3 answers
Anita
Student
North Haven, Connecticut
21
Questions
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What does the path from High School to Medical School look like?
I'm currently a sophomore in high school and was wondering that once the time comes- how would I begin my path to Medical School?
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3 answers
Cameron Lincoln
Cyber Risk & Regulatory Senior Associate
11
Answers
Columbia, Missouri
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
Hi Anita!
I will start by saying that I am not a physician and did not go to medical school. However, my wife and father both did. Getting into medical school is difficult, but generally comes down to obtaining an undergraduate degree, usually in a pre-med or biological sciences degree. The other absolute requirement is taking the MCAT, which is a standardized test that medical schools use for making admissions decisions. Beyond that, gaining some experience shadowing doctors, volunteering in clinics, and otherwise exposing yourself to the healthcare environment can all be helpful. This webpage has excellent information and advice: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-get-into-medical-school.
My wife obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and graduated magna cum laude. She shadowed local physicians and performed some research projects and scored well on the MCAT. In addition, she applied to multiple medical schools, which is a good idea, because medical schools are highly selective in choosing their applicants.
So, as general advice, work hard, keep your grades up, and study for the MCAT, but also try to have additional activities that set you apart from other applicants. Additionally, having a personal essay that stands out will help separate you from your potential competition for medical school admissions.
I imagine others will chip in with more advice, but this is just what I observed from watching my wife go through it and through doing some searching online for guides. I hope this helps and good luck on your journey.
Obtain a pre-medical or similar undergraduate degree
Take the MCAT
Obtain additional experience
Write a solid personal essay
Apply to multiple medical schools
I will start by saying that I am not a physician and did not go to medical school. However, my wife and father both did. Getting into medical school is difficult, but generally comes down to obtaining an undergraduate degree, usually in a pre-med or biological sciences degree. The other absolute requirement is taking the MCAT, which is a standardized test that medical schools use for making admissions decisions. Beyond that, gaining some experience shadowing doctors, volunteering in clinics, and otherwise exposing yourself to the healthcare environment can all be helpful. This webpage has excellent information and advice: https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-get-into-medical-school.
My wife obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and graduated magna cum laude. She shadowed local physicians and performed some research projects and scored well on the MCAT. In addition, she applied to multiple medical schools, which is a good idea, because medical schools are highly selective in choosing their applicants.
So, as general advice, work hard, keep your grades up, and study for the MCAT, but also try to have additional activities that set you apart from other applicants. Additionally, having a personal essay that stands out will help separate you from your potential competition for medical school admissions.
I imagine others will chip in with more advice, but this is just what I observed from watching my wife go through it and through doing some searching online for guides. I hope this helps and good luck on your journey.
Cameron recommends the following next steps:
Perfect, thank you so much!
Anita
Jazmine Visperas
Youth Services Coordinator/AmeriCorps member
2
Answers
Pacifica, California
Updated
Jazmine’s Answer
Hi Anita,
I would focus on building your volunteer experience - you can do this through the American Red Cross or local hospitals/clinics. I would also recommend participating in as many extracurricular activities as you can - through a Red Cross club, sports, dance, etc.
Once you get into college, I would focus on your grades, but especially building relationships with your professors since this is important for your letters of recommendation for med school. It's also important to join clubs or positions that show you have leadership experience. I would also take this opportunity to obtain certifications such as EMT or medical scribe to gain some experience before medical school. By your junior year, you should start studying for the MCAT. Use as many resources as you can at your college to help with your resume, personal statement, and interview prep. These are all great contributing factors to your chances of getting into medical school.
I would focus on building your volunteer experience - you can do this through the American Red Cross or local hospitals/clinics. I would also recommend participating in as many extracurricular activities as you can - through a Red Cross club, sports, dance, etc.
Once you get into college, I would focus on your grades, but especially building relationships with your professors since this is important for your letters of recommendation for med school. It's also important to join clubs or positions that show you have leadership experience. I would also take this opportunity to obtain certifications such as EMT or medical scribe to gain some experience before medical school. By your junior year, you should start studying for the MCAT. Use as many resources as you can at your college to help with your resume, personal statement, and interview prep. These are all great contributing factors to your chances of getting into medical school.
This is great, thank you!
Anita
Temi Olowofela
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Temi’s Answer
Hi great question. I did not attend medical school but I have a general idea of what that could look like from where you are not as a sophomore in high school. So first you would have to do well in high school get good grades so you get a good gpa. If you want you can start taking college credit courses like AP or Dual credit to get some credit for college before graduating and it saves you money. After you apply to colleges to get into a major within STEM specifically science major like biology or chemistry to get your bachelors degree. While getting your bachelors you would want to start studying for the MCAT and getting any hands on experience that you can get. For example you can work in a hospital shadowing doctors or in a clinic. After getting your bachelors you then take the MCAT you can take a gap year if you want to gain more experience or study more the the MCAT. Then you apply to medical schools is best to apply to more than one maybe 3-6 schools just in case you don’t get accepted to one. You should also work very on your application because medical school can be tough to get into, so make sure you stand out with your personal statement. In conclusion do your best in under grad and on the MCAT as well as getting the experience and you should be good.
Get a bachelors degree
Study/ Take MCAT
Get experience form either a hospital or clinic
Write a good personal statement
Apply to 3-6 schools
Temi recommends the following next steps:
Oh, I see. Thank you!
Anita