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How to get into a medical school and become a neurosurgeon if I didn't take science in high school.?

I just finished my 12th grade. I was a humanities student. I'm currently in Turkey for my bachelor's in Islamic theology. I want to go to a medical school after I'm done with this bachelor's degree. What should I do right now for that and how to get admitted to a good medical school with a scholarship? I'm good with studies, I scored 99% in the 12th grade. My family is financially backward so they can't support me. Where should I choose to study?

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Rafael’s Answer

To get into medical school and become a neurosurgeon without a science background in high school, you can start by researching the specific requirements of medical schools you're interested in and completing any necessary prerequisite courses. Prepare for the MCAT, gain relevant healthcare experience, maintain a strong GPA, and research scholarships and financial aid options. Consider studying abroad in countries that offer scholarships or lower tuition fees for international students. Seek guidance from advisors and professionals in the field to help you navigate the application process and make informed decisions. While it may require some additional steps and effort, many individuals have successfully pursued a career in medicine despite not having a science background initially.
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Edgar’s Answer

It is always good to follow your passion while deciding a career
Path. Now that you have already enrolled for theology and the finances are also not readily available, I would advise that you be patient and complete the theology course. Later, you can fund your education while you are working and apply for a scholarship aswell to fund the course of your choice.
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Karissa’s Answer

You will need to take a fifth year. No matter what each individual medical school requires you need Biology, Chemistry and Physics for the MCAT. Make sure you schedule one of these classes for Fall semester. If financially possible go to summer school. Consider getting a DO instead of an MD.
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Tony’s Answer

To compensate for the time and chances missed, it's important that you enroll in science classes. Think about studying Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and even some Mathematics. Though it might take a year or two to catch up, remember that your dream of becoming a Neurosurgeon is absolutely achievable. If your heart is truly in it, you can definitely turn this dream into reality. Always keep striving to reach your career goals, even when things seem challenging. Never stop believing in yourself or your ability to succeed.
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Karin’s Answer

Hi,

There are pre-requisite college science classes that you need to pass before you can even apply to medical school. You can best take those at a school with a pre-med program. I am attaching the lists of required courses for Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins as examples. Make sure to look up the requirements for schools you would consider. They are a little different for each medical school.

Also find out if a bachelors from Turkiye satisfies the requirements for a bachelors degree. Communicate with the admissions office as early as possible how to procede since your situation is a bit different.

You also need to show some serious medical experience from internships or volunteering or working in some medical role and other extracurriculars including those that demonstrate leadership and community service. Maybe you can start that while you are in Turkiye? That would give your application an interesting twist and some material for your personal statement. I have attached a list of which activities would be considered beneficial for your application.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-prerequisite-courses
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-selection-factors
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/education-programs/md-program/application-process/prerequisites-requirements-and-policies
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/education-programs/md-program/application-process#steps
https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-choose-extracurricular-activities-medical-school#part-3-how-to-think-about-research-as-a-premed=
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Martin’s Answer

High school is now a chapter of your past, its significance primarily in paving your way to college. The subjects you chose won't necessarily impact your journey towards medical school. The real challenge begins now. College will require you to tackle basic science courses, and having a foundation from high school could be beneficial.

The journey to medical school is a different ballgame altogether. Your grades, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes will play a more significant role in your acceptance. If you're contemplating medical school, I highly recommend choosing a major that genuinely interests you. This serves two purposes: firstly, if you decide not to pursue medical school, you have a backup plan. Secondly, if you're not accepted into medical school, you still have a fallback.

My own journey is a testament to this. I hold several Master's Degrees, primarily because I initially aspired to attend medical school but wasn't accepted right away. I then ventured into the business side of healthcare, which didn't resonate with me. Eventually, I pursued a Master's in Nursing and found great satisfaction in that field. Ultimately, I earned a post-master's as a nurse practitioner and thoroughly enjoyed my career. In retrospect, I'm grateful I didn't follow the physician path for numerous reasons, especially considering the dramatic changes in the field due to non-patient care issues.
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