Career questions tagged premed
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.
Chesterfield
Was it difficult to begin your life in the medical world after medical school? Or was medical school the toughest part of your journey? What should I expect when entering medicine?
Was it difficult to begin your life in the medical world after medical school? Or was medical school the toughest part of your journey? What should I expect when entering medicine?
Fort CollinsWhat's one thing that you wish you knew before you started college?
I'm currently a high school senior and I'll be a freshman in college this Fall 2025! I've been trying to get advice about college to prepare myself, especially since I'll be moving away from home. It can be anything that comes to mind, whether it's academic, personal, social, etc. I'm just curious about what stuck with you most after college, or what was something you had to learn the hard way. Thank you! #Spring25
New York
How can I best prepare in undergrad to be a competitive applicant for medical school? #Spring25
I am a high school senior, and I have committed to Temple University as a Bio major. I am curious as to what extracurriculars are recommended. #Spring25
Indiana
How do I get in touch with orthopedic physicians and physician's assistants for internships and shadowing opportunities?
I am a high school senior in South Jersey, who is moving to Miami for college. I am looking for any shadowing opportunities or internships available in New Jersey for this summer, or in Miami after the summer.
Moorestown
When should I take the MCAT, also would it be good to do a grad year before applying to med-school??
I am a current freshman at the University of Connecticut and I am majoring in molecular and cell biology but am contemplating if I should switch majors to health sciences or get a minor. I also do not have a concrete timeline of when I want to take the MCAT as well as when to apply to med schools.
Selkirk
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.
Grand Rapids
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?
Colonial Beach
How to have a business and nursing major at the same time Or should I pick between the two? Or I could also do pre-nursing or pre-med to have my options more open. #Spring25?
For more context I am going to Brescia University in Owensboro. They have an excellent business program and also have a decent pre nursing program. I will also be playing basketball.
Bowling Green
what are some good internships that are med related?
I'm a senior at high school
San Franciscohow should I prepare as a high school senior for my future in med, specifically for an anesthesiologist?
internships, degrees, tips?
San Francisco
How can I find remote internships for pre-med as a junior?
I am a 11th grader and I am struggling to find summer opportunities that are free and look valuable on my resume. As college applications approach, I feel the need to strengthen my resume.
Irving
Would there be any benefit in a philosophy minor as a pre-med?
As a high school student wanting to pursue medicine but also having a love for humanities, particularly an interest in philosophy. i have considered doing a minor but with the demands of being a pre-med student I do not know if this would be the right decision as it could be a "waste of time".
Duluth
How forgiving are colleges about grades? Do they care about who I am beyond my GPA?
Hello all, I am a sophomore in high school! And how has your day been? I'd like to ask, do colleges care who you are beyond your GPA/resume? Last year, I averaged a 3.5 GPA first semester and a 3.8 GPA second semester. I'm taking half of the APs my friends are, and not taking any AP science courses that colleges like. Only AP Pysch. Last summer, I slipped in heavy (actual, prescribed medication-wise) depression and made measly grades first semester of this year. I'm taking classes I enjoy next year (General Psych and Anatomy Honors), but I won't be taking any APs I can't handle. I really, really, really! want to be a psychiatrist due to my own specific struggles, and I know the prereqs will be extremely difficult... But I'm wondering-do colleges care about who I am, and my story? Will I have a chance to explain my grades is the better question. Or will they just see another discardable applicant?
Portland
How do I start shadowing?
Hello! I’m a freshman in high school and really interested in the medical field. I’m already planning to take health-related courses like sports- medicine and anatomy, and I also hope to earn certifications in the future. However, I want to start shadowing a doctor but have no idea where to start. Could anyone share their experience with shadowing? Thank you!
AuburnWhich one would benefit me more, taking 4 years of piano (Honors during 11th and 12th) and German (AP from 10th, 11th, 12th) or taking one out and doing another AP Class (Seminar, Psych, or Business Management) for my 10th grade year(Interested In Medical Field)?
Should I continue with 4 years of piano through high school or 4 years of German? I am a freshman choosing my courses for next year and I do not know whether to continue both piano and German (I already have the required credits for both) or take another AP Class (I was thinking of AP Psych or AP Seminar). I only have two more electives to choose since I have tennis 7th period and was planning on doing that for all through high school since I'm on varsity. My other classes are Pre-ap Chem, AP World History, AP Pre-calc, and Pre-ap English 2. Which classes would benefit me more in the future and on college applications if I'm interested in the medical field?(specifically neurology or dermatology)
Bellaire
Are these good enough stats for top colleges (I am a current junior)?
EDUCATION: Unweighted and Cumulative GPA: 3.953/4.357 Class Rank: 22/717 SAT: 710 Math / 680 Reading (Highest Score Received On Each Section) CLASSWORK: AP Coursework: AP Chemistry, AP Biology (3), AP Calculus BC, AP Psychology (5), AP United States History, AP World History (5) DC Credits: DC English 1301/1302, UT OnRamps Precalculus School's Math, Science, Technology and Accelerated Math and Science Programs: Participated in the school's honors programs throughout grades 9-11; provides integrated curriculum for advanced math and science courses; volunteered 55 hours when part of program. OTHER SKILLS: CPR and BLS Certified, in process of receiving TSBDE Dental Assisting Certification. EXPERIENCE: Dental Assisting Program, Student 08/2024 - Present Participated in the Dental Assisting Program which offers a foundational understanding of dentistry, preparation for various dental careers, and a future TSBDE Registered Dental Assisting Certification. Worked hands-on in a dental office-styled environment while gaining experience and knowledge of dental professions, infection control, radiology, chair-side dental techniques, dental charting, jurisprudence, dental hygiene, and dental anatomy. ACTIVITIES: Tutor Club, Junior Ambassador 08/2024 - Present Represented the juniors of the club in meetings; helped organize activities and scheduling for the club. Tutored multiple students with Geometry, Algebra, English, and SAT Prep. Led lectures to help tutees. Tutored 2-3 hours per week. CCMR Recognition Club, Ambassador 12/2024 - Present Promoted the importance of College, Career, and Military readiness on campus through a school-wide initiative comprised of designing posters, leading celebratory activities, and creating a website to raise awareness. Non-Profit Tutoring Organization, Tutor 08/2024 - Present Tutored elementary and middle school students in math, science, reading, and orchestra at a local nonprofit organization. Printed and helped create worksheets and lessons for tutees to complete; helped students complete the program’s work in unique and creative ways. Taught 30+ kids throughout 6 months of tutoring at Light and Salt Academy for 2-3 hours per week. Orchestra, Concert Member 08/2022 - Present Played violin in orchestra concerts; participated in UIL Competitions and Solo and Ensemble Competitions; played in district-wide Stringfest Concert. Practiced violin 3-4 times per week. HOSA, Organization Member 08/2022 - Present Participated in HOSA Dental Science Competition and worked in fundraisers and service volunteering. Volunteered 20 Hours for the past 6 months. Key Club, Organization Member 08/2024 - Present Volunteered regularly at school-led events, local fundraisers, DFW city-wide marathons, tutoring sessions, and local toy drives. Volunteered 45 Hours for the past 6 months. AWARDS: AP Scholar (2024), Superintendent Scholar (2024), UIL Academic Excellence (2022-2023-2024-2025), First Place Group Winner in HS Video Contest (2023) I want to retake the SAT and improve my look as a biology major on the pre-dentistry track by getting an internship, shadowing, and volunteering. What top colleges could I genuinely get into with these stats? And what should I improve?
Garland
Should I focus on becoming a PA after getting my bachelors?
Would you recommend to be a Physician assistant? I am interested in medicine but I don't want to spend so much time and money on college and med-school
AustinWhat is exactly taught or done in medical college?
Applying for colleges as an undergraduate, wanting to go to medical school afterwards
New York
What are some IB courses I should take to prepare for med school in the future?
I'm taking MYP and have to start taking IB DP soon, with med school in mind what are some courses suggested?
New YorkWhat kinds of hospital staff and specialists do you work with as a cardiovascular surgeon? ?
I'm a high school sophomore doing career research and I'm thinking about becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I've always been interested in healthcare and becoming a surgeon so I'd love some input.
RochesterWhat is a typical day in the life of a cardiac surgeon? How often do you interact with patients and other staff, how do you prep for surgery, etc?
I'm a high school sophomore doing career research and I'm thinking about becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I've always been interested in healthcare and becoming a surgeon so I'd love some input.
RochesterWhat surprised you most about your job when you became a cardiovascular surgeon ?
I'm a high school sophomore doing career research and I'm thinking about becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I've always been interested in healthcare and becoming a surgeon so I'd love some input.
RochesterWhat is your greatest accomplishment as a cardiovascular surgeon?
I'm a high school sophomore doing career research and I'm thinking about becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I've always been interested in healthcare and becoming a surgeon so I'd love some input.
RochesterDo you regret becoming a cardiovascular surgeon Why or why not? ?
I'm a high school sophomore doing career research and I'm thinking about becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I've always been interested in healthcare and becoming a surgeon so I'd love some input.
Rochester