Jennifer
What should I do as a college freshmen to prepare for med school?
Hi, my name is Jenny! I am curious to know what I should do as of freshmen year in college to be fully prepped when applying to med school. #doctor #medicine #pre-med #doctorate-degree
6 answers
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
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
Some medical schools require humanities and social/behavioral science courses.
2) Create a 4 year plan. Pick an MCAT date. Make sure you have all the MCAT courses under your belt by that date. Plan on taking the summer off to self study or pay for an MCAT prep course.
3) Start learning interview skills. Apply for any scholarship or internship that requires an interview. You might not get the scholarship or internship but at least you have a chance to improve. Ask for help. Many colleges offer mock interview sessions
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Planning Your Journey to Medical School as a First-Year College Student
As a first-year college student with dreams of becoming a doctor, there are several proactive measures you can adopt to ensure you are thoroughly ready for the demanding application process and the rigorous medical education journey. Here's a detailed guide highlighting the crucial areas to concentrate on:
1. Grasp the Requirements for Medical School
Before you plunge into your academic studies, make sure you understand what medical schools require. Most of them demand certain undergraduate courses, usually including:
Biology: Two terms with lab work
Chemistry: Two terms of general chemistry with lab work and two terms of organic chemistry with lab work
Physics: Two terms with lab work
Mathematics: One term of calculus and potentially statistics
English: One or two terms
Make sure to verify the requirements of the schools you're considering, as they may differ.
2. Select Your Major Thoughtfully
While many pre-med students opt for biology or chemistry as their major, it's not a requirement. You can choose any major that piques your interest, as long as you complete the necessary science courses. Consider selecting a major that fosters robust analytical and critical thinking abilities.
3. Establish a Solid Academic Foundation
Aim for academic excellence in your studies. A high GPA is vital for medical school admissions. Here are some pointers:
Time Management: Cultivate productive study habits and time management skills from the start.
Seek Assistance When Necessary: Use tutoring services or study groups if you're having trouble with challenging subjects.
Class Engagement: Regularly attend lectures and actively participate to boost your comprehension.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Medical schools prefer all-around candidates who exhibit leadership, dedication, and community service. Get involved in activities such as:
Volunteering: Look for opportunities in healthcare environments (hospitals, clinics) to gain firsthand patient care experience.
Research Opportunities: Get involved in research projects in the field of medicine or health sciences.
Student Organizations: Join pre-med clubs or organizations that match your interests.
5. Acquire Clinical Experience
Practical experience in a clinical environment is priceless. Seek internships or volunteer roles that allow you to engage with patients and healthcare professionals. This experience will give you a real-world glimpse into the medical profession.
6. Foster Relationships with Faculty Members
Cultivating relationships with your professors can provide valuable mentorship and potential recommendation letters in the future. Make use of office hours, seek guidance on academic work, and show enthusiasm for their research.
7. Get Ready for Standardized Tests
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a vital part of your medical school application. Start your preparation early by:
Taking mock exams to get accustomed to the format.
Signing up for preparatory courses if needed.
Building strong study habits centered around test-taking strategies.
8. Keep Abreast of Healthcare Developments
Stay informed about the latest developments in healthcare policy, ethics, and medical advancements by keeping up with credible news sources and journals. This knowledge will come in handy during interviews and essay writing.
9. Map Out Your Application Timeline
Get familiar with the timeline for medical school applications, including MCAT dates, application opening dates, and submission deadlines.
Start preparing your application documents early.
Consider shadowing doctors or attending workshops on crafting effective personal statements.
By adhering to these steps throughout your first year and beyond, you'll set yourself up as a strong contender when it's time to apply to medical school.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Provides extensive information on medical school prerequisites and application procedures.
American Medical Association (AMA) - Provides resources on pre-medical education and career paths in medicine.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Highlights research opportunities for undergraduates interested in health sciences and medicine-related fields.
May God Bless You!
JC.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
How Can I, as a College Freshman, Gear Up for Medical School?
The journey to medical school is a complex one that starts way before you send off your application. As a first-year college student, there are several proactive measures you can take to excel in the highly competitive arena of medical school admissions. Here's a detailed roadmap:
1. Grasp the Pre-Med Prerequisites
Before you immerse yourself in your college studies, get a good understanding of the prerequisites for medical school. Most med schools mandate specific undergraduate courses, including:
Biology: Usually two semesters with lab work.
Chemistry: Two semesters each of general and organic chemistry, both with labs.
Physics: A year of physics with lab.
Mathematics: Calculus and statistics are often recommended.
English: Writing proficiency is crucial; most schools require at least a year of English.
Ensure to check the prerequisites for the schools you're eyeing, as they may differ.
2. Select Your Major Thoughtfully
Although many pre-med students opt for biology or chemistry as their majors, it's crucial to choose a field that genuinely interests you. Medical schools appreciate diverse backgrounds, so majors such as psychology, sociology, or even humanities could be considered if they align with your interests. Just make sure to complete the necessary science prerequisites.
3. Cultivate Robust Study Habits
College coursework can be significantly tougher than high school. Develop efficient study habits early:
Time Management: Design a schedule that allocates time for classes, studying, extracurricular activities, and personal time.
Active Learning Techniques: Engage with the material by summarizing, teaching others, and applying concepts to real-world situations.
Seek Assistance When Required: Make use of office hours and tutoring resources if you're finding the course material challenging.
4. Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Involvement in extracurricular activities can boost your medical school application:
Volunteer Work: Seek opportunities to volunteer in healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics) or community service organizations. This shows your commitment to serving others and offers valuable experience.
Research Opportunities: Pursue research positions within your department or related fields. This experience can enhance your application and offer insight into scientific inquiry.
Leadership Roles: Join clubs related to medicine or health sciences and aim for leadership roles to demonstrate your initiative and teamwork skills.
5. Forge Relationships with Faculty
Building connections with professors is vital:
Engage Actively in Class: Participate in discussions and seek clarification on complex topics.
Ask for Guidance: Don't hesitate to ask professors about their research or advice on medicine-related courses.
Request Letters of Recommendation Early: Strong letters from faculty who know you well will be invaluable when applying to med school.
6. Start Preparing for the MCAT Early
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a crucial part of your med school application:
Familiarize Yourself with the Format: Understand the structure of the exam and its content areas early on.
Plan Your Study Schedule: Consider when you will take the MCAT (typically after completing core science courses) and create a study plan that allows ample preparation time.
7. Stay Updated on Healthcare Issues
Staying informed about current events in healthcare will help you understand the field better:
Read medical journals, follow trustworthy health news sources, and engage in discussions about healthcare policies and ethical issues.
This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also deepen your understanding of the role of medicine in society.
8. Lead a Balanced Lifestyle
Burnout is common among pre-med students due to rigorous academic demands:
Prioritize self-care by maintaining physical health through exercise and proper nutrition.
Look at my Autobiography with the title "About James Constantine" to learn about the Nutrients, where they can be found in Foods, and what they do in the human body. Google Scholar is a good research tool. It is as good as any library! All you need to do is devote yourself to study and you will get High Distinctions!
Engage socially by spending time with friends or pursuing hobbies outside of academics.
A balanced lifestyle will help sustain motivation throughout your undergraduate years.
In conclusion, gearing up for medical school as a college freshman involves understanding academic requirements, choosing a suitable major, cultivating strong study habits, participating in relevant extracurricular activities, forging relationships with faculty members, starting early preparation for standardized tests like the MCAT, staying updated about healthcare issues, and leading a balanced life.
By diligently following these steps throughout your college years, you'll position yourself as a compelling candidate when it's time to apply to medical schools.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Provides comprehensive guidelines on pre-medical education requirements and resources for aspiring medical students.
American Medical Association (AMA) - Offers insights into medical education pathways along with tips on preparing effectively for med school applications.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Contains valuable information regarding research opportunities available for undergraduates interested in medicine-related fields.
God Bless You!
JC.
Estelle Archer
Estelle’s Answer
-Get high grades & study hard for the MCAT
-Assist in medical research
-volunteer at a free clinic
-Shadow as many physicians as you can
-Follow some passions that make you a more well-rounded, interesting person for interviews
James Garza
James’s Answer
hi jennifer,
i graduated med school in 1993. but i'm pretty sure the following still applies. but it's always a good idea to check with your college's health professions adviser.
- complete all med school prerequisites.
strongly consider adding to that list: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Immunology. depending on your degree plan this may mean going to summer school or taking 5 years to complete college. other courses that would be helpful: medical ethics, medical terminology, etc.
- excellent grades
don't get bent out of shape on this one. of course straight As are impressive. but i got in with a 3.1 GPA.
- excellent MCAT score
like it or not this one is important. strongly consider taking a semester-long review course. take lots of practice MCATs. take the review courses early, maybe Sophomore year. if you have test anxiety issues do whatever it takes to overcome that. test taking skills are vital. there are helpful books in your library.
- research medical fields
interviewers are laser focused on determining if you truly know what you're getting yourself into. are you someone who prefers working in a lab? do you like working with technology? do you crave human interaction? do you like hands-on activity or intellectual activity? knowing answers to those questions about yourself will help determine whether you're suited to Pathology, Radiology, Family Medicine, Surgery, etc. One way to shine in this area is reading up on medical history, such as biographies of famous physicians. Anything by Sir William Osler is gold.
interviewers will be listening to your answers for buzz words like "residency", "fellowship", "internship". let them know you understand how many years of medical school and post graduate training you're looking at. the more detailed you can be the better. so, for instance, let's say you want to go into Anesthesiology. you will look like a star if you casually drop into conversation that the top rated area Anesthesiology program is at ____.
speak with physicians, residents, nurses, just about anyone in the medical profession. again, make sure the interviewers know that you've spent the time learning what you can about your career choice.
- research medical schools
your health professions adviser can help with this. you should know early what your options are. private vs public. internal medicine oriented, research oriented, etc. some schools start clinical programs early. some emphasize rural medicine. some don't have family medicine departments.
Try to befriend upper class pre-meds so they can later tell you their experiences with interviewing, testing, and their experiences at particular medical schools.
you should at least vaguely know what courses you'd be taking in medical school.
- work/volunteer experience
most pre-meds go overboard on this one. my advice is to find a job in the medical field that is customer oriented. perhaps a receptionist at a doctor's office. or a phlebotomist, or hospital transporter, etc. An interviewer needs to be able to believe that you got a taste of day to day medical life.
however, it should also be noted that just about any job experience can be presented in a way that shows that you've learned valuable skills that will serve you well in your medical career.
as for volunteer activities, most interviewers regard those as fluff for resumes. except perhaps medical mission trips.
interview preparation. incredibly important and probably the most overlooked area. all of the applicants will have good grades and test scores. so here's your chance to separate yourself from the pack. interviewers want to hear your story. tell them your dreams, your hardships, whatever motivates you. BE PASSIONATE. your health professions advisor should be able to give you a list of possible interview questions. put in the time to prepare your answers. find an adult to practice with. give plenty of consideration to your appearance. clothes/shoes should fit and be comfortable, tattoos & piercing should probably be concealed. SMILE.
optional: Spanish or sign language. bonus points if you've gone the extra mile to learn another way to communicate with your patients.
hope that helps. and good luck to you!
