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What is most important for me to do now to prepare for applying to medical school?

I’m planning to get my undergrad and apply to go to medical school. I know this can be a big, difficult process, so I want to be preparing now to have the greatest chance of being successful. What things can I do and be involved in to be best prepared for that application process? #medicine #medical-school #healthcare #hospital-and-health-care #biology

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Nathan’s Answer

Hi Matthew. Applying to medical school requires a lot of planning and preparation and it can all be a little daunting doing it on your own. Luckily, your undergraduate college or university should have academic advisors that can help you identify the courses that you need to take to meet admissions requirements depending on the medical schools that you plan on applying to. They can also help you identify opportunities to volunteer or internships that will help your application.

Most medical schools require coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and writing. In addition, the majority of medical schools require you to take the MCAT exam as part of their admissions process.

https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/article/preparing-mcat-exam/

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a lot of helpful resources for determining whether a career in medicine is right for you and how you can prepare yourself for applying to medical school.

https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/medical-careers/deciding-if-medicine-you/
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Rachel’s Answer

The best route for you into the medical field depends on what role you would like to play and how long you want to spend in school. In order to apply to medical school, you will have to complete college with a bachelor’s degree as well as all of the Pre-med requirements. GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. Once you complete 4 years of medical school, you may apply for a minimum of a 3-year residency. Following that, you will have the opportunity to apply for a fellowship that is often 3 more years. We are looking at 14 years of training after high school, but the reward of being a physician and caring for patients is unmatched.
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Matthew! The answers here are great! I would like to add to definitely keep up your grades and shadow a physician as well. In addition, volunteering is very important in the eyes of an admissions committee, both clinical (patient interaction) and nonclinical. I would definitely recommend to get some experience in these fields. Also remember it is quality and quantity as well; therefore volunteering for a while is important, like maybe more than 1 year as well as having meaningful experiences to discuss as well.

I hope this helps!

Best of luck!
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hi. I would also suggest volunteer experience and getting a job in the medical field to put on your resume.
Blessings!
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Sydney’s Answer

Most undergraduates struggle to find enough opportunities for clinical experience and research experience before applying to medical school. I recommend getting involved early, as soon as you start your freshman year of undergrad, and apply for medical internships/volunteer positions. Also look into the research labs at your university and meet with the P.I. (Principal Investigators) of those that interest you. Getting involved in either or both of those fields will put you ahead of your pre-med peers!
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Angela’s Answer

Great question! It's true that going into the medical field is a long process, but dedication and taking it step by step are important.

In college, join "premed" interest groups and discuss your plans with a guidance/career counselor there.
Make sure to sign up and take the premed courses (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics).
Study for and take the MCAT exam.
College is a great time to volunteer for organizations that you are interested in. Hospitals often have volunteer positions and will get you some exposure to the medical field.
See if any there are alumni from your college that you can talk to about your plans to go to medical school. They can be a great networking resource!
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Scheergie’s Answer

Study like Mad for the MCAT and do well in all of your pre requisites
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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 college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. 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.
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