5 answers
Kaileigh
Student
Niceville, Florida
1
Question
Updated
1861 views
What advice would you suggest for getting into a more competitive school for neurosurgery?
I have a 4.25 GPA, 1532 SAT, and a 34 ACT. I am taking 6 AP classes, in 2 honor societies, participate in sports, and very involved music.
Login to comment
5 answers
Michael Cadra, MD, DMD, FACS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
34
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Kaieigh,
Obviously you are a highly motivated student with SAT scores in the top 1%. With this background you might consider looking at combined BS/MD programs. In fact there are accelerated programs that you could do three years of undergraduate school and advance into medical school without a bachelor's degree.
The best advice was given a long time ago by a surgeon:
"The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well"
Sir William Osler, MD
In reality, you start with a fresh slate at each new level. There is no ideal medical school to obtain a neurosurgical residency. Some may offer some medical school research options including a MD/PhD option. Your college grades, validated by MCAT scores, will determine your medical school acceptance. Your medical school scores validated by USMLE scores will be be part of the evaluation for neurosurgery.
It is not necessary to overemphasize the sciences in college, only outstanding knowledge of the required basic sciences. Neurosurgery requires excellent fine motor skills, consider some drawing classes and sculpture classes. Level 1 Trauma Centers must have neurosurgeons immediately available 24/7/365 to deal with complex trauma. Communication with family members is often difficult. Classes in communications, both written and oral are helpful as will as classes in psychology. Also, many schools are requiring additional tests such as PREview, Duet or others. These tests are about professional readiness and how your personal goals match the institutional goals. Classes in ethics will help with this type of exam.
Watch out for advice which is outdated. Your undergrad major is not important, it is only important to excel in the required prerequisite classes
Investigate dual BS/MD programs or medical early acceptance programs.
Hone your fine motor skills, communication skills and education in ethics and professionalism.
To learn more about PREview see: https://www.aamc.org/services/admissions-lifecycle/aamc-preview-professional-readiness-exam-admissions-officers/learn-more
Obviously you are a highly motivated student with SAT scores in the top 1%. With this background you might consider looking at combined BS/MD programs. In fact there are accelerated programs that you could do three years of undergraduate school and advance into medical school without a bachelor's degree.
The best advice was given a long time ago by a surgeon:
"The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well"
Sir William Osler, MD
In reality, you start with a fresh slate at each new level. There is no ideal medical school to obtain a neurosurgical residency. Some may offer some medical school research options including a MD/PhD option. Your college grades, validated by MCAT scores, will determine your medical school acceptance. Your medical school scores validated by USMLE scores will be be part of the evaluation for neurosurgery.
It is not necessary to overemphasize the sciences in college, only outstanding knowledge of the required basic sciences. Neurosurgery requires excellent fine motor skills, consider some drawing classes and sculpture classes. Level 1 Trauma Centers must have neurosurgeons immediately available 24/7/365 to deal with complex trauma. Communication with family members is often difficult. Classes in communications, both written and oral are helpful as will as classes in psychology. Also, many schools are requiring additional tests such as PREview, Duet or others. These tests are about professional readiness and how your personal goals match the institutional goals. Classes in ethics will help with this type of exam.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
345
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Kaileigh,
Congrats! Your academic and extracurricular achievements are impressive, and you are on a strong path toward a competitive neurosurgery program. In the US, where you must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree before applying to medical school, you have ample time to strengthen your application. Please consider picking a major like biology, neuroscience, or something similar to build a solid foundation for medical school prerequisites. A you are sware, keeping up an excellent academic performance with a high GPA will be crucial. I advise to get involved in research early, ideally in neuroscience, as this experience is highly valued by medical schools with competitive neurosurgery programs. Finally, look into summer programs or internships related to medicine or neuroscience for valuable experience and networking opportunities. The journey to neurosurgery is long and demanding, but with your achievements and continued effort, I am sure you will be well-prepared to apply when the time comes. Best of luck!
Congrats! Your academic and extracurricular achievements are impressive, and you are on a strong path toward a competitive neurosurgery program. In the US, where you must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree before applying to medical school, you have ample time to strengthen your application. Please consider picking a major like biology, neuroscience, or something similar to build a solid foundation for medical school prerequisites. A you are sware, keeping up an excellent academic performance with a high GPA will be crucial. I advise to get involved in research early, ideally in neuroscience, as this experience is highly valued by medical schools with competitive neurosurgery programs. Finally, look into summer programs or internships related to medicine or neuroscience for valuable experience and networking opportunities. The journey to neurosurgery is long and demanding, but with your achievements and continued effort, I am sure you will be well-prepared to apply when the time comes. Best of luck!
Eric Scott Gold
Entertainer
36
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Eric Scott’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking about neurosurgery, which is a tough field to get into. Your good grades are a strong start. To get into a top medical school, you need a well-rounded application. Here's some advice to help you succeed:
1. Focus on Getting Into Medical School:
* MCAT is Key:
* Your SAT/ACT scores were impressive, but the MCAT is what matters for medical school. Aim for a score of 520 or higher for top programs. This means serious and focused study.
* Start preparing early. It's not just about knowing the material, but also about test-taking strategies.
* Get Clinical Experience:
* Medical schools really value clinical experience. Try shadowing doctors, volunteering at hospitals, or working as a medical assistant to show your commitment.
* Look for opportunities to interact with patients. While neurosurgery shadowing is hard to find, any clinical shadowing is helpful.
* Research Experience:
* Research, especially in neuroscience, is highly valued. Check out opportunities at local universities or hospitals.
* Try to get publications or presentations, but even if you don't, being able to talk about your research is important.
* Strong Letters of Recommendation:
* Build relationships with professors and doctors who can write strong, personal recommendation letters.
* Give them detailed info about your experiences and achievements.
* Personal Statement and Activities:
* Your personal statement should tell a unique story about your passion for medicine and your qualities.
* Your extracurriculars show you're well-rounded. Keep up with sports and music, but focus on activities that show leadership, resilience, and compassion.
* Undergraduate Institution:
* While not the most important, attending a respected college can help.
* Research opportunities and pre-med advising can vary widely between schools.
2. Understanding the Neurosurgery Pathway:
* Medical School Performance:
* In medical school, aim to do well academically, especially in preclinical years and rotations.
* Strive for top performance and honors in your clerkships.
* Neurosurgery Residency:
* These residencies are very competitive.
* Strong recommendation letters from neurosurgeons, excellent USMLE Step scores, and research experience are crucial.
* Show a deep and ongoing interest in neurosurgery.
* Research is Important:
* Neurosurgery programs value research highly. Participate in research throughout medical school and aim to publish papers.
* Long and Demanding Training:
* Neurosurgery residency lasts about 7 years, followed by a fellowship. Be ready for a long and demanding journey.
Realistic Considerations:
* Competition:
* Neurosurgery is highly competitive. Many qualified applicants don't match into residency programs.
* Dedication:
* This path demands strong dedication, resilience, and work ethic.
* Time Commitment:
* The training is long and requires significant sacrifices.
* Burnout:
* The stress can lead to burnout. It's important to develop healthy coping strategies.
In summary:
* Focus on getting a high MCAT score.
* Gain meaningful clinical and research experience.
* Excel in medical school.
* Build strong mentor relationships.
* Even with perfect stats, neurosurgery isn't guaranteed.
It's great that you're planning ahead, but remember to take it one step at a time. Focus on getting into a good medical school first.
1. Focus on Getting Into Medical School:
* MCAT is Key:
* Your SAT/ACT scores were impressive, but the MCAT is what matters for medical school. Aim for a score of 520 or higher for top programs. This means serious and focused study.
* Start preparing early. It's not just about knowing the material, but also about test-taking strategies.
* Get Clinical Experience:
* Medical schools really value clinical experience. Try shadowing doctors, volunteering at hospitals, or working as a medical assistant to show your commitment.
* Look for opportunities to interact with patients. While neurosurgery shadowing is hard to find, any clinical shadowing is helpful.
* Research Experience:
* Research, especially in neuroscience, is highly valued. Check out opportunities at local universities or hospitals.
* Try to get publications or presentations, but even if you don't, being able to talk about your research is important.
* Strong Letters of Recommendation:
* Build relationships with professors and doctors who can write strong, personal recommendation letters.
* Give them detailed info about your experiences and achievements.
* Personal Statement and Activities:
* Your personal statement should tell a unique story about your passion for medicine and your qualities.
* Your extracurriculars show you're well-rounded. Keep up with sports and music, but focus on activities that show leadership, resilience, and compassion.
* Undergraduate Institution:
* While not the most important, attending a respected college can help.
* Research opportunities and pre-med advising can vary widely between schools.
2. Understanding the Neurosurgery Pathway:
* Medical School Performance:
* In medical school, aim to do well academically, especially in preclinical years and rotations.
* Strive for top performance and honors in your clerkships.
* Neurosurgery Residency:
* These residencies are very competitive.
* Strong recommendation letters from neurosurgeons, excellent USMLE Step scores, and research experience are crucial.
* Show a deep and ongoing interest in neurosurgery.
* Research is Important:
* Neurosurgery programs value research highly. Participate in research throughout medical school and aim to publish papers.
* Long and Demanding Training:
* Neurosurgery residency lasts about 7 years, followed by a fellowship. Be ready for a long and demanding journey.
Realistic Considerations:
* Competition:
* Neurosurgery is highly competitive. Many qualified applicants don't match into residency programs.
* Dedication:
* This path demands strong dedication, resilience, and work ethic.
* Time Commitment:
* The training is long and requires significant sacrifices.
* Burnout:
* The stress can lead to burnout. It's important to develop healthy coping strategies.
In summary:
* Focus on getting a high MCAT score.
* Gain meaningful clinical and research experience.
* Excel in medical school.
* Build strong mentor relationships.
* Even with perfect stats, neurosurgery isn't guaranteed.
It's great that you're planning ahead, but remember to take it one step at a time. Focus on getting into a good medical school first.
Thank you, Eric!
Kaileigh
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician
17
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
You can be very proud of your accomplishments. Other than doing what you are already doing, make sure you enjoy the journey. In addition to the academic excellence you clearly demonstrate, those who are choosing from other candidates look for people who are interesting, pleasant, helpful, and team players. Showing that you care about patients through volunteer work in your community is helpful.
Most importantly, from my perspective, is that you not stress too much. Get enough sleep and exercise. Avoid using stimulants to cram harder for tests. Your goals are wonderful, but too many self-destruct trying too hard to attain such goals.
All human experiences are helpful to a neurosurgeon. Art, engineering, computer science, music - let yourself explore and enjoy widely.
Most importantly, from my perspective, is that you not stress too much. Get enough sleep and exercise. Avoid using stimulants to cram harder for tests. Your goals are wonderful, but too many self-destruct trying too hard to attain such goals.
All human experiences are helpful to a neurosurgeon. Art, engineering, computer science, music - let yourself explore and enjoy widely.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Student Advisor
468
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kaileigh,
Congratulations! You have ambitious plans for the future and you want to make the right moves to make it happen.
It's a long way to become a neurosurgeon, and you seem to be on your way. By the time you apply to medical school, your high-school GPA will carry little or no importance.
On your path to become a neurosurgeon, you first need to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). You can choose any 4-year program, but many students opt for biology, biochemistry, chemistry or psychology. You then need to take the MCAT before you can apply to medical school. After 4 years, you'll graduate with your MD or DO. The residency for neurosurgery lasts 7 years. Residencies are competitive, and you need to "match" into the program you want You'll then take your board exams and get licensed in your state.
Right now, you need to focus on science and math classes that will prepare you for a science major in undergrad. Take English as well and maybe Spanish. You'll need excellent communication skills as a doctor, so this is valuable. AP is good, dual enrollment is good. With your current GPA and test scores you should get you into a competitive school. Your extracurriculars are fine and show you are well-rounded. I would recommend that you start putting in volunteer hours in a medical setting, e.g. at a hospital.
For your application to medical school, your GPA from undergrad and your MCAT test scores will carry the most weight. Other factors will be a compelling narrative, your volunteering and internships. Your undergrad school can help you with hospital placements. You can also join a group to do research as an undergrad. Your high-school GPA will at most get a glance.
You'll find information on admission requirements, pre-requisite courses as well as on the average numbers of the class of 2028 for Harvard as an example under the link below. Each med school is a little different, so make sure to look up current information for schools you would consider.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-neurosurgeon
https://meded.hms.harvard.edu/prospective-students
Congratulations! You have ambitious plans for the future and you want to make the right moves to make it happen.
It's a long way to become a neurosurgeon, and you seem to be on your way. By the time you apply to medical school, your high-school GPA will carry little or no importance.
On your path to become a neurosurgeon, you first need to earn a bachelors degree (4 years). You can choose any 4-year program, but many students opt for biology, biochemistry, chemistry or psychology. You then need to take the MCAT before you can apply to medical school. After 4 years, you'll graduate with your MD or DO. The residency for neurosurgery lasts 7 years. Residencies are competitive, and you need to "match" into the program you want You'll then take your board exams and get licensed in your state.
Right now, you need to focus on science and math classes that will prepare you for a science major in undergrad. Take English as well and maybe Spanish. You'll need excellent communication skills as a doctor, so this is valuable. AP is good, dual enrollment is good. With your current GPA and test scores you should get you into a competitive school. Your extracurriculars are fine and show you are well-rounded. I would recommend that you start putting in volunteer hours in a medical setting, e.g. at a hospital.
For your application to medical school, your GPA from undergrad and your MCAT test scores will carry the most weight. Other factors will be a compelling narrative, your volunteering and internships. Your undergrad school can help you with hospital placements. You can also join a group to do research as an undergrad. Your high-school GPA will at most get a glance.
You'll find information on admission requirements, pre-requisite courses as well as on the average numbers of the class of 2028 for Harvard as an example under the link below. Each med school is a little different, so make sure to look up current information for schools you would consider.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: