What are my next steps after high school?
#doctor #medicine #health #ERdoctor #forensicscientist #lawyer #psycologist #travel #emergencydoctors #helpingthelessfortunate #dentistry
3 answers
Hwal’s Answer
Melendy,
It looks like you have so many interests! The next steps depend what you want to do, because you're the master of your destiny. :) I know many people apply to colleges to study for their dream career, like me. Some people might take a break before moving on to college or while doing something else they enjoy (like traveling), so again, it depends on what you want to do.
Good luck!
Hwal
Richard’s Answer
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.
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.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.
Marilyn Balke-Lowry
Marilyn’s Answer
Hi Melendy,
It sounds like you are interested in one of the many fields related to medicine. After high school, you will need to secure your Bachelor's Degree at a college of your choice. You might want to seel advice from your counselor on which schools would be a good fit for you it you were aiming toward the field of medicine. Hopefully you have taken lots of math and science in high school so you will be prepared for the courses you will need in college. Follow the best program for your interests, and read and speak with people in the field. Take courses which will prepare you for pre-med and seek guidance from counselors or those in the field regarding schools to attend for the medical field of your choice. As you move through your courses in college, it will further your decision making process.
Best of luck,
Marilyn Lowry,
College Guidance Consultants