4 answers
Vaishnavi
Student
Princeton, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What classes are helpful in high school for a student planning on going to medical school?
I'm about to start high school in a few months so I just want to know what classes I can take to help me follow through with my goal with medical school.
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4 answers
T.J. Worthy
Mentor
202
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
T.J.’s Answer
Hello Vaishnavi!
Medical school requires a good understanding of science and mathematics.
In high school, take classes in natural and physical science: like chemistry, biology, and physics. See if your high school offers science courses as dual enrollment (for colleges your interested in) or as AP credit. Also, take math classes in calculus and statistics, if possible.
Outside of those two subjects, you'll want to show that you're a well-rounded and unique candidate along with math and science.
Strengthen your writing and reading skills. You'll need writing skills to make it through undergrad.
You can also seek out opportunities in high school to showcase:
- Research skills
- Passion for science
- Knowledge on human behavior
- Cultural awareness.
For example: Harvard Medical School recommends candidates have these four above skills, because they want doctors that analyze concepts in depth and can work with patients from a variety of backgrounds.
So, you can grow in these areas by:
- Join or start a club | Good groups to do are an Medicine/Science club and an Multicultural club at your high school
- Read or take a course in Psychology | This can help you understand human behavior.
- Participate in science fairs at your school or in your district
- Create your own research project | You don't have to do this for school. You can do this independently at home. Choose a topic your interested in and come up with an idea on how to study it.
- Community service!
If you can volunteer at a hospital or clinic during high school, that's an awesome way to stand out in college.
Sending you the best as you prepare for medical school :)
Learn more about how to start a club in this guide | https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-start-a-club-in-high-school
Learn how to volunteer at a hopsital here! | https://www.wikihow.com/Volunteer-at-a-Hospital
Medical school requires a good understanding of science and mathematics.
In high school, take classes in natural and physical science: like chemistry, biology, and physics. See if your high school offers science courses as dual enrollment (for colleges your interested in) or as AP credit. Also, take math classes in calculus and statistics, if possible.
Outside of those two subjects, you'll want to show that you're a well-rounded and unique candidate along with math and science.
Strengthen your writing and reading skills. You'll need writing skills to make it through undergrad.
You can also seek out opportunities in high school to showcase:
- Research skills
- Passion for science
- Knowledge on human behavior
- Cultural awareness.
For example: Harvard Medical School recommends candidates have these four above skills, because they want doctors that analyze concepts in depth and can work with patients from a variety of backgrounds.
So, you can grow in these areas by:
- Join or start a club | Good groups to do are an Medicine/Science club and an Multicultural club at your high school
- Read or take a course in Psychology | This can help you understand human behavior.
- Participate in science fairs at your school or in your district
- Create your own research project | You don't have to do this for school. You can do this independently at home. Choose a topic your interested in and come up with an idea on how to study it.
- Community service!
If you can volunteer at a hospital or clinic during high school, that's an awesome way to stand out in college.
Sending you the best as you prepare for medical school :)
T.J. recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Vaishnavi
You're welcome :)
T.J. Worthy
JOHN German
90
Answers
Bluffton, South Carolina
Updated
JOHN’s Answer
Hello:
An answer I presented to another post but aligns with what you are wanting - beyond the amazing thoughts and insights from T.J Worthy.
"UC Davis’ admissions office, Dr. Fancher said, doesn’t give more weight to one major or another as long as a student has completed the required prerequisites. “We look for mastery in an area that a student is passionate about,” Dr. Fancher said. “That could be in the study of art or history or science, in participation in college athletics or music or dance, or in making an impact in their community.”
That holistic approach to admissions may have benefits. A December 2018 study published in the journal Medical Education, “Pre‐medical majors in the humanities and social sciences: impact on communication skills and specialty choice,” found that medical students with premedical backgrounds in the humanities and social sciences may be more effective at communicating with patients.".
- https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/which-undergrad-majors-are-best-med-school
Also: "Why a shift from the traditional science track to public health and human sciences?
Schools want diversity in their population,” says CPHHS advisor Carey Hilbert. “They like seeing students who aren’t all coming from chemistry, biology and biochemistry. Yes, you need science, but the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) has added new emphasis in psychology, psycho-social dimensions of health and medical ethics.".
- https://synergies.oregonstate.edu/2020/more-pre-med-students-attracted-to-public-health-degrees/
Thankful to your roads.
God Bless,
John German
An answer I presented to another post but aligns with what you are wanting - beyond the amazing thoughts and insights from T.J Worthy.
"UC Davis’ admissions office, Dr. Fancher said, doesn’t give more weight to one major or another as long as a student has completed the required prerequisites. “We look for mastery in an area that a student is passionate about,” Dr. Fancher said. “That could be in the study of art or history or science, in participation in college athletics or music or dance, or in making an impact in their community.”
That holistic approach to admissions may have benefits. A December 2018 study published in the journal Medical Education, “Pre‐medical majors in the humanities and social sciences: impact on communication skills and specialty choice,” found that medical students with premedical backgrounds in the humanities and social sciences may be more effective at communicating with patients.".
- https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/which-undergrad-majors-are-best-med-school
Also: "Why a shift from the traditional science track to public health and human sciences?
Schools want diversity in their population,” says CPHHS advisor Carey Hilbert. “They like seeing students who aren’t all coming from chemistry, biology and biochemistry. Yes, you need science, but the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) has added new emphasis in psychology, psycho-social dimensions of health and medical ethics.".
- https://synergies.oregonstate.edu/2020/more-pre-med-students-attracted-to-public-health-degrees/
Thankful to your roads.
God Bless,
John German
Loved reading this, thanks!
Vaishnavi
MARY OLAFUSI
Nursing
24
Answers
Ife, Osun, Nigeria
Updated
MARY’s Answer
I'll recommend you pay attention to all subjects you'll be taking in school. Especially science subjects.
You need to also focus on some arts and skills and develop yourself.
You can volunteer at your School clinic to familiarise yourself with the environment and pay attention to every details done there.
Good luck.
You need to also focus on some arts and skills and develop yourself.
You can volunteer at your School clinic to familiarise yourself with the environment and pay attention to every details done there.
Good luck.
Thank you, MARY!
Vaishnavi
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6474
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Vaishnavi!
If you're mapping out your journey to medical school while you're still in high school, here are some classes that can pave the way for you:
Biology: This class is your stepping stone into the world of living organisms. It's where you'll learn about the building blocks of life, like cell structure and genetics, and get a sneak peek into human anatomy and physiology.
Chemistry: Chemistry is your key to unlocking the mysteries of the human body at a molecular level. You'll dive into topics like atomic structure, chemical bonds, and reactions, all of which are vital for understanding how drugs interact with our bodies.
Physics: Physics is all about the fundamental laws that govern our universe, including those that apply to human physiology and medical technology. You'll explore areas like mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity, which all have their roles in the medical field.
Mathematics: Math, especially algebra and calculus, sharpens your problem-solving skills and helps you grasp the numerical side of medical research and practice.
Anatomy and Physiology: If these classes are offered at your high school, they'll give you a head start in understanding the human body inside and out.
Health Sciences or Medical Electives: Some high schools offer electives in health sciences or medical topics. These can give you an early taste of what a career in medicine is like.
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses: If your school offers AP or IB courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, it's worth considering them. They'll stretch your abilities and might even earn you some college credit.
Foreign Language: Knowing a second language can be a big plus in medicine, helping you connect with a wider range of patients.
Beyond these classes, remember to keep your grades up, build solid study habits, and get involved in activities that show off your leadership, teamwork, and dedication to helping others.
The information provided here is based on authoritative references from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Khan Academy, and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
And remember, we're here to help, so don't hesitate to ask if you need more guidance! And hey, there's no rule against a little prayer either!
Best wishes,
James.
If you're mapping out your journey to medical school while you're still in high school, here are some classes that can pave the way for you:
Biology: This class is your stepping stone into the world of living organisms. It's where you'll learn about the building blocks of life, like cell structure and genetics, and get a sneak peek into human anatomy and physiology.
Chemistry: Chemistry is your key to unlocking the mysteries of the human body at a molecular level. You'll dive into topics like atomic structure, chemical bonds, and reactions, all of which are vital for understanding how drugs interact with our bodies.
Physics: Physics is all about the fundamental laws that govern our universe, including those that apply to human physiology and medical technology. You'll explore areas like mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity, which all have their roles in the medical field.
Mathematics: Math, especially algebra and calculus, sharpens your problem-solving skills and helps you grasp the numerical side of medical research and practice.
Anatomy and Physiology: If these classes are offered at your high school, they'll give you a head start in understanding the human body inside and out.
Health Sciences or Medical Electives: Some high schools offer electives in health sciences or medical topics. These can give you an early taste of what a career in medicine is like.
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses: If your school offers AP or IB courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, it's worth considering them. They'll stretch your abilities and might even earn you some college credit.
Foreign Language: Knowing a second language can be a big plus in medicine, helping you connect with a wider range of patients.
Beyond these classes, remember to keep your grades up, build solid study habits, and get involved in activities that show off your leadership, teamwork, and dedication to helping others.
The information provided here is based on authoritative references from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Khan Academy, and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
And remember, we're here to help, so don't hesitate to ask if you need more guidance! And hey, there's no rule against a little prayer either!
Best wishes,
James.