How do I study MBBS in the USA?

I'm interested in studying medicine in the USA after high school. What is the process like for international students, and what qualifications do I need to meet to get into a medical program there?

Studying medicine in the USA is a bit different than in other countries. The U.S. does not have direct entry into medical school after high school. Instead, you would first complete a Bachelor's degree, often with a science-related major such as Biology or Genetics, and then apply for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Start with the following steps:

1. Bachelor's Degree: You will need to apply for an undergraduate program at a U.S. university. Most high school graduates in the U.S. seeking to attend medical school follow a "pre-medical" education track during their undergraduate degree. This typically encompasses classwork in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, as well as some other fields such as Psychology.

2. MCAT: After completing your undergraduate degree, you would need to sit for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) which is the standardized test required for medical school admission.

3. MD Program: If your MCAT scores meet the requirement and your undergraduate GPA is competitive, you can apply to medical schools. The application platform most commonly used is known as the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

4. MD Degree: Medical school in the U.S. is typically a four-year program. Following the successful completion of a medical program, one obtains an MD degree.

5. Residency: After obtaining an MD degree, students go through a residency program, which could last between 3 and 7 years, depending on the specialty.

For international students, it's essential to understand that admission into medical school in the U.S. is quite competitive, even for domestic students. Additionally, some medical schools may not accept international students, so you should confirm this before applying. Providing a standout application is key, which means excelling academically, scoring well on the MCAT, and demonstrating a commitment to the medical field through extracurriculars such as internships, research activities, and volunteering.

Another essential consideration for international students is finances. Medical school can be costly, and financial aid for international students is limited. Hence, ensure you are well aware of the financial commitment before embarking on this journey.

Keep in mind that this journey is quite long, and demands a lot of dedication and perseverance. But if your dream is to study medicine in the U.S., it is certainly achievable with the right mindset and preparedness!