to the recommendations above, I strongly suggest you find doing something you love, even if it's not obviously tied to medicine. The value is the in-person community you for, which may expose you to different needs people may have to stay healthy, it gives you something to be passionate about that comes out in interviews, and it rounds you put holistically as a person.
Christina recommends the following next steps:
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Maximizing your chances includes multiple things, but the biggest is grades and the medical entrance exam. People that do well with both of these things out perform people who excel in other things. If you are doing well in your schooling making sure that you are doing extra curricular activities like volunteering, working (this includes small things like tutoring. Which can also help your schooling in the long run), joining clubs becoming a leader in your community. Finding research when you get up to that point. All of these things will give you the best chances of getting into medical school. Starting early is the best thing you can do. Once in college try to start after your first semester so you can get a feel for the course load and what school is going to be like in the first year of college. A lot of people burn themselves out the first semester and make life harder on themselves. Figure out the new environment, and add things from there.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
500
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Joining study groups and surrounding yourself with likeminded individuals can have a high impact on your success.
I’d write down what you want from life and put it somewhere you can see it on a daily basis. Use that as motivation to study and prioritize your personal improvement.
I’d write down what you want from life and put it somewhere you can see it on a daily basis. Use that as motivation to study and prioritize your personal improvement.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3771
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Tamar,
Activities for College Freshmen to Maximize Med School Chances
College freshmen can start implementing various activities, study skills, and internships to increase their chances of getting into medical school. These activities will not only help them build a strong foundation in the medical field but also enhance their overall academic performance.
Activities and Extracurriculars
Volunteering at Hospitals or Clinics: Gaining experience in clinical atmospheres can be highly beneficial for those interested in oncology. Volunteering at hospitals or clinics allows students to observe medical professionals in action, understand the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, and develop essential communication and teamwork skills.
Joining Pre-Med Clubs or Organizations: These clubs often host workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by professionals in the medical field. Participating in such events can provide valuable insights into various medical specialties and help students network with like-minded individuals.
Participating in Research Projects: Conducting research projects, either independently or as part of a team, can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It also demonstrates their commitment to the field of medicine and their ability to contribute to scientific advancements.
Shadowing Medical Professionals: Shadowing doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals can provide firsthand exposure to the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by medical professionals. This experience can help students make informed decisions about their career paths and understand the demands of the medical profession.
## Study Skills for Success in Med School
Time Management: Developing effective time management skills is crucial for balancing academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Students should create a study schedule, prioritize tasks, and set realistic goals to optimize their productivity.
Active Learning Techniques: Engaging in active learning techniques, such as note-taking, summarizing information, and teaching others, can improve retention and comprehension of complex medical concepts.
Critical Reading Skills: Medical students must be able to read and comprehend scientific articles, research papers, and textbooks. Developing critical reading skills, such as skimming, scanning, and reading between the lines, can help students extract essential information from various sources.
Strengthening Memory and Concentration: Medical students must have a strong memory and concentration to retain vast amounts of information. Techniques like mnemonics, visualization, and active recall can help improve memory retention and concentration.
## Internships for Medical School Preparation
Research Internships: Research internships provide hands-on experience in conducting medical research and contribute to the development of essential research skills. These internships can be found at universities, hospitals, or research institutions.
Clinical Internships: Clinical internships offer students the opportunity to work closely with patients under the supervision of medical professionals. These internships can be found in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and help students gain practical experience in a clinical setting.
Shadowing or Scribing Programs: These programs allow students to shadow medical professionals or work as a scribe, documenting patient encounters. This experience can provide valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of healthcare professionals and help students understand the importance of effective communication and empathy in patient care.
## Authoritative Reference Titles
U.S. News & World Report - This reputable source provides comprehensive information on medical schools, their admission requirements, and the importance of extracurricular activities, internships, and study skills in the application process.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC offers valuable resources and guidance on preparing for medical school, including tips on building a strong application, selecting the right medical school, and understanding the admissions process.
Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) - MSAR is a comprehensive database of medical schools in the United States and Canada, providing information on admission statistics, requirements, and resources to help students prepare for the medical school application process.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.
Activities for College Freshmen to Maximize Med School Chances
College freshmen can start implementing various activities, study skills, and internships to increase their chances of getting into medical school. These activities will not only help them build a strong foundation in the medical field but also enhance their overall academic performance.
Activities and Extracurriculars
Volunteering at Hospitals or Clinics: Gaining experience in clinical atmospheres can be highly beneficial for those interested in oncology. Volunteering at hospitals or clinics allows students to observe medical professionals in action, understand the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities, and develop essential communication and teamwork skills.
Joining Pre-Med Clubs or Organizations: These clubs often host workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by professionals in the medical field. Participating in such events can provide valuable insights into various medical specialties and help students network with like-minded individuals.
Participating in Research Projects: Conducting research projects, either independently or as part of a team, can help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It also demonstrates their commitment to the field of medicine and their ability to contribute to scientific advancements.
Shadowing Medical Professionals: Shadowing doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals can provide firsthand exposure to the daily responsibilities and challenges faced by medical professionals. This experience can help students make informed decisions about their career paths and understand the demands of the medical profession.
## Study Skills for Success in Med School
Time Management: Developing effective time management skills is crucial for balancing academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Students should create a study schedule, prioritize tasks, and set realistic goals to optimize their productivity.
Active Learning Techniques: Engaging in active learning techniques, such as note-taking, summarizing information, and teaching others, can improve retention and comprehension of complex medical concepts.
Critical Reading Skills: Medical students must be able to read and comprehend scientific articles, research papers, and textbooks. Developing critical reading skills, such as skimming, scanning, and reading between the lines, can help students extract essential information from various sources.
Strengthening Memory and Concentration: Medical students must have a strong memory and concentration to retain vast amounts of information. Techniques like mnemonics, visualization, and active recall can help improve memory retention and concentration.
## Internships for Medical School Preparation
Research Internships: Research internships provide hands-on experience in conducting medical research and contribute to the development of essential research skills. These internships can be found at universities, hospitals, or research institutions.
Clinical Internships: Clinical internships offer students the opportunity to work closely with patients under the supervision of medical professionals. These internships can be found in hospitals, clinics, or private practices and help students gain practical experience in a clinical setting.
Shadowing or Scribing Programs: These programs allow students to shadow medical professionals or work as a scribe, documenting patient encounters. This experience can provide valuable insights into the daily responsibilities of healthcare professionals and help students understand the importance of effective communication and empathy in patient care.
## Authoritative Reference Titles
U.S. News & World Report - This reputable source provides comprehensive information on medical schools, their admission requirements, and the importance of extracurricular activities, internships, and study skills in the application process.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - The AAMC offers valuable resources and guidance on preparing for medical school, including tips on building a strong application, selecting the right medical school, and understanding the admissions process.
Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) - MSAR is a comprehensive database of medical schools in the United States and Canada, providing information on admission statistics, requirements, and resources to help students prepare for the medical school application process.
GOD BLESS YOU,
James Constantine Frangos.