3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Ransi’s Answer
In high school you can take biology, chemistry, physics and calculus to prepare you for pre-med courses in college. You need to finish all of the college pre-med courses to apply to med school. You can decide in med school if you want to become a surgeon or a different type of doctor.
Ransi recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Take as many AP or IB courses in high school. You have a lot of years of education in front of you and getting college credit in high school can save you time and money.
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. 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. I chose biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
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
In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. 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. I chose biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
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
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Great question. Here’s what I did:
- Take every science and math class the high school has to offer. By senior year, you should be ready to take all of the AP Classes and pass the AP tests to the satisfaction of the college you attend. I saved tons of money, and I entered college as a sophomore.
- In college, know what the premed courses are and take them. As a result of passing AP tests, you probably tested out of some of them.
- Major in something you love. Something you’re passionate about. I majored in Physics because it’s the hardest major in college. I wanted a challenge. One of my friends majored in Religion. Non-science majors appeal to admission committee, for it makes you stand out. Of course, grades and admissions tests matter too.
- Get into a reputable medical school. Do well. Learn. After med school, it’s all about your residency.