Career questions tagged pre-med
Pre-Med is a term used for undergraduate college students who are on track to go to medical school. Popular medical doctor careers include a pediatrician, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Please read below to find out more. Read more Show less
Is there a major that fulfills most medical school requirements without being a pre-med program?
I'm unsure if I want to attend medical school in the future, but I’d like to be prepared—while still earning a degree that leads to a good job if I choose a different path.
What are some good study habits to apply to your routine for medical school?
Many people have trouble figuring out how to study once they are out of high school, so, what are some good study habits to apply to your routine once you're in medical school?
How do I figure out what style of note taking works best for the way I process information in order for me to genuinely take in what I learn rather than memorize information just for a test or exam and completely forget it afterward?
I'm currently a senior in high school who is going to college in the fall and majoring in biochemistry. Although I have taken AP Chemistry and AP Biology and I am fortunate enough to say I have a pretty good background in each subject, I know these courses in college will definitely be more difficult.
What is something I can start doing sophomore year that will help preparing me for the MCAT test to get into Med school? #Spring25
I decided that I wanted to add pre-med onto my psychology major kinda as a last minute decision and want to make sure I can be as prepared as possible for med school. Whether it be preparing for the MCAT, getting experience through shadowing or internships or doing extracurriculars.
What is the optimal way to increase my chances of admission to a top-tier medical school as an undergraduate What personal qualities, scores, extracurriculars, and personal experience do medical school admissions committees value most?
Also, How can you tell if you will be a good fit for the medical field? Given that a majority of college students enter freshman year on the "pre-medical" pathway, and most of those students switching to another career pathway due to the competitive nature, what other potential jobs are there for a biology, neuroscience, or psychology degree? With the long hours required to study for medical school, what is the best way to incentivize studying (making it rewarding and interesting) to prevent burnout? To introduce myself, my name is Kat and I'm a senior in high school about to enter my first year in college! As of now, I am interested in the "pre-medical" pathway and would like some advice on the aforementioned questions. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to answer my questions :)
How do I start undergrad research and lead my own research project?
I'm planning to major in Biology (pre-med track), and I'm really interested in undergraduate research My long-term goal is to eventually lead my own research project. I know this takes a lot of time and experience, so I'm hoping to get advice on how to get started as a freshman. What steps should I take to find research opportunities early on? How do I make the most of those experiences so I can eventually take on more responsibility/develop an independent project? How do I even come up with a project? Any tips on reaching out to professors/excelling in the lab would be super appreciated!
When did you realize you wanted to pursue a life in medicine and from that when did you assume it was the right choice for you and your future after college ? #Spring25
I am in the class of 2025, graduating this year as a senior in high school, and my GPA is currently 3.5. In college, I plan to major in biology to further my education in pre-med or medicine. For many years, I have had a desire for medicine. My first interactions with medicine were through my Aunt, who is an OBGYN, and through those little moments of shadowing her through her job and learning more over the years about what it will take for me to successfully become on the right track to become a doctor. The more I fear it, from the stressors of possible research papers to ultimately facing the solid choice if that is the life I want anymore. The closer I get to college, the more I question my abilities and skills to push me forward into achieving my hopes of becoming a medical professional. Equally, it has fascinated me with the little discoveries I have come to learn from it, but the hesitation for my passion makes me question it. All in all, I want to hear personal stories from current and past pre-med students who are recurrently facing my problems of questioning this choice and how you overcame this doubt with either helpful tips for advice or even if you have had any mentors you looked towards when you came into this state. Additionally, Do you have any points on how I can make myself look like a suitable applicant for any pre-med programs or internships for college?
What are some ways to overcome burnout ?
I'm a second year college student majoring in biology on a pre-medical path. Although my classes take a lot of time and energy, I enjoy being involved in a lot of extracurriculars, including sports, research, and student clubs. This has been my most difficult semester so far, and although I am getting through it relatively well, I can feel the toll that it is taking. If there are any suggestions that fall outside of "scaling back what you do", I would love to hear them. #Spring25
Is being a PA worth it or rewarding as someone that has wanted to be a doctor but doesn't want that commitment?
I've wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 but now I'm not so sure. I know it's a lot of work and I don't really want to be in school that long, plus once in that field I know it's not a lot of flexibility (looking at being a surgeon or pediatrician as of right now). However, I still have a strong interest in medicine and have a desire to help people through that. I also still have plans of traveling, starting a family, etc. in the future. I've been thinking about being a PA as opposed to going to med school but I'm not sure and I don't know if I should pursue pre-med or pre-pa in college.
What are the most common mistakes that pre-med students make early in college, and how can I avoid them? #Spring25
I am majoring in exercise science at Pitt
What is the best financial advice for a pre-med student?
What is the best financial advice for a pre-med student who is receiving some help from my parents for college but will be expected to pay for medical school on my own. How do loans and interest work for pre-med and med students? How can I manage a (healthcare- related job such as a PCT) during college while balancing studying? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
What was your journey to, and through, medical school like? Did you always know that you wanted to be in the healthcare field?
I'm currently a graduating high school senior and my favorite subject in school is science. I want to join the healthcare field but haven't decided on a career path yet. However, I have experience volunteering at skilled nursing homes and hospitals before and know that I want a career that is medical related.
What is the best way to prepare myself to work in the medical field?
I have been in nursing classes throughout high school but get nervous when it comes to field work. I will earn my CCMA certification in a few days. What is the best way to feel confident when actually practicing medicine?
What are my next steps to becoming a professor after receiving a BS in pre-med biology in Spring 2026 ?
I am graduating from a 4-year university in only 3 years next spring! What should I be researching or keeping an eye out for when looking for masters programs?
What is the best way to become a certified MA or Phlebotomist for pre-health undergraduate students ?
I am an undergraduate student that is Pre-PA. There are a lot of parts to pre-PA including prerequsites and Paid patient care experience. The most common way to get those PCE's is to work as a MA. Is it worth it to pay for a $3,000 program or can I get certified by a doctor? Is there a better and more worth it option? #Spring25
What is the best way to take advantage of my summer before starting college?
Hi! My name is Mayela and I am an 18-year-old senior in high school residing in the Sacramento Area. I recently got accepted into UCSB and will be attending this fall as a pre-biology major on the pre-med track. I’m currently trying to figure out the best way to take advantage of my summer before school starts because my family cannot support me financially and I’ll be paying for most of my expenses on my own. I know UCSB offers a FSSP summer program where you can knock off a few units and get ahead in credits, but it requires money and to live in campus. I’m debating whether I should join the program or take cheaper classes at local community colleges instead, that way I wont have to move to Santa Barbara yet. I am also debating whether I should apply for paid internships/jobs instead so that I can start saving some money before school starts and to gain experience for my resume. As a first-gen who has literally no idea how to pay for college, what’s the best thing I should do?
What advice would you have for a pre-med student? Is there anything you wish you knew before pursuing medicine?
I am currently a high school senior who aspires to become a doctor, but I feel unprepared for the road ahead of me.
What are some tips for choosing a particular medical school? Any links, study tips, or general information would be greatly appreciated.
While searching for videos on youtube, I found that medical schools can vary in their prerequisites to attend. Are there any ways I can increase my chances of being accepted into a medical school?
How can I balance the intense academic demands of molecular biology and my pre-med journey with opportunities in meaningful research, clinical experience, and self care—without losing my sight on why I am pursuing pre-med?
I will be attending the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign molecular/cellular biology program in Fall 2025. I plan to attend medical school after my undergraduate education.
What is some general advice you might have for resume building before applying for medical school?
I am currently a freshman in college and double majoring in Psychology and Biology. Post-grad, I plan on going to medical school and wanted to start prepping my resume early. The only issue is that I am a little lost when it comes to what they might want to see. Please let me know if you have any advice. Thank you!
What is some general advice for those looking to apply to medical school post-grad ?
I am currently a freshman attending college and double majoring in Psychology and Biology. Post-grad, I plan on going to medical school and wanted to start prepping my resume early. The only issue is that I am a little lost when it comes to what they might want to see. Please let me know of any advice you might have. Thank you!
What STEM classes do you recommend taking before taking the MCAT ? (please also recommend classes outside of med school reqs) #Spring2025
I'm starting college this year but I also want to take classes outside of medical school requirements as well as what year I should take them. Thanks!
Nursing school or pre-med?
How do I decide? I am close to my last semester of pre-requisites. I have been working hard towards getting ready for the BSN program, however, recently I have been realizing that NOTHING is out of reach. I have been considering going pre-med. Do I move forward with my BSN degree and then go back to school as pre-med or do I just jump straight into the pre-med track? I can apply to nursing programs with summer or I can continue my studies as a pre-med student. I know as a nurse I will always have something to fall back on in the event that I don't get into medical school right away. I also know that with a BSN I can continue on to ARNP and get a doctorate in nursing as well. I am a returning college student in my early 30s and the pre-med track is a long one. I am torn and no matter what I choose I know in the end I want to continue my studies in graduate school either way. How did you choose? (I have a medical background already as a medical assistant and in donation as a surgical tissue specialist)
How to begin clinicals/get hands on learning for phlebotomy certification?
I cannot find a place that can provide me a place to learn how to perform venipuncture and capillary sticks. Where do I look? What do I search up? Who do I ask?
What internships should I be applying for this summer?
Hello everyone! I'm currently a college freshman hoping to go into medical school after I graduate. I'm hoping to get an internship in a clinical setting this summer to get some beginner experience in the field and make sure that this is the right career for me. What advice would you give to someone looking for one of these types of internships, and what job types/positions should I be looking and applying for? I have heard before that a Patient Care Technician is a good starting place, but is this true and are there any other options besides this?
What advice would you give to pre-med students looking to boost their med school applications if their grades aren’t where they’d like them to be? #Spring25
I am currently a sophomore in college, with a biochemistry major. I was doing well with a 3.5 GPA before I had a bad semester. This semester is well, but I still need some advice because my GPA might not bounce back! I am currently trying to be more involved on campus, but I am not sure if it will be enough!
What career paths would you recommend for someone who came to the U.S. after fleeing conflict and starting over with a language barrier, and who now wants to turn that struggle into a purpose — not just for survival, but to make a real difference?
I came to the United States from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. Back home, I didn’t have access to education, especially as a girl, and when I arrived here, I struggled with the language barrier. Despite all of that, I’ve been working hard to succeed in school. I’m still figuring out what career path to choose, but I want to find something meaningful — a way to use my experiences to help others and make an impact. I would really appreciate honest advice from professionals who’ve overcome challenges or started from nothing.