College courses and tips...

[NukeEmAllJeff]

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I want to go for the M.D program at USF. Here is the requirements for this school. http://hsc.usf.edu/medicine/mdadmissions/academic_requirements.htm

I'm starting my first semester of college on the 13th. My classes are:

College Algebra
Western Humanities II
Studies in Applied Ethics
Public Speaking

What should my next step be after this semester? What kind of associate/bachelors degree should I be going for?

 

[Carlin]

You should be going for a Bachelors degree in science or arts (BS or BA). Just pick a major that interests you. You'll want to get your medical prereqs done in a fairly timely manner so that you can take the MCAT.
Here's an example of how you could get your prereqs done.

Semester 2:
Intro Bio I
Gen Chem I
Other distribution reqs for your school/ classes for your major

Semester 3:
Intro Bio II
Gen Chem II
Other dist. reqs/ major classes

Semester 4:
Orgo I
Physics I
Calculus

Semester 5:
Orgo II
Physics II
English

Semester 6:
English
Other dist. reqs/ major classes

 

[NukeEmAllJeff]

You should be going for a Bachelors degree in science or arts (BS or BA). Just pick a major that interests you. You'll want to get your medical prereqs done in a fairly timely manner so that you can take the MCAT.
Here's an example of how you could get your prereqs done.

Semester 2:
Intro Bio I
Gen Chem I
Other distribution reqs for your school/ classes for your major

Semester 3:
Intro Bio II
Gen Chem II
Other dist. reqs/ major classes

Semester 4:
Orgo I
Physics I
Calculus

Semester 5:
Orgo II
Physics II
English

Semester 6:
English
Other dist. reqs/ major classes

Orgo is organic chemistry right?

And should I be taking classes like anatomy or microbiology or histology?

 

[Datdoctor]

Do what you want/what you need for your major. You would probably be best picking your major first and then structuring your schedule around that.

 

[NukeEmAllJeff]

I don't know what I want to major in... thats the problem...

 

[seelee]

I agree that you should take whatever interests you. But you should not look for the easiest way out. I know loads of pre-meds that major in exercise science because it is the easiest major that incorporates the med-school prereqs. I know very few that actually get into medical school. Whatever your major, don't shy away from the hard courses (and I am not talking about prereqs).

I would find a major that would prepare you for a good career in case medicine doesn't work out (another reason to avoid exercise science). This was one of the reasons I chose chemistry over, say, biology. There are more jobs for a chemist. This will also help you decide if medicine is really what you want to do.

I would not major in biology unless biology is really what you want to study. Everyone who applies to med school is a biology major. Doing something else would help you stand out. That being said, don't pick a major just to help your chances.

I am biased. But I think Chemistry or Biochem are the best majors for premed. They are very hard majors, but the critical thinking skills you get will be priceless as a doctor.

 

[Greonis]

Orgo is organic chemistry right?

And should I be taking classes like anatomy or microbiology or histology?

Only take these classes if you are truly interested in doing so (or if they are part of a major that you really want to declare). Taking them because you think they will later help you with medical school coursework (or just being accepted in general) is unwise; not only will the benefit be negligible at best once you're a MS1, but you may also not do as well; you'll feel "forced" to take the class, which is never a good thing for motivation/morale.

If you truly don't know, heed the advice given above: find what you enjoy, even if it means being undeclared for a year or two. Eventually, you will find something, and decide to choose it as your area of study. Just be sure to also take the advice about integrating your pre-requisites early so that you are not trapped/limited in later years.

 

[shaggybill]

See if it's not too late to pick up Chemistry 1, Biology 1, or Physics 1 this semester, even if you have to drop one of the courses you listed above. You will probably want to get started on your pre-req's as soon as possible.

As for your major, pick something you really like and stick with it.

 

[dw2158]

orrrrr take your sweet time with the pre-reqs and take a year or two off after college. just sayin' 😉

i feel like 75% of my posts so far on SDN are "take it slow! time off rules!"

 

[Dr Lyss]

orrrrr take your sweet time with the pre-reqs and take a year or two off after college. just sayin' 😉

i feel like 75% of my posts so far on SDN are "take it slow! time off rules!"

seriously, what's the rush? You'll be working for the rest of your life. A year off won't kill anybody - in fact it might make you stronger!

 

[pianola]

Orgo is organic chemistry right?

And should I be taking classes like anatomy or microbiology or histology?

You have to take two biology classes -- doesn't matter if they're microbio, anatomy, physiology, genetics, whatever.

Anatomy, microbio, and histology will all be retaught in medical school.

The general requirements are:
Two semesters bio
Two semesters gen chem (or inorganic chemistry depending on how your school terms it)
Two semesters organic chem
Two semesters physics
Two semesters English/composition literature classes
Two semesters math (sometimes one or none depending on the school)

I don't remember if USF requires biochemistry. But I remember reading somewhere that all Florida schools do, so possibly so.

Also, one thing to bear in mind about USF is that the require an explanation for all grades lower than a B (that includes B-s). So do whatever you can not to get any B-s. <-- I realize that's kind of a stupid statement to make, because obviously you'll do the best you can. But I just wanted to explain a little about USF.

Good luck.

 

[19nbj58]

I agree that you should take whatever interests you. But you should not look for the easiest way out. I know loads of pre-meds that major in exercise science because it is the easiest major that incorporates the med-school prereqs. I know very few that actually get into medical school. Whatever your major, don't shy away from the hard courses (and I am not talking about prereqs).

I would find a major that would prepare you for a good career in case medicine doesn't work out (another reason to avoid exercise science). This was one of the reasons I chose chemistry over, say, biology. There are more jobs for a chemist. This will also help you decide if medicine is really what you want to do.

I would not major in biology unless biology is really what you want to study. Everyone who applies to med school is a biology major. Doing something else would help you stand out. That being said, don't pick a major just to help your chances.

I am biased. But I think Chemistry or Biochem are the best majors for premed. They are very hard majors, but the critical thinking skills you get will be priceless as a doctor.

I know plenty who were accepted into medical school. To the OP, major in what interests you, but more importantly, what you feel you will excel in. The reason people tell you pursue a major that interests you is because you are more likely to succeed if you do so. As long as you do well in the prereqs and take a couple of upper level bio courses, no one will question you. In fact, med schools prefer non science majors. Just dont assume medical schools will excuse a 3.0 in engineering because it was difficult.

 

[NukeEmAllJeff]

I've been looking at some majors. I think I'm leaning toward majoring in pharmacy. That was I can get a bachelors in pharmacy and just in case i dont get into med school i can work as a pharmacist.

 

[shaggybill]

orrrrr take your sweet time with the pre-reqs and take a year or two off after college. just sayin' 😉

i feel like 75% of my posts so far on SDN are "take it slow! time off rules!"

Nothing wrong with taking your time. In fact, as a 26yo non-trad, I highly recommend it. However, if he plans to take the traditional route and apply in his Jr year, then he needs to get the wheels rolling.

 

[135892]

If you're really interested in some particular field, you should absolutely major in that area. But if you don't really care for any specific major and your main goal is getting into med school, I would suggest majoring in one of the easier majors that your school offers. Your gpa is one of the most important aspects of your application, so make sure to keep it high as you can.

 

[seelee]

In fact, med schools prefer non science majors. Just dont assume medical schools will excuse a 3.0 in engineering because it was difficult.

I have heard this since I was a freshman. I think that being a non-science major might help you stand out, but only because 80+% of applying students are bio majors. Having a non-science major will not make up for having a poor science GPA, which according to multiple deans and adcoms from various schools, is a very good indicator of how well one will do in medical school. Bottom line, whatever major you go into, do not neglect your science classes. My biggest pet peeve is pre-meds in Gen Chem who whine about having to take the class and how they will never need it in medical school. The plus side is those guys usually wash out.

 

[19nbj58]

I have heard this since I was a freshman. I think that being a non-science major might help you stand out, but only because 80+% of applying students are bio majors. Having a non-science major will not make up for having a poor science GPA, which according to multiple deans and adcoms from various schools, is a very good indicator of how well one will do in medical school. Bottom line, whatever major you go into, do not neglect your science classes. My biggest pet peeve is pre-meds in Gen Chem who whine about having to take the class and how they will never need it in medical school. The plus side is those guys usually wash out.

True, but they also want well-rounded individuals who can excel in others areas of study, in addition to the sciences.