Career questions tagged pre-med
Pre-Med is a term used for undergraduate college students who are on track to go to medical school. Popular medical doctor careers include a pediatrician, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Please read below to find out more. Read more Show less
What are some ways to overcome burnout ?
I'm a second year college student majoring in biology on a pre-medical path. Although my classes take a lot of time and energy, I enjoy being involved in a lot of extracurriculars, including sports, research, and student clubs. This has been my most difficult semester so far, and although I am getting through it relatively well, I can feel the toll that it is taking. If there are any suggestions that fall outside of "scaling back what you do", I would love to hear them. #Spring25
Is being a PA worth it or rewarding as someone that has wanted to be a doctor but doesn't want that commitment?
I've wanted to be a doctor since I was 5 but now I'm not so sure. I know it's a lot of work and I don't really want to be in school that long, plus once in that field I know it's not a lot of flexibility (looking at being a surgeon or pediatrician as of right now). However, I still have a strong interest in medicine and have a desire to help people through that. I also still have plans of traveling, starting a family, etc. in the future. I've been thinking about being a PA as opposed to going to med school but I'm not sure and I don't know if I should pursue pre-med or pre-pa in college.
What are the most common mistakes that pre-med students make early in college, and how can I avoid them? #Spring25
I am majoring in exercise science at Pitt
What is the best financial advice for a pre-med student?
What is the best financial advice for a pre-med student who is receiving some help from my parents for college but will be expected to pay for medical school on my own. How do loans and interest work for pre-med and med students? How can I manage a (healthcare- related job such as a PCT) during college while balancing studying? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
What was your journey to, and through, medical school like? Did you always know that you wanted to be in the healthcare field?
I'm currently a graduating high school senior and my favorite subject in school is science. I want to join the healthcare field but haven't decided on a career path yet. However, I have experience volunteering at skilled nursing homes and hospitals before and know that I want a career that is medical related.
What is the best way to prepare myself to work in the medical field?
I have been in nursing classes throughout high school but get nervous when it comes to field work. I will earn my CCMA certification in a few days. What is the best way to feel confident when actually practicing medicine?
What are my next steps to becoming a professor after receiving a BS in pre-med biology in Spring 2026 ?
I am graduating from a 4-year university in only 3 years next spring! What should I be researching or keeping an eye out for when looking for masters programs?
What is the best way to become a certified MA or Phlebotomist for pre-health undergraduate students ?
I am an undergraduate student that is Pre-PA. There are a lot of parts to pre-PA including prerequsites and Paid patient care experience. The most common way to get those PCE's is to work as a MA. Is it worth it to pay for a $3,000 program or can I get certified by a doctor? Is there a better and more worth it option? #Spring25
What is the best way to take advantage of my summer before starting college?
Hi! My name is Mayela and I am an 18-year-old senior in high school residing in the Sacramento Area. I recently got accepted into UCSB and will be attending this fall as a pre-biology major on the pre-med track. I’m currently trying to figure out the best way to take advantage of my summer before school starts because my family cannot support me financially and I’ll be paying for most of my expenses on my own. I know UCSB offers a FSSP summer program where you can knock off a few units and get ahead in credits, but it requires money and to live in campus. I’m debating whether I should join the program or take cheaper classes at local community colleges instead, that way I wont have to move to Santa Barbara yet. I am also debating whether I should apply for paid internships/jobs instead so that I can start saving some money before school starts and to gain experience for my resume. As a first-gen who has literally no idea how to pay for college, what’s the best thing I should do?
What advice would you have for a pre-med student? Is there anything you wish you knew before pursuing medicine?
I am currently a high school senior who aspires to become a doctor, but I feel unprepared for the road ahead of me.
What are some tips for choosing a particular medical school? Any links, study tips, or general information would be greatly appreciated.
While searching for videos on youtube, I found that medical schools can vary in their prerequisites to attend. Are there any ways I can increase my chances of being accepted into a medical school?
How can I balance the intense academic demands of molecular biology and my pre-med journey with opportunities in meaningful research, clinical experience, and self care—without losing my sight on why I am pursuing pre-med?
I will be attending the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign molecular/cellular biology program in Fall 2025. I plan to attend medical school after my undergraduate education.
What is some general advice you might have for resume building before applying for medical school?
I am currently a freshman in college and double majoring in Psychology and Biology. Post-grad, I plan on going to medical school and wanted to start prepping my resume early. The only issue is that I am a little lost when it comes to what they might want to see. Please let me know if you have any advice. Thank you!
What is some general advice for those looking to apply to medical school post-grad ?
I am currently a freshman attending college and double majoring in Psychology and Biology. Post-grad, I plan on going to medical school and wanted to start prepping my resume early. The only issue is that I am a little lost when it comes to what they might want to see. Please let me know of any advice you might have. Thank you!
What STEM classes do you recommend taking before taking the MCAT ? (please also recommend classes outside of med school reqs) #Spring2025
I'm starting college this year but I also want to take classes outside of medical school requirements as well as what year I should take them. Thanks!
Nursing school or pre-med?
How do I decide? I am close to my last semester of pre-requisites. I have been working hard towards getting ready for the BSN program, however, recently I have been realizing that NOTHING is out of reach. I have been considering going pre-med. Do I move forward with my BSN degree and then go back to school as pre-med or do I just jump straight into the pre-med track? I can apply to nursing programs with summer or I can continue my studies as a pre-med student. I know as a nurse I will always have something to fall back on in the event that I don't get into medical school right away. I also know that with a BSN I can continue on to ARNP and get a doctorate in nursing as well. I am a returning college student in my early 30s and the pre-med track is a long one. I am torn and no matter what I choose I know in the end I want to continue my studies in graduate school either way. How did you choose? (I have a medical background already as a medical assistant and in donation as a surgical tissue specialist)
How to begin clinicals/get hands on learning for phlebotomy certification?
I cannot find a place that can provide me a place to learn how to perform venipuncture and capillary sticks. Where do I look? What do I search up? Who do I ask?
What internships should I be applying for this summer?
Hello everyone! I'm currently a college freshman hoping to go into medical school after I graduate. I'm hoping to get an internship in a clinical setting this summer to get some beginner experience in the field and make sure that this is the right career for me. What advice would you give to someone looking for one of these types of internships, and what job types/positions should I be looking and applying for? I have heard before that a Patient Care Technician is a good starting place, but is this true and are there any other options besides this?
What advice would you give to pre-med students looking to boost their med school applications if their grades aren’t where they’d like them to be? #Spring25
I am currently a sophomore in college, with a biochemistry major. I was doing well with a 3.5 GPA before I had a bad semester. This semester is well, but I still need some advice because my GPA might not bounce back! I am currently trying to be more involved on campus, but I am not sure if it will be enough!
What career paths would you recommend for someone who came to the U.S. after fleeing conflict and starting over with a language barrier, and who now wants to turn that struggle into a purpose — not just for survival, but to make a real difference?
I came to the United States from Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. Back home, I didn’t have access to education, especially as a girl, and when I arrived here, I struggled with the language barrier. Despite all of that, I’ve been working hard to succeed in school. I’m still figuring out what career path to choose, but I want to find something meaningful — a way to use my experiences to help others and make an impact. I would really appreciate honest advice from professionals who’ve overcome challenges or started from nothing.
How do I make sure I will be enrolled in a Physician Assistant program when I graduate Pre-Med from Michigan State University in 2028 ? It is very competitive.
#Spring25 How do I make sure I will be enrolled in a Physician Assistant program when I graduate Pre-Med from Michigan State University in 2028 ? It is very competitive.
Where can I find research opportunities as a pre-med student if my school does not provide any?
I am a pre-med freshman looking for best ways to build my resume for medical school.
As a future dentistry student, how do most pre-dental students navigate the financial burden of dental school, and are there any specific strategies or programs that help them?
I am an 18 year old rising college freshman and have been interested in pursuing dentistry throughout all four years of high school. I am convinced this profession will not only help me serve my community but also help give me a bigger understanding of collaboration and communication. I already have experience volunteering at a hospital and have frequent visits with my orthodontist but I am just worried about paying for this professions education as I am aware it will not only take a long time and be difficult, it will also cost a pretty penny.
What most prepared you for college and medical school applications? ?
I am getting ready to graduate and I plan on starting off by going to a community college then going off to a 4-year university in order to apply for medical school. How should I prepare for all of these plans that will change my life?
How do I find medical related opportunities for High School?
I know I need to have a lot of different things on my application in order to stand out in the application process. I know that there is also a requirement for research to apply to most schools as well as a requirement for having leadership opportunities. Where and how can I achieve all of these while trying to maintain good grades in both high school and in the future college?
Are these sufficient enough classes for my career interests?
How is everyone? Hello, Y'all I have a question. I am an aspiring doctor who is a freshman in high school. My current High School course plan includes these classes I have a choice in taking (not English): 10th Grade (Algebra 2 A, Chemistry A, Government+Economics H, Marketing A, IB Physics A). Junior year consists of these (IB Pre-Calculus A, IB History of the Americas H, IB/AP Biology Year 1, IB Business Management, AP Chemistry H, and Health Care Technologies 1 A). Lastly, my Senior year consists of (IB/AP Calculus A, IB 20th Century Topics, IB/AP Biology Year 2, IB/AP Advanced Physics 2 H, and Human Body Systems A) Are these solid enough classes if I do well to get into my dream schools? The University of Michigan and the University of Florida? I plan on taking all the available exams to attempt college credit. Thank you to everyone who helps and responds!