Path to Med School: Advice for High School Juniors?

Hey y'all, I'm currently a junior in high school and planning to become a doctor. I'd love some advice on the best path to med school during my undergraduate years - like which majors, extracurriculars, and internships would be helpful. Thanks!

Hello! It's great that you already have a goal in mind to pursue a medical career. Here are some tips to help guide you through your undergraduate years as a pre-med student:

1. Majors: While many pre-med students choose majors such as Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry, it's not necessary to major in the sciences. Medical schools value well-rounded applicants, so you can pursue any major that interests you, provided you complete the required pre-med courses (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry).

While majoring in a non-science subject means you'll need to be highly organized to complete all your requirements, you'll learn sophisticated critical thinking, communication, and research skills that can help you stand out in the competitive med school admissions process, and ultimately become a better doctor.

2. Extracurriculars: Aim to be involved in meaningful extracurricular activities related to the medical field, such as volunteering at hospitals, participating in medical research, or joining pre-med clubs. These experiences can help you gain insights into the medical profession, as well as demonstrate your commitment to helping others. You can also explore other interests and activities, as this will show that you're a well-rounded applicant.

3. Internships/Shadowing: Seek out internships and shadowing opportunities to gain practical experience in the healthcare field. Shadowing physicians can provide invaluable insights into various medical specialties and help you build connections with professionals in the field. Internships in research labs or medical facilities can also help you develop skills and a better understanding of the medical profession.

4. Maintain a strong GPA: Medical schools place a strong emphasis on your academic performance, so it's crucial to maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate years. Make sure to develop good study habits, seek help when needed, and stay organized to ensure you excel in your coursework.

5. Prepare for the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an essential part of your med school application. It's a good idea to start familiarizing yourself with the test format and content early on, and you can begin studying or attending prep courses by the end of your sophomore or early junior year in college. Aim to take the MCAT by the spring or summer before your senior year if you want to apply to med school right from college, but keep in mind that many students take a gap year to study for the MCAT and bolster their resume before applying.

6. Build strong relationships with professors and mentors: Letters of recommendation are a crucial part of your medical school application. Be proactive in cultivating relationships with your professors, research supervisors, or other mentors who can speak to your skills and work ethic.

In summary, focus on academics, find relevant extracurricular activities, gain practical experience, and build strong relationships with professors and mentors. Remember, it's essential to maintain a balance between challenging yourself academically and pursuing experiences outside the classroom that will help prepare you for a career in medicine.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to pursue your passion for medicine while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of medical internships and summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/. Participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!

Best of luck on your journey!