Demystifying 'Pre-Med'

I'm seriously considering going into the medical field. Can anyone explain what does 'pre-med' mean? Is it a major, or a set of courses, or...? How does being pre-med play into my college decisions and future med school hopefully?

'Pre-med' is not a major in itself, but rather a track or a pathway that college students indicate they are on if their goal is to go to medical school after they finish their undergraduate studies. Essentially, it's a way to show that you're following a specific set of course requirements that medical schools look for in their applicants.

These courses usually include foundational science classes - chemistry (such as general and organic chem), physics, biology, and math (usually calculus and/or statistics). You might also have to finish course requirements in sociology or psychology. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that these course requirements can vary from one medical school to another, so it's always a good idea to research the med schools you're interested in.

One interesting thing about pre-med is that you can choose virtually any major and still be 'pre-med', as long as you complete the necessary pre-requisite courses for med school. This means if you're passionate about English, history, or any other field, you can major in that and still apply to med school, provided you've met the coursework requirements. Many students do choose majors in the sciences, such as biology or biochemistry, as these majors often overlap substantially with the pre-med requirements.

In terms of your college decisions, being pre-med may influence the schools you're considering. You'll want to consider how each school supports its pre-med students - are there advising services, medical volunteering opportunities, and does the school have a strong track record of students being accepted into medical schools? Additionally, does the school offer all the courses you need for your favored medical schools?

As a pre-med student, you'll also want to gain experience in the medical field through clinically oriented extracurricular activities. These could include shadowing doctors, volunteering in a hospital or clinic, or doing medically-related research.

Finally, remember, being pre-med is intense. It demands excellent study habits and time management, as you'll be managing a challenging course load, preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), gaining clinical experience, and keeping your GPA high.

I hope this helps provide a clearer view of 'Pre-med'. It's a challenging but rewarding journey, best of luck on your path to medicine!