What steps do I need to take in order to become a Doctor?
Asked by ask8ergirl13I am a senior in high school and I have been fighting with myself as to what I want to do in college. I either want to become a doctor, which what I leaning towards right now, or become a Forensic Investigator of some kind. My college applications have all been sent in and I have have been accepeted into all of them except for 1 from which I have not heard. My list includes: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Purdue University Marian College Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Bluffton University still waiting to hear from Berea College. My high school GPA runs around 3.10 and my SAT and ACT scores were very low because I don't take standarized tests well. I am just curious as to what courses I should take in college and the way my years following college would look like. Also information about Medical Schools would be great.
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Answered by Josh A
Hey, I'm a pre-med student and have done extensive research on the application process. Don't buy any "getting into med school" books. They're not worth the money, you can find all the info you possibly need on the internet. Here are some key things to remember: -Generally speaking the prerequisites are: 1 year/8 credits General Biology w/lab, 1 year/ General Chemistry w/lab, 1 year/8 credits Organic Chemistry w/lab, 1 year/8 credits Physics (you can take algebra based or calculus based for most schools) w/lab, 1 year English, and 1 year Math. The mathematics prereq can be fulfilled in several ways. Once you know which schools you are applying, check their websites for specific requirements. -Upper-Level courses such as Biochem, Genetics, Microbiology etc are usually recommended. Also, humanities courses show well-roundedness. -Plan on having to obtain at least a >3.5 GPA for US Allopathic (MD) schools. Never rule out DO schools, though! -Choose a major you like/ are good at. It does not have to be in the hard sciences. Oh, and remember, pre-med is not a major. -Volunteer in a position in a good clinical setting at a hospital, nursing home, etc. -Undergrad Research experience is important for some schools. The research-heavy schools do expect a good amount of experience on your resume, but if you want a primary care school, then you don't necessarily need it. But, hey, it stills looks good. -MCATs are very difficult, of course. It will be the hardest test you will have taken, but not the hardest. If you can't handle this exam, then the USMLE and your specialty boards will be way out of your league. Plan on studying for 3-5 months, and treat it like a class. According to some, a >30 out of 45 is a good score that will give you a decent shot. Visit the MCAT website for information on what is tested. -Most importantly, be UNIQUE! Med school admissions are way too competitive to be just another applicant with a 3.8/32. Prove yourself worthy in your essay/interviews!
Hey, I'm a pre-med student and have done extensive research on the application process. Don't buy any "getting into med school" books. They're not worth the money, you can find all the info you possibly need on the internet. Here are some key things to remember: -Generally speaking the prerequisites are: 1 year/8 credits General Biology w/lab, 1 year/ General Chemistry w/lab, 1 year/8 credits Organic Chemistry w/lab, 1 year/8 credits Physics (you can take algebra based or calculus based for most schools) w/lab, 1 year English, and 1 year Math. The mathematics prereq can be fulfilled in several ways. Once you know which schools you are applying, check their websites for specific requirements. -Upper-Level courses such as Biochem, Genetics, Microbiology etc are usually recommended. Also, humanities courses show well-roundedness. -Plan on having to obtain at least a >3.5 GPA for US Allopathic (MD) schools. Never rule out DO schools, though! -Choose a major you like/ are good at. It does not have to be in the hard sciences. Oh, and remember, pre-med is not a major. -Volunteer in a position in a good clinical setting at a hospital, nursing home, etc. -Undergrad Research experience is important for some schools. The research-heavy schools do expect a good amount of experience on your resume, but if you want a primary care school, then you don't necessarily need it. But, hey, it stills looks good. -MCATs are very difficult, of course. It will be the hardest test you will have taken, but not the hardest. If you can't handle this exam, then the USMLE and your specialty boards will be way out of your league. Plan on studying for 3-5 months, and treat it like a class. According to some, a >30 out of 45 is a good score that will give you a decent shot. Visit the MCAT website for information on what is tested. -Most importantly, be UNIQUE! Med school admissions are way too competitive to be just another applicant with a 3.8/32. Prove yourself worthy in your essay/interviews!
