3 answers
Sophia
Student
Medford, New Jersey
2
Questions
Asked
310 views
How can I best prepare for the college processes?
I am a Junior in high school and an aspiring doctor/psychiatrist. How can I maximize my college resume? What about with a low GPA/test scores? Where can I start the scholarship search? What can I do? Anything I should know in advance/advice? How can I afford college? Which should I select to apply for? What paths can I take for degrees that are relevant to medicine and more specifically psychiatry and neurology? Thank you all so much and may God bless you! #Fall24
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3 answers
Jocelyne Greco, MHRM
Human Resources
6
Answers
Katy, Texas
Updated
Jocelyne’s Answer
To prepare for college and stand out as a future doctor or psychiatrist:
1. Focus on Experience: Volunteer in healthcare, join medical clubs, or shadow doctors to show commitment to the field.
2. Enhance Your Application: Boost a low GPA or test scores with strong extracurriculars, leadership roles, and essays about your passion for psychiatry or neurology.
3. Seek Scholarships: Start with sites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com, and look for local awards. Many organizations offer scholarships for aspiring medical professionals.
Choose colleges with strong pre-med programs, and plan on degrees like biology or psychology for a solid foundation. You're on an inspiring path—stay focused! You got this!
1. Focus on Experience: Volunteer in healthcare, join medical clubs, or shadow doctors to show commitment to the field.
2. Enhance Your Application: Boost a low GPA or test scores with strong extracurriculars, leadership roles, and essays about your passion for psychiatry or neurology.
3. Seek Scholarships: Start with sites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com, and look for local awards. Many organizations offer scholarships for aspiring medical professionals.
Choose colleges with strong pre-med programs, and plan on degrees like biology or psychology for a solid foundation. You're on an inspiring path—stay focused! You got this!
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind and insightful answer. Have a great rest of your day and may God bless you! 🤍
Sophia
Julie McIntyre Caines, PMP, MBA
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Love your goal Sophia! There is a college for everyone so don't let a low test score or GPA worry you. Even if you start college somewhere that isn't the dream, you always transfer and finish somewhere else if you want to. Private schools may seem expensive but knowing they are, they also offer a LOT of financial aid so keep those on your radar too. Public universities in your state will be the most affordable and offer great educations.
Regarding affording college - all universities offer financial aid (loans or grants depending on your situation), scholarships and civic organizations also offer scholarships. Your school counselor should be able to help you pinpoint some of these.
Medical schools look for strong students so keep that college GPA as high as you can but they also really value students who have shown upward growth, overcome challenges or bring diverse perspectives. So even if your application isn't perfect, go for it !
Keep working hard
talk to your school counselor
apply apply apply
believe in yourself you can do this !!
Regarding affording college - all universities offer financial aid (loans or grants depending on your situation), scholarships and civic organizations also offer scholarships. Your school counselor should be able to help you pinpoint some of these.
Medical schools look for strong students so keep that college GPA as high as you can but they also really value students who have shown upward growth, overcome challenges or bring diverse perspectives. So even if your application isn't perfect, go for it !
Julie recommends the following next steps:
This is such a thoughtful answer! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and for the encouragement. 💗 Have a great rest of your night and may God bless you!
Sophia
Katie Alsheimer
Physician
16
Answers
Elmira Heights, NY
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hello,
I'm more than ready to provide answers to your queries. Although I'm a medical doctor with limited experience in high school counseling, I'll give it my utmost effort. I've made sure to address all your questions.
To enhance your college resume, include volunteer work. It not only gives you practical experience but also displays your genuine interest in the field. Plus, it provides a talking point during interviews, making you memorable.
If you're concerned about low GPA/test scores, it's a bit tricky. While they aren't the only deciding factors, they are significant for both college admissions and scholarships. If possible, consider retaking the tests. A GPA above 3.0 is generally seen as favorable, reflecting your commitment to academics.
For starting your scholarship search, your guidance counselor should be your first point of contact. Be wary of scams and don't hesitate to seek help.
Before you jump into a healthcare career, I suggest gaining some experience in the field through work or volunteering. It's not as it's often depicted in TV shows, but it's truly a rewarding profession.
To afford college, scholarships and loans are viable options. Discuss with your guidance counselor for more detailed advice.
In terms of pursuing degrees relevant to medicine, psychiatry, and neurology, you'll need to complete an undergraduate degree before medical school. You can choose any field, provided you meet the prerequisites and pass the MCAT. Choose a subject that interests you and could serve as a fallback if you decide to change your career path. Gaining life experience is always beneficial when choosing a career.
I trust this information will be of assistance to you.
I'm more than ready to provide answers to your queries. Although I'm a medical doctor with limited experience in high school counseling, I'll give it my utmost effort. I've made sure to address all your questions.
To enhance your college resume, include volunteer work. It not only gives you practical experience but also displays your genuine interest in the field. Plus, it provides a talking point during interviews, making you memorable.
If you're concerned about low GPA/test scores, it's a bit tricky. While they aren't the only deciding factors, they are significant for both college admissions and scholarships. If possible, consider retaking the tests. A GPA above 3.0 is generally seen as favorable, reflecting your commitment to academics.
For starting your scholarship search, your guidance counselor should be your first point of contact. Be wary of scams and don't hesitate to seek help.
Before you jump into a healthcare career, I suggest gaining some experience in the field through work or volunteering. It's not as it's often depicted in TV shows, but it's truly a rewarding profession.
To afford college, scholarships and loans are viable options. Discuss with your guidance counselor for more detailed advice.
In terms of pursuing degrees relevant to medicine, psychiatry, and neurology, you'll need to complete an undergraduate degree before medical school. You can choose any field, provided you meet the prerequisites and pass the MCAT. Choose a subject that interests you and could serve as a fallback if you decide to change your career path. Gaining life experience is always beneficial when choosing a career.
I trust this information will be of assistance to you.