Embarking on my Pre-med track...but where do I start to make the most of my undergrad?

[knowledgecraver]

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After going to community college for one school year (fall, spring and summer) I have figured out that I want to become a doctor. I am starting my sophomore year at Cleveland State University with a 3.7 GPA. The more I am researching medical school and what they are looking for I feel as if I need more extra curriculum activities. I am currently on track for a Bachelors degree in Biology and I am on the rowing team. What activities would the most useful? Projects? Mission Trips? Should I be focusing on a different major? I want to make the most of my undergrad so I am as prepared as possible. Any Advise?

 

[Salt Salt]

My best advice is to major in something you're really interested in, especially if it has nothing to do with biology or your typical pre-med science majors.

And it's generally considered a no-no to go on missions trips if they're just expensive two-week trips to developing countries. Medical schools look for sustained commitment to a particular cause, not short visits where the money would arguably be better put to use if it was donated. It's far better to have some sort of regular, sustained commitment to volunteering involving patient contact, which is more or less a requirement for medical school.

Also, don't ever let anyone tell you that grades don't matter. It's unpopular to say, but... you should stress about not getting A's.

 

[medic86]

After going to community college for one school year (fall, spring and summer) I have figured out that I want to become a doctor. I am starting my sophomore year at Cleveland State University with a 3.7 GPA. The more I am researching medical school and what they are looking for I feel as if I need more extra curriculum activities. I am currently on track for a Bachelors degree in Biology and I am on the rowing team. What activities would the most useful? Projects? Mission Trips? Should I be focusing on a different major? I want to make the most of my undergrad so I am as prepared as possible. Any Advise?

This should put you on the right track: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/dos-and-donts-for-medical-school-applicants.1128253/

Good luck!

 

[MyNameWasUsed]

This should put you on the right track: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/dos-and-donts-for-medical-school-applicants.1128253/

Good luck!

I agree with the points made in this thread. I would like to add that you should prioritize your GPA above all. If you can't volunteer, research, shadow, and have a 3.8+ then don't. Get that 3.8+ first you can always do clinical experience/volunteering/research after graduation. Also you don't have to major in biology. I'm sure med schools are sick and tired of all the bio majors they get every year.

 

[md-2020]

After going to community college for one school year (fall, spring and summer) I have figured out that I want to become a doctor. I am starting my sophomore year at Cleveland State University with a 3.7 GPA. The more I am researching medical school and what they are looking for I feel as if I need more extra curriculum activities. I am currently on track for a Bachelors degree in Biology and I am on the rowing team. What activities would the most useful? Projects? Mission Trips? Should I be focusing on a different major? I want to make the most of my undergrad so I am as prepared as possible. Any Advise?

Cleveland is a healthcare city, get involved at either UH or the Cleveland Clinic.

 

[knowledgecraver]

Thank you for the list medic86 that is extremely helpful!! I will keep my GPA as high as possible and as to md-2020 thats what I'm trying to figure out. I have so many options living near Cleveland I want to make the best of it. I am currently an STNA at a nursing home to gain enough experience to get into the clinic or UH.

 

[knowledgecraver]

My best advice is to major in something you're really interested in, especially if it has nothing to do with biology or your typical pre-med science majors.

And it's generally considered a no-no to go on missions trips if they're just expensive two-week trips to developing countries. Medical schools look for sustained commitment to a particular cause, not short visits where the money would arguably be better put to use if it was donated. It's far better to have some sort of regular, sustained commitment to volunteering involving patient contact, which is more or less a requirement for medical school.

Also, don't ever let anyone tell you that grades don't matter. It's unpopular to say, but... you should stress about not getting A's.

I love biology! Though the problem is that I don't exactly what I can do with a bio degree other than medical and teaching.