4 answers
Stephanie
Student
Shelton, Connecticut
1
Question
Asked
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I'm not 100% sure about what I want to pursue yet but I've taken an interest in pediatrics. Do any pediatricians have advice for sophomores in high school?
I'm 15, taking no APs but I plan to next year, my education means so much to me, almost as much as my performance. I'm also a varsity athlete for swimming!
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4 answers
Darian Stacy
Scientist, Healthcare Professional
13
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Darian’s Answer
Hi Stephanie!
I have two pieces of advice for you.
1. Don't stress yourself over getting into medical school until you are a little further along in your life. I know tons of people (probably around 99%) that got burnout in high school or in their undergrad and dropped their dream of becoming a doctor.
2. Keep pursuing your passion for swimming. It is fairly common for students who dream of getting into medical school to drop everything and only focus on their sciences and different health-related experiences. What they don't realize is that this makes them not stand out on applications. I know student doctors who trained animals for circus acts, who managed movie theaters, etc.. Although having good stats like grades is important, their other hobbies gave them something to talk about to the admissions team. It made them seem like an actual human and made the school realize that they have stress-relieving tactics outside of their future profession.
Good luck!
I have two pieces of advice for you.
1. Don't stress yourself over getting into medical school until you are a little further along in your life. I know tons of people (probably around 99%) that got burnout in high school or in their undergrad and dropped their dream of becoming a doctor.
2. Keep pursuing your passion for swimming. It is fairly common for students who dream of getting into medical school to drop everything and only focus on their sciences and different health-related experiences. What they don't realize is that this makes them not stand out on applications. I know student doctors who trained animals for circus acts, who managed movie theaters, etc.. Although having good stats like grades is important, their other hobbies gave them something to talk about to the admissions team. It made them seem like an actual human and made the school realize that they have stress-relieving tactics outside of their future profession.
Good luck!
Rita Chuang
Physician
189
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I’m not a pediatrician but I did go into medical school thinking I would become a pediatrician. You will need to go to college and then medical school. While in medical school during your third year, you can start the process of deciding which specialty you choose.
I’m college , most premed students major in a science but that is not a requirement. You will need to take certain classes in science such as biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Your major is your choice.
I’m college , most premed students major in a science but that is not a requirement. You will need to take certain classes in science such as biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. Your major is your choice.
Hansi Gandhi
Product Development
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Hansi’s Answer
To every goal in life - you need to learn the fundamentals and practice it to the point they become your second nature.
Hence, for Pediatrics as your goal - in High School and College - earn credits for all BioSciences as possible.
Talk to your High School Senior year counselor and ask for any vocational guidance coaches available that you can talk to.
Best is word of mouth - Talk to your friends and their families to know who is in Pediatrics
The more research you do upfront about the goal you want to achieve - you will be in a better position to stay put and focus on the goal instead of losing interest after few years.
Good luck !
Hence, for Pediatrics as your goal - in High School and College - earn credits for all BioSciences as possible.
Talk to your High School Senior year counselor and ask for any vocational guidance coaches available that you can talk to.
Best is word of mouth - Talk to your friends and their families to know who is in Pediatrics
The more research you do upfront about the goal you want to achieve - you will be in a better position to stay put and focus on the goal instead of losing interest after few years.
Good luck !
Sunil Patel
Pediatrician
18
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Sunil’s Answer
Hello Stephanie.
Your brief profile is worth noting. Like in swimming to reach your final point and win, you need to give 100% of your commitment to reach that goal of becoming a Pediatrician. It is very important to block or pass through distractions you come across during your high school and college years. Keep participating in your sports activity with competitive mindset. Stay also focused to your studies and keep your grades during your school and college years at upper levels (A , A+). Also try to participate in multiple community, volunteer and extracurricular activities during your school and college years. Keep Talking to your counselors. And you will succeed. Good luck.
Your brief profile is worth noting. Like in swimming to reach your final point and win, you need to give 100% of your commitment to reach that goal of becoming a Pediatrician. It is very important to block or pass through distractions you come across during your high school and college years. Keep participating in your sports activity with competitive mindset. Stay also focused to your studies and keep your grades during your school and college years at upper levels (A , A+). Also try to participate in multiple community, volunteer and extracurricular activities during your school and college years. Keep Talking to your counselors. And you will succeed. Good luck.