4 answers
braeden
Student
Rockford, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
484 views
what classes should i take to get into colleges like Duke or John Hopkins or San Diego?
I'm in 8th grade going into high school in 2023 and i want to know what classes should i go into for big medical colleges.
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4 answers
Bhavin Thaker
Director of Engineering
13
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Bhavin’s Answer
It is not just breadth but also depth of what you learn that matters.
I would suggest reading this book to be motivated to learn concepts deeply:
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JUVDUE/
Check out this talk by Stanford Prof. Mehran Sahami given to high school students on how computer programing skills can be applied to various industries and it is now the math for the future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH8EGDBrDgU
He also mentions why various students planning to pursue medical fields do study computer science.
Check out undergrad requirements for various fields at universities of your preference.
For example: https://bioeng.berkeley.edu/undergrad/program lists out the requirements specifically.
Take those courses and be among the top-most in your class!
Enjoy exploring -- Best wishes!
I would suggest reading this book to be motivated to learn concepts deeply:
The 5 Elements of Effective Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008JUVDUE/
Check out this talk by Stanford Prof. Mehran Sahami given to high school students on how computer programing skills can be applied to various industries and it is now the math for the future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH8EGDBrDgU
He also mentions why various students planning to pursue medical fields do study computer science.
Check out undergrad requirements for various fields at universities of your preference.
For example: https://bioeng.berkeley.edu/undergrad/program lists out the requirements specifically.
Take those courses and be among the top-most in your class!
Enjoy exploring -- Best wishes!
Thank you for the resources and information
braeden
Laura Royce
Software Engineer
8
Answers
Orange, California
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Hi Braeden,
In order to get into medical schools, as a high schooler, you'll want to concentrate on advanced classes in sciences such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, etc. You'll need to do well and attain good grades. Since medical school comes after college, you'll want to do well in college as well and choose a major that you enjoy and is related to the medical field you're interested in. While there is no one "pre med" major, many study biology, neurology, biochemistry, molecular biology etc in university. Since you're young, you have a lot of time to explore which field of medicine you want to pursue. Right now, your priority should be to do well in school and read about medicine. Read about various medical fields, what do they do? What's a day in their life like? Do you want to work in research? Do you want to work directly with people? Do you know any doctors? You can do informational interviews with them, how did they get to where they are now? What was their path? Have fun!
In order to get into medical schools, as a high schooler, you'll want to concentrate on advanced classes in sciences such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, etc. You'll need to do well and attain good grades. Since medical school comes after college, you'll want to do well in college as well and choose a major that you enjoy and is related to the medical field you're interested in. While there is no one "pre med" major, many study biology, neurology, biochemistry, molecular biology etc in university. Since you're young, you have a lot of time to explore which field of medicine you want to pursue. Right now, your priority should be to do well in school and read about medicine. Read about various medical fields, what do they do? What's a day in their life like? Do you want to work in research? Do you want to work directly with people? Do you know any doctors? You can do informational interviews with them, how did they get to where they are now? What was their path? Have fun!
Thank you for the well though out response.
braeden
Favour Adaugo Ehirim
Nurse
2
Answers
Caloocan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Favour Adaugo’s Answer
For your first year, your main decision will be which diploma path to follow. Most high schools have designed curricula that follow either a degree path, which is intended for a student who is planning to attend a 4-year college and seek a bachelor’s degree, or a certification path, which leads to certification in one of several skilled careers and may involve classes in a community college. The certification path leads to certification in a variety of skilled jobs. Some schools will also have a general path, for those who simply want to finish school as quickly as possible, or who cannot make up their mind.
Once you decide on which path to follow, you will find a variety of classes that are designed for that path.
During your first year, however, your class list is probably fairly fixed, as both paths include introductory required classes, such as English I (and English class is required every year in most high schools), and introductory classes in science, math, and social studies. A physical education course may be required. Your remaining courses will be determined by which path you choose.
Once you decide on which path to follow, you will find a variety of classes that are designed for that path.
During your first year, however, your class list is probably fairly fixed, as both paths include introductory required classes, such as English I (and English class is required every year in most high schools), and introductory classes in science, math, and social studies. A physical education course may be required. Your remaining courses will be determined by which path you choose.
Maria R
Career Counselor
18
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Maria’s Answer
When a student knows the end goal, I suggest work backwards, gather A LOT of information, and make a plan. In your case, look at what the current acceptance rates are at the schools you're interested in, the general profile of a student (typically found on the college's website), what they studied as undergraduate students. That will give you an idea of what a typical path looks like, but of course there are exceptions and outliers. Look at rankings i.e. US News & World Report for general MCAT test scores to get into the schools, college GPA, etc... to give you an idea of the numbers needed in the general admissions process. Once you apply to college (immediately or sometime after high school) and get in, then immediately talk to your Pre-Health/Pre-Med Advisor and start a working action plan to meet your goals; join clubs/organizations that are medical and non-medical related, apply for leadership positions in those clubs/organizations, volunteer/shadow, volunteer/shadow, volunteer/shadow, and be a leader. I emphasize the volunteering/shadowing because that can make/break/uplift/encourage/deter a student from a specific career path, and the more exposure you get, then the more knowledge you have to best prepare yourself for medical school and the kind of specialization and practitioner you want to be.
Maria, thank you!
braeden