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I'm an Indian and i wish to get into Harvard Medical School..How do i do it and what all am i required to know?
14 year old girl from INDIA #medical-school . I'm confused with all the new terms like GPA, ACT etc...Can someone help me understand?
#college
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5 answers
Kimberly E. Erway, MD
Board Certified w 15 yrs Experience in Inpatient, Outpatient, and Consultative Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neurology
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Kimberly’s Answer
Stop.
That's my suggestion.
GO ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Your goals should be:
Graduate high school.
Study a lot.
Take prereq AP's to make things easier.
Get into a good college.
(It doesnt have to be GREAT).
Take Physical Chemistry.
(It sucks but it really helps w the MCAT)
THEN:
STUDY FOR * A YEAR* FOR THE MCAT.
TAKE A REVIEW COURSE- Period.
(eg: Kaplan or Princeton Review)
(TRUST ME: SAVE $$ & JUST DO IT.)
THEN:
SAVE more & apply EVERYWHERE.
Remember:
Interviews cost even MORE MONEY.
BUT THEN, AFTER THAT:
GO WHEREVER YOU GET IN.
ESPECIALLY
IF IT FELT RIGHT,
IF YOU LIKED THE PPL THERE,
OR
IF YOU COULD TRULY AFFORD IT.
What do they call the person who graduates last in their med school class??:
DOCTOR.
YOU'RE 14: Stop worrying about which medical school to go to.
It's difficult to get into US medical schools, and many people rethink their whole plan entirely, many of them for good reasons.
But assuming that you do stick with this plan, and that you go to medical school-
The truth is that:
WHERE YOU MATCH FOR YOUR RESIDENCY will probably matter a lot more anyway.
So here is my point:
Stop worrying.
OK?
Have some fun. Be a kid.
**Become a good person.**
**Take care of other people.**
Do all that you can to help the people who are suffering in your community right now. Dont worry about famous schools with famous names.
Caring for the sick, providing compassion to those in need, learning selflessness... These will all prove more important to your patients than the specific medical school you happen to attend...
Best,
KErwayMD
That's my suggestion.
GO ONE STEP AT A TIME.
Your goals should be:
Graduate high school.
Study a lot.
Take prereq AP's to make things easier.
Get into a good college.
(It doesnt have to be GREAT).
Take Physical Chemistry.
(It sucks but it really helps w the MCAT)
THEN:
STUDY FOR * A YEAR* FOR THE MCAT.
TAKE A REVIEW COURSE- Period.
(eg: Kaplan or Princeton Review)
(TRUST ME: SAVE $$ & JUST DO IT.)
THEN:
SAVE more & apply EVERYWHERE.
Remember:
Interviews cost even MORE MONEY.
BUT THEN, AFTER THAT:
GO WHEREVER YOU GET IN.
ESPECIALLY
IF IT FELT RIGHT,
IF YOU LIKED THE PPL THERE,
OR
IF YOU COULD TRULY AFFORD IT.
What do they call the person who graduates last in their med school class??:
DOCTOR.
YOU'RE 14: Stop worrying about which medical school to go to.
It's difficult to get into US medical schools, and many people rethink their whole plan entirely, many of them for good reasons.
But assuming that you do stick with this plan, and that you go to medical school-
The truth is that:
WHERE YOU MATCH FOR YOUR RESIDENCY will probably matter a lot more anyway.
So here is my point:
Stop worrying.
OK?
Have some fun. Be a kid.
**Become a good person.**
**Take care of other people.**
Do all that you can to help the people who are suffering in your community right now. Dont worry about famous schools with famous names.
Caring for the sick, providing compassion to those in need, learning selflessness... These will all prove more important to your patients than the specific medical school you happen to attend...
Best,
KErwayMD
Wow! This is awesome advise. a whole new perspective. Thankyou for putting me on the right path. your efforts are appericiated.. :)
Samyukta
Updated
John’s Answer
When applying for schools you have to submit an application that is an overview of your skills. Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a method of tracking your grades. Traditionally, a 4.0 GPA corresponds with all A marks, 3.0 GPA corresponds with all B marks, 2.0 C marks, 1.0 D marks, etc. With the introduction of college-level courses the GPA's sometimes can skew greater than 4.0 as these more challenging classes are weighted greater (School by school basis). Additionally, there are standardized tests that aim to assess the required skills of students in an equal manner. These tests include the ACT (American College Testing) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Testing) which are made up of a variety of different subjects most prominently mathematics and reading comprehension. There are a few methods of preparing for these exams including online resources, books, and tutoring. However, the skills you have learned in your classes should be an adequate amount of information with additional trainings has supplemental preparation. Both the GPA and ACT/SAT are the main two explicit methods of comparison in college admissions. However, having a well balanced resume that includes extra curricular activities (including: sports, band/chorus, club leadership, volunteerism, etc.) will also support your potential candidacy for admission. Each specific college/university you apply to has a range of 'average' candidates that shows the GPA and ACT/SAT targets to strive for. This will give you a more personalized approach to the schools you are looking to apply for. However, this range of scores is not exact and does not ensure you will be accepted or denied.
In terms of medical school, you will have to complete your undergraduate degree (4 years of college) before you would go to medical school. Normally you apply within your fourth year of undergraduate for medical schools.
Visit the ACT Website: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html
GPA Calculator to see where you currently stand: https://gpacalculator.net/high-school-gpa-calculator/
Requirements for Medical School: https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/1801/what-are-the-entry-requirements-for-medical-schools-in-europe-and-the-us.html
In terms of medical school, you will have to complete your undergraduate degree (4 years of college) before you would go to medical school. Normally you apply within your fourth year of undergraduate for medical schools.
John recommends the following next steps:
Thanks a lot John! things are much more clear to me now.
Samyukta
Updated
Malini’s Answer
There are many options available in india to study medical such as Manipal University in Karnataka which you can explore instead of expensive studies at Harvard Medical college.
You wouldn't go to Harvard Medical School for undergrad. You could complete a bachelor's degree at Harvard College in a discipline of your choice, assuming you met the admission qualifications. Sadly, only 5-6% of those who apply are admitted.
Then towards the end of your degree of study you could take the MCAT and apply to their medical school if you were so inclined. In the USA, it is a must to complete a Bachelor's degree (4 years) then medical school (4 years) to become a doctor. Afterward, there is 3-8 additional years of post-graduate study (residency/fellowship) in chosen speciality
Refer
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/admissions-statistics
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/international-applicants
https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-medical-school/
You may also refer to Kasturba Medical college website at Manipal which is also very good medical college in karnataka with many tie ups with international universities
https://manipal.edu/kmc-manipal.html
Hope this helps
All the best to you
You wouldn't go to Harvard Medical School for undergrad. You could complete a bachelor's degree at Harvard College in a discipline of your choice, assuming you met the admission qualifications. Sadly, only 5-6% of those who apply are admitted.
Then towards the end of your degree of study you could take the MCAT and apply to their medical school if you were so inclined. In the USA, it is a must to complete a Bachelor's degree (4 years) then medical school (4 years) to become a doctor. Afterward, there is 3-8 additional years of post-graduate study (residency/fellowship) in chosen speciality
Refer
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/admissions-statistics
https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/application-process/international-applicants
https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-medical-school/
You may also refer to Kasturba Medical college website at Manipal which is also very good medical college in karnataka with many tie ups with international universities
https://manipal.edu/kmc-manipal.html
Hope this helps
All the best to you
Hi Malini, your first link does not work. Can you please update it so that it takes the student to the page you wanted to share.
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Thanks a ton Malini! your efforts are highly appreciated:)
Samyukta
Updated
Venkatesh’s Answer
The eligibility criteria for Indian students to get through Harvard Medical School are as follows:
Minimum 85% in State board 10+2 level.
Minimum 70% in CBSE/ ICSE levels.
Early bird application to the University.
Minimum 85% in State board 10+2 level.
Minimum 70% in CBSE/ ICSE levels.
Early bird application to the University.
Updated
Alfredo’s Answer
Samyukta this is a wonderful life goal, and in a sense it is only a route towards something bigger and greater. What prompted you to consider Harvard as your Med School choice? How do you want to help people? What drives you?
Know that to be able to get into medical school in the United States entails working really hard on many things for a long time.
What you can do now:
- Study a lot in school and aim to get the top grades in school
- Volunteer in your community with medical organizations, make sure to do so at a place that is reputable and you are guaranteed to be safe and learn a lot
- Enjoy your time as well, your responsibilities and pressures will continue to be tougher and tougher on you so make sure to take time to de-stress and have a good time
- Research the standardized testing options for when you apply to university in the US. The main options are: ACT and the SAT
- Be aware that after going to school you have to attend university, and after that you attend medical school. Going to med school requires one more standardized test: MCAT
Know that to be able to get into medical school in the United States entails working really hard on many things for a long time.
What you can do now:
- Study a lot in school and aim to get the top grades in school
- Volunteer in your community with medical organizations, make sure to do so at a place that is reputable and you are guaranteed to be safe and learn a lot
- Enjoy your time as well, your responsibilities and pressures will continue to be tougher and tougher on you so make sure to take time to de-stress and have a good time
- Research the standardized testing options for when you apply to university in the US. The main options are: ACT and the SAT
- Be aware that after going to school you have to attend university, and after that you attend medical school. Going to med school requires one more standardized test: MCAT
Thankyou, Alfredo, for your time and effort! Since i am from a completely from another part of the globe, I have never quite understood what has to be done and how things work in the USA. And moreover, I have no one to turn to here for advise.. But now, you have made things a lot clearer to me.
Thanks again :)
Samyukta