How many humanities/social science classes do I need for PreMed?

[Blackjack7]

So I've just gotten into college, yet to start classes, and am building a schedule of classes I eventually want to take throughout my 4 years. And although I'd like to go all in on the sciences, computers, and stats, it seems that many med school want to see a "broad" curriculum with plenty of humanities/social sciences.

However, since my school has no core reqs, I was planning on... not taking ANY of those. Should I try to find time to do some? And if so, how many?

It's not that I dislike non-science classes, but I'd rather focus on science...

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[mcrobbit]

Varies from school to school, but I'd say at the bare minimum:

A year of English/Writing/Classics/Philosophy/Music/Art and the like.
A year of Social Sciences like Anthropology/Poli Sci/History.

I strongly recommend taking more classes outside of the Sciences if you can, I was a Cell Bio Major but non-science classes were some of my most enjoyable classes in college. They expose you to perspectives and ways of thinking that may not be intuitive to you but provide a type of knowledge you can't quantify but will use throughout your lifetime. My favorite class in college ended up being a class on South Asian Philosophy & Religion for that reason.

 

[Pusheen]

Please don't call it PreMed.

You don't need to plan everything right not. Take a variety of classes your freshman year and see what you enjoy and go from there. There's plenty of time for both science and non-science

 

[altblue]

And although I'd like to go all in on the sciences, computers, and stats
If you hope for good grades your first semester, this is a poor decision anyway.

 

[Blackjack7]

And although I'd like to go all in on the sciences, computers, and stats
If you hope for good grades your first semester, this is a poor decision anyway.

Yes this is a very serious consideration, and I plan on taking my first semester very slowly for the very reason. But if I take things slowly, I would have even less time... where to put the humanities!?

 

[Blackjack7]

Please don't call it PreMed.

You don't need to plan everything right not. Take a variety of classes your freshman year and see what you enjoy and go from there. There's plenty of time for both science and non-science

Sorry about that. It was for brevity's sake. I don't want to have a super long title/opening post. I have an eye towards medical school, but that is by no means the be all and end all for me.

 

[Blackjack7]

Varies from school to school, but I'd say at the bare minimum:

A year of English/Writing/Classics/Philosophy/Music/Art and the like.
A year of Social Sciences like Anthropology/Poli Sci/History.

I strongly recommend taking more classes outside of the Sciences if you can, I was a Cell Bio Major but non-science classes were some of my most enjoyable classes in college. They expose you to perspectives and ways of thinking that may not be intuitive to you but provide a type of knowledge you can't quantify but will use throughout your lifetime. My favorite class in college ended up being a class on South Asian Philosophy & Religion for that reason.

Thanks for those tips! I do enjoy Art History and Philosophy, but don't really like History or English (lit). The material is very fine and fun, but I don't do well in those subjects in general. Writing is... well, effectively required. (I mean, if you can't write decently, you won't do well in applications and later in life anyway!) I have no idea about Anthropology or Sociology. Apparently they are on the MCAT too, so maybe I'll check those out too.

But about a year each = 2 semesters in those two groups is your suggestion?

 

[altblue]

Yes this is a very serious consideration, and I plan on taking my first semester very slowly for the very reason. But if I take things slowly, I would have even less time... where to put the humanities!?

Really though, if you have enough AP to get away with taking 12-14 credits for one semester, with perhaps one science course+lab, take it lightly and adjust to college life and build study habits. Even if you don't have that flexibility, take one summer course or something to make up for it.

This is probably isn't reflective of what you're doing, but there are many kids at my school who started with 16-18 credits + research and trashed their first year GPAs.

 

[Blackjack7]

Really though, if you have enough AP to get away with taking 12-14 credits for one semester, with perhaps one science course+lab, take it lightly and adjust to college life and build study habits. Even if you don't have that flexibility, take one summer course or something to make up for it.

This is probably isn't reflective of what you're doing, but there are many kids at my school who started with 16-18 credits + research and trashed their first year GPAs.

Pardon my ignorance, but are science classes especially hard? If I wanted to ultimately major in a science, wouldn't I have to take multiple science classes and possibly labs simultaneously?

 

[Pusheen]

^ Took 21 credits at 2 different schools freshman spring and got multiple B's 🙁

 

[Pusheen]

Also, your school should have a degree planning sheet of some sort for each major. That's probably a good place to start

 

[altblue]

Pardon my ignorance, but are science classes especially hard? If I wanted to ultimately major in a science, wouldn't I have to take multiple science classes and possibly labs simultaneously?

Yes, definitely. Even at an easy school they're still a fair bit of work.

They're like AP science courses at twice the speed. 😉 Social science/humanities courses can be a lot of work, but they're usually easier than natural science/engineering courses.

Yes, but with a slightly lighter load, you can more comfortably adjust to college, learn what study habits work for you, and ramp up the credits in your second semester, or second year. And damage to your gpa can take a while to repair.

 

[Blackjack7]

Yes, definitely. Even at an easy school they're still a fair bit of work.

They're like AP science courses at twice the speed. 😉 Social science/humanities courses can be a lot of work, but they're usually easier than natural science/engineering courses.

Yes, but with a slightly lighter load, you can more comfortably adjust to college, learn what study habits work for you, and ramp up the credits in your second semester, or second year. And damage to your gpa can take a while to repair.

So would this sound like too much (below)?

1 single credit Chemistry 100 level lab only
1 200 level Physics (after AP) + lab
1 300 level Biology (after AP) + lab
1 200 level Stats (after AP)
1 single credit stats-computer class

 

[Blackjack7]

Also, your school should have a degree planning sheet of some sort for each major. That's probably a good place to start

Obviously. I checked it out, and if I did premed prep stuff, it mostly aligns with the Bio BS major. There's just reqs though, no timeline. I guess I'll search for that.

 

[Pusheen]

Obviously. I checked it out, and if I did premed prep stuff, it mostly aligns with the Bio BS major. There's just reqs though, no timeline. I guess I'll search for that.

Huh, that's weird, I thought most schools had a timeline sort of thing with all the required classes for your major. Welp, take a look, and best of luck!

 

[altblue]

So would this sound like too much (below)?

1 single credit Chemistry 100 level lab only
1 200 level Physics (after AP) + lab
1 300 level Biology (after AP) + lab
1 200 level Stats (after AP)
1 single credit stats-computer class

Even with AP that's still a lot of work.

 

[Blackjack7]

Even with AP that's still a lot of work.

If I held off on Bio, would it make it good? Or do I need more cuts?

 

[Blackjack7]

Huh, that's weird, I thought most schools had a timeline sort of thing with all the required classes for your major. Welp, take a look, and best of luck!

Of course, somewhere. Maybe it's just in the form of personal advising with the advisor come orientation time.

 

[raiderette]

I would not do 3 sciences my first semester. That much time in a lab can be grueling, and you will be adjusting to college as well. I would drop the physics until sophomore year at the very least. If you really want to put another class in, do psychology or sociology, as both are needed for the MCAT.

 

[altblue]

If I held off on Bio, would it make it good? Or do I need more cuts?

That's better.

I think algebra-based stats is usually pretty easy, so I think you'll be set.

 

[beebreezy]

I am a post-bacc student with a BA in a liberal arts subject. I took organic 1 and physics 1 this past semester, and let's just say, I had more work taking those 8 credits than I did during the semesters I took 15 hours of humanities courses. I never had weeks when I spent every single day in the library 'til midnight back then. Take that how you will...and guard your GPA. I didn't get a 3.96 by stacking my schedule with upper-level sciences.

 

[NeuResurgens]

As far as humanities go, the most specific requirements I've seen schools have pertain to taking at least a year of writing/English, which is pretty standard for most medical schools. However, the Humanities/social sciences usually don't get much more specific from there. For example, Johns Hopkins only states a requirement of at least 24 credit hours in the humanities, without many specifics as far as what those should be.

 

[Eppur Si Muove]

Thanks for those tips! I do enjoy Art History and Philosophy, but don't really like History or English (lit). The material is very fine and fun, but I don't do well in those subjects in general. Writing is... well, effectively required. (I mean, if you can't write decently, you won't do well in applications and later in life anyway!) I have no idea about Anthropology or Sociology. Apparently they are on the MCAT too, so maybe I'll check those out too.

But about a year each = 2 semesters in those two groups is your suggestion?

A year of English is required at most schools and they like to see even more than that. I came from a liberal arts school that had a very heavy core curriculum, I am basically 1 course away in each subject from having minors in Philosophy, English, and chemistry. I also took three sociology classes in broad subjects, a year of foreign language, and a year of Islamic studies. Despite this, one school told me that they wished there was more diversity in my course selection. So broad course choices are important.

Pardon my ignorance, but are science classes especially hard? If I wanted to ultimately major in a science, wouldn't I have to take multiple science classes and possibly labs simultaneously?

This depends on the person, some subjects come naturally to people and not so much to others. Personally, I thought biology/chemistry was intuitive and not that hard at all, even in the upper levels. Physics and math drove me crazy. So I had no problem taking 3 lab classes in a semester whereas when I had calc and physics I stuck to two science classes max so I could focus on my weaker subjects. So the real answer to your question is that you should learn how to schedule your classes based on your strengths. This may mean that having multiple lab sciences could be hard or easy based on your strength in each subject.

 

[Blackjack7]

As far as humanities go, the most specific requirements I've seen schools have pertain to taking at least a year of writing/English, which is pretty standard for most medical schools. However, the Humanities/social sciences usually don't get much more specific from there. For example, Johns Hopkins only states a requirement of at least 24 credit hours in the humanities, without many specifics as far as what those should be.

24!?!?!?!?!?!? bejeebers...

 

[Lawpy]

24!?!?!?!?!?!? bejeebers...

It's actually pretty easy if you don't waste your free electives senselessly taking random biology courses. And i recommend everyone regardless of major to take several humanities and social sciences courses since they provide you a very interesting and unique outlook on how things are in the real world

 

[NeuResurgens]

24!?!?!?!?!?!? bejeebers...

It's actually pretty easy if you don't waste your free electives senselessly taking random biology courses. And i recommend everyone regardless of major to take several humanities and social sciences courses since they provide you a very interesting and unique outlook on how things are in the real world

It's not hard to do. Your university core requirements probably already cover it to be honest. I found psychology and sociology to be pretty thought provoking, worth a premed's time. I think these topics are a good addition to the MCAT.

 

[Blackjack7]

Alright, seems so. Less than 10 classes I'd think... Anyway, what humanities classes in general did you enjoy?

 

[raiderette]

I enjoyed my philosophy classes, film and theater. Foreign language can also be useful for medicine.

 

[private health advisor]

Alright, seems so. Less than 10 classes I'd think... Anyway, what humanities classes in general did you enjoy?

So would this sound like too much (below)?

1 single credit Chemistry 100 level lab only
1 200 level Physics (after AP) + lab
1 300 level Biology (after AP) + lab
1 200 level Stats (after AP)
1 single credit stats-computer class

Hi. I have an advising background of health professions students, and as the others have said in here already, for the typical college freshman, this is too much. I would never recommend this load.

When I was helping students construct their freshman schedule, we tried to have a balance between the "hard" courses and the typically easier ones (English, humanities). And only major in a science if you truly love it and see yourself working in a science-related profession, as that is what the degree is preparing you for.

Let me know if you have more questions.

 

[Blackjack7]

Hi. I have an advising background of health professions students, and as the others have said in here already, for the typical college freshman, this is too much. I would never recommend this load.

When I was helping students construct their freshman schedule, we tried to have a balance between the "hard" courses and the typically easier ones (English, humanities). And only major in a science if you truly love it and see yourself working in a science-related profession, as that is what the degree is preparing you for.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Of course I want to major in science. But how many humanities classes would be optimum then?

 

[Featherfy]

Just a heads up....this isn't high school anymore. To get a 5 on an AP test you need about a C average on the AP test. a C in college courses is not what you want, so definitely take it slow first semester.

You may even see that humanities courses are what SAVE your GPA. I have one more general eduation course left and I've been rushing to finish them because I'm also trying to focus more on the science courses. If I had not taken them I would be VERY much in trouble GPA wise. In fact since I'm almost done with my required courses I'm considering continuing on and adding a minor in classics to help buffer my gpa a bit (and also because I love the subject).

Not trying to be a jerk, but you need to deflate that ego of yours before college courses do it for you.

That'll hit you really hard otherwise. And if you take only one or two challenging math/science courses don't blow them off like "oh in high school I took all 3 AP sciences at once and passed the AP test." NO. That doesn't work here. You need to dedicate MORE time to your college courses, at least until you can find the correct balance. Overstudy a bit if you have to your first semester to get an idea of what you really need to put in to get the good grades.

Take a sociology or intro to psych course *pretty sure the new MCAT requires that*.

Or maybe a course in magic during the medieval times. IDk, have fun your first semester.

Having a straight, one-sided education on science science math math math science isn't what anyone wants in the real world. You're paying a lot of money for this education, use it to learn what you need for a career, but also to be a well-rounded, open-minded human in society. We're running out of them. I've been around a lot of people who take the bare minimum number of humanities, and they have NO COMMON sense in the world and THEY. ARE. VOTING. You HAVE to educate yourself on the histories of why society is how it is and so on; it all works its way into science somehow.

 

[Lawpy]

Just a heads up....this isn't high school anymore. To get a 5 on an AP test you need about a C average on the AP test. a C in college courses is not what you want, so definitely take it slow first semester.

You may even see that humanities courses are what SAVE your GPA. I have one more general eduation course left and I've been rushing to finish them because I'm also trying to focus more on the science courses. If I had not taken them I would be VERY much in trouble GPA wise. In fact since I'm almost done with my required courses I'm considering continuing on and adding a minor in classics to help buffer my gpa a bit (and also because I love the subject).

Not trying to be a jerk, but you need to deflate that ego of yours before college courses do it for you.

That'll hit you really hard otherwise. And if you take only one or two challenging math/science courses don't blow them off like "oh in high school I took all 3 AP sciences at once and passed the AP test." NO. That doesn't work here. You need to dedicate MORE time to your college courses, at least until you can find the correct balance. Overstudy a bit if you have to your first semester to get an idea of what you really need to put in to get the good grades.

Take a sociology or intro to psych course *pretty sure the new MCAT requires that*.

Or maybe a course in magic during the medieval times. IDk, have fun your first semester.

Having a straight, one-sided education on science science math math math science isn't what anyone wants in the real world. You're paying a lot of money for this education, use it to learn what you need for a career, but also to be a well-rounded, open-minded human in society. We're running out of them. I've been around a lot of people who take the bare minimum number of humanities, and they have NO COMMON sense in the world and THEY. ARE. VOTING. You HAVE to educate yourself on the histories of why society is how it is and so on; it all works its way into science somehow.

Wow. That's quite an angry post right there. I hope you feel better 😉

But i completely agree with you that social sciences and humanities courses should be taken since they provide a well-informed outlook on real world

 

[amapples]

How many schools require sociology? I have plenty of humanities courses but not Intro to Sociology. I do have Pscyh though.

 

[Blackjack7]

Just a heads up....this isn't high school anymore. To get a 5 on an AP test you need about a C average on the AP test. a C in college courses is not what you want, so definitely take it slow first semester.

You may even see that humanities courses are what SAVE your GPA. I have one more general eduation course left and I've been rushing to finish them because I'm also trying to focus more on the science courses. If I had not taken them I would be VERY much in trouble GPA wise. In fact since I'm almost done with my required courses I'm considering continuing on and adding a minor in classics to help buffer my gpa a bit (and also because I love the subject).

Not trying to be a jerk, but you need to deflate that ego of yours before college courses do it for you.

That'll hit you really hard otherwise. And if you take only one or two challenging math/science courses don't blow them off like "oh in high school I took all 3 AP sciences at once and passed the AP test." NO. That doesn't work here. You need to dedicate MORE time to your college courses, at least until you can find the correct balance. Overstudy a bit if you have to your first semester to get an idea of what you really need to put in to get the good grades.

Take a sociology or intro to psych course *pretty sure the new MCAT requires that*.

Or maybe a course in magic during the medieval times. IDk, have fun your first semester.

Having a straight, one-sided education on science science math math math science isn't what anyone wants in the real world. You're paying a lot of money for this education, use it to learn what you need for a career, but also to be a well-rounded, open-minded human in society. We're running out of them. I've been around a lot of people who take the bare minimum number of humanities, and they have NO COMMON sense in the world and THEY. ARE. VOTING. You HAVE to educate yourself on the histories of why society is how it is and so on; it all works its way into science somehow.

I do need to deflate my ego, that's what I'm here for! Seriously, I really appreciate your post, and will take it to heart.

Going through the course listings to see what kinds of history look cool as we speak. I've decided to only insist on the chemistry for my 1st semester, with maybe bio. All the rest can be done later and still fit within 4 years.

Last thing though, some sociology and psych classes look really basic and they aren't even prereqs for the 200 level. Should I go for the 200 then?

 

[Lawpy]

How many schools require sociology? I have plenty of humanities courses but not Intro to Sociology. I do have Pscyh though.

MSAR covers this nicely.

 

[WingedOx]

no one gets to med school thinking "wow, I'm glad I took a **** ton of extra upper level science classes I'll never use!"

Take some classes for the sake of taking them. You might learn something. You'll learn more about what med school is like from reading Kafka than from a P-Chem text.

*the one exception is I do wish I took some CS classes. I was a self-taught programer in high school, and those skills have basically died.

 

[northernlights15]

But adding on fluff classes apparently looks bad @WingedOx

 

[WingedOx]

But adding on fluff classes apparently looks bad @WingedOx

if 3/4th of your schedule is all 101 classes every semester, sure, but I'm of the opinion that if you truly are set on medicine, you're going to lean more from a BA than a BS (as an example).

 

[northernlights15]

I agree. If one can prove themselves in the pre-reqs and a few upper level Bios and the MCAT, I don't see why it makes a difference to them what classes we take. @WingedOx

 

[private health advisor]

Of course I want to major in science. But how many humanities classes would be optimum then?

(Putting on my advisor hat) Why is it "of course you want to major in science"? What is drawing you to your major? How will that major excite you? If you weren't going to be a doctor, would you still major in it? What non-medical job would you do if you weren't a doctor (And would this major help you do that)?

 

[private health advisor]

Just a heads up....this isn't high school anymore. To get a 5 on an AP test you need about a C average on the AP test. a C in college courses is not what you want, so definitely take it slow first semester.

You may even see that humanities courses are what SAVE your GPA. I have one more general eduation course left and I've been rushing to finish them because I'm also trying to focus more on the science courses. If I had not taken them I would be VERY much in trouble GPA wise. In fact since I'm almost done with my required courses I'm considering continuing on and adding a minor in classics to help buffer my gpa a bit (and also because I love the subject).

Not trying to be a jerk, but you need to deflate that ego of yours before college courses do it for you.

That'll hit you really hard otherwise. And if you take only one or two challenging math/science courses don't blow them off like "oh in high school I took all 3 AP sciences at once and passed the AP test." NO. That doesn't work here. You need to dedicate MORE time to your college courses, at least until you can find the correct balance. Overstudy a bit if you have to your first semester to get an idea of what you really need to put in to get the good grades.

Take a sociology or intro to psych course *pretty sure the new MCAT requires that*.

Or maybe a course in magic during the medieval times. IDk, have fun your first semester.

Having a straight, one-sided education on science science math math math science isn't what anyone wants in the real world. You're paying a lot of money for this education, use it to learn what you need for a career, but also to be a well-rounded, open-minded human in society. We're running out of them. I've been around a lot of people who take the bare minimum number of humanities, and they have NO COMMON sense in the world and THEY. ARE. VOTING. You HAVE to educate yourself on the histories of why society is how it is and so on; it all works its way into science somehow.

From my perspective advising students at large public universities, there is a lot of truth to what you just wrote. I can't really add much to this. Excellent advice.

 

[private health advisor]

I do need to deflate my ego, that's what I'm here for! Seriously, I really appreciate your post, and will take it to heart.

Going through the course listings to see what kinds of history look cool as we speak. I've decided to only insist on the chemistry for my 1st semester, with maybe bio. All the rest can be done later and still fit within 4 years.

Last thing though, some sociology and psych classes look really basic and they aren't even prereqs for the 200 level. Should I go for the 200 then?

Your major academic advisor should (though they may not) help you with this. These are the questions you should be asking them, and they are good questions. Remember, advisors are there to help you, so don't ever think you are bothering them with questions.

Also, typically, the most successful students I've seen take one science course their first semester. What happens more often than not is that if they take two, their grades suffer. I'm not saying they fail a course, but instead of getting an A, they get a B. Then along with that, that "easy" English and Humanities course they took, which they should have gotten an A, they get a B and a C. Why, because they spent so much time studying for the two science courses (and the labs take up way more time than you think they will). There are always the students who take two science classes and do just fine (I advised for a health professions major, not a science major), but they were not the norm.

Psyc 101 is always a good course. 200 level courses are generally not designed for 1st semester freshman. 100 level courses are.

Finding classes that interest you is a good way for finding courses (much better than either "what is easiest" or "what class is at 11 on a Tuesday and Thursday because I want Friday off and I don't want to get up early"). An even better way to look for a course is that it interests you and how could it make you a better doctor. For example, as a doctor, you will likely see people from many different cultures than your own. They could be immigrants/refugees from all over the world, a member of one of our large ethnic groups (like hispanics or african americans), or etc... One of the things that you will hear about in the world of health care is having "cultural competency", basically understanding the culture of the people you are working with, as it will help you understand why they do or don't do things that impact their health, or why their group immigrated here, and more. So if you see a class that says The History of Central America, it's not just a course that will satisfy your humanities - you could be learning a great deal about a large number of your future patients.

Always keep thinking how each class you take can make you a better doctor (or person). Finally, speaking Spanish is always a plus. If you would like to learn Spanish or improve what you have already learned, and it fits your schedule so you can still graduate on time, I encourage it.

 

[private health advisor]

I agree. If one can prove themselves in the pre-reqs and a few upper level Bios and the MCAT, I don't see why it makes a difference to them what classes we take. @WingedOx

As (I hope) you all know, you major is irrelevant for medical school - so you are right, they shouldn't care what classes you take beyond your required science and other pre-requisite courses. What would be best is that when you are invited for an interview (because you will all be invited, right?) and you are asked about the courses you've taken, you can tell them exactly why you took those courses, what you learned, and how you were able to take what you learned in that class and apply that in a real setting (medical related or not).
For example. "I took Latin American History because I have always had an interest in the Latin American culture. As part of that course, there was an assignment that allowed us to interview someone from the country that we chose to focus on. I picked Argentina because I know they have one of the best health-care systems in Latin America, and it is basically free. I was able to skype with a doctor from one of the leading hospitals in Buenos Aires and he was able to tell me about blah, blah, blah (I think you get my point). If you can be that intentional in your learning, you'll be seeing how every subject can relate to your personal and professional interests, and you will get more out of each course.

 

[Blackjack7]

Thank you everybody for your answers, they are extremely helpful. (extra thanks to private health advisor this time... misspelled?) For your question about why I want to do science, well, I love it, and I really like doing it. I guess I can format that better, but the point is that I'm not doing it for the sole purpose of becoming a doctor, and I will most certainly pursue scientific jobs if I were to turn my focus away from it.

Next question I had was for preparedness to take on upper level work and undergraduate research. This stuff seems important for med school, but I really want to do it regardless. But it seems that it requires a lot of upper level knowledge for an undergrad to do any serious work. Is this impression of mine wrong?

Currently looking though Psych, Sociology, History, and Arts classes to see what I would really like doing, and what end at just "cool-ish".

 

[private health advisor]

Thank you everybody for your answers, they are extremely helpful. (extra thanks to private health advisor this time... misspelled?) For your question about why I want to do science, well, I love it, and I really like doing it. I guess I can format that better, but the point is that I'm not doing it for the sole purpose of becoming a doctor, and I will most certainly pursue scientific jobs if I were to turn my focus away from it.

Next question I had was for preparedness to take on upper level work and undergraduate research. This stuff seems important for med school, but I really want to do it regardless. But it seems that it requires a lot of upper level knowledge for an undergrad to do any serious work. Is this impression of mine wrong?

Currently looking though Psych, Sociology, History, and Arts classes to see what I would really like doing, and what end at just "cool-ish".

Academic Advisors spell with "or" ending (the computers don't like the spelling, they always put it with an "er" ending.

Good to hear you are doing a science major not just for med school.

As for upper level work and undergraduate research, I think you just need to slow down and focus on having a successful first semester. Once you get there you can ask your advisor and other support staff (and faculty) about those kinds of questions. There is nothing wrong with asking them, I just think you are getting too far down the road.

 

[Blackjack7]

Sorry about that then. Spelling learned.

I will definitely take your advice for a slower first semester. But am debating... is learning an entirely new language worth it? That won't be very easy....

 

[private health advisor]

Sorry about that then. Spelling learned.

I will definitely take your advice for a slower first semester. But am debating... is learning an entirely new language worth it? That won't be very easy....

I just gave Spanish as an example. You definitely don't have to do it, especially if it doesn't interest you. You should focus on things that you like that can add value, make you a better student, better applicant, and a better doctor.

 

[private health advisor]

I will definitely take your advice for a slower first semester. But am debating... is learning an entirely new language worth it? That won't be very easy....[/QUOTE]

You seem to be a very forward-thinking and motivated student. I mentioned before about making intentional choices in your coursework (not just randomly picking anything). I think the whole college experience (and life really) can be intentional if you make it. When I am working with these students privately, I have them complete the following self-assessment to guide their thinking and help them understand themselves and their motivations. Once we have this foundation, then we move forward. For example, we aren't going to spend all of this time and energy helping a student prepare for medical school when, after we go over their most basic passions and interests, a public health degree with a global health focus is really what will help them do the work they are passionate about.

This is most effective when you put serious thought into it. Some students find this exercise difficult, but that's fine. You need to be able to articulate these thoughts.
You can just do this for yourself, or if you want to share, complete it and post it on here.

1. What motivates you?
2. What makes you happy?
3. What are your short term and long term personal goals (NOT career goals, ie becoming a doctor)?
4. Why are these your personal goals?
5. What are your short term and long term professional goals?
6. Why are these your professional goals?
7. How do your personal and professional goals relate to each other?
8. How do your personal and professional goals relate to your motivation and happiness?
9. What have you been doing to achieve your personal goals?
10. What have you been doing to achieve your professional goals?
11. Why did you pick your current major?
12. Describe how this major helps you in achieving your personal and professional goals.

 

[raiderette]

Although many doctors don't speak Spanish, it is extremely helpful to have. If you dream of landing residencies in prestigious hospitals, they tend to be places with diverse populations. Your knowledge of Spanish can also help in clinical volunteering. You may not end up with a talent for language, but it can only help.

 

[Blackjack7]

I will definitely take your advice for a slower first semester. But am debating... is learning an entirely new language worth it? That won't be very easy....

You seem to be a very forward-thinking and motivated student. I mentioned before about making intentional choices in your coursework (not just randomly picking anything). I think the whole college experience (and life really) can be intentional if you make it. When I am working with these students privately, I have them complete the following self-assessment to guide their thinking and help them understand themselves and their motivations. Once we have this foundation, then we move forward. For example, we aren't going to spend all of this time and energy helping a student prepare for medical school when, after we go over their most basic passions and interests, a public health degree with a global health focus is really what will help them do the work they are passionate about.

This is most effective when you put serious thought into it. Some students find this exercise difficult, but that's fine. You need to be able to articulate these thoughts.
You can just do this for yourself, or if you want to share, complete it and post it on here.

1. What motivates you?
2. What makes you happy?
3. What are your short term and long term personal goals (NOT career goals, ie becoming a doctor)?
4. Why are these your personal goals?
5. What are your short term and long term professional goals?
6. Why are these your professional goals?
7. How do your personal and professional goals relate to each other?
8. How do your personal and professional goals relate to your motivation and happiness?
9. What have you been doing to achieve your personal goals?
10. What have you been doing to achieve your professional goals?
11. Why did you pick your current major?
12. Describe how this major helps you in achieving your personal and professional goals.

Wow, thanks! Finding classes I want to take is harder than it seemed at first I guess! But I will try my best. Just examined photography and art recently, and realized it fell in the "just kinda cool" category for me. Art history may be different. currently investigating.

Thanks for the worksheet too! These are questions I often think to myself, so I can think of short answers off the top of my head. I can also give detailed answers but that would take time, so maybe a another post.

1. Working with my buddies (peers?) and competing with them. Self improvement is cool, but I love team/group improvement much better. Also helping others, but if possible in a unique way I can do best. For example, I love tutoring Physics and Calculus, because I'm the best in the grade at it. (Yeah, that's selfish... I need to fix that part of me)
2. So many answers. Doing science while helping others is the absolute ideal. That's why I'd happily make Chem/Physics study guides, even if nobody wants them.
3. Long distance cycling/running. Go overseas to talk to my role model. Starting spanish. Get a GF. Read the Brothers K. IDK, many.
4. A good teacher I once had told me, personal discipline (i.e. fitness) and real social life are needed for all good men.
5. Do well on Finals. Set my class schedule with all 8 semesters in mind. Volunteer at medical places early to make sure I like this stuff. Find research. Start reputed "hard" class studying over the summer.
6. One thing I'm absolutely sure about: I want to be a good professional. These are steps I need to take (I think) to do that, no matter what kind of professional I end up becoming.
7. I see no connection (at first). But then again, same with humanities and pre-med. Something about the Renaissance man. Personal goals to build me as a person. Pro goals to build me as a pro.
8. Ideally I would be happy and motivated by becoming a good professional. For personal reasons, as my role model both in personal and pro life is a doctor. I want to match him.
9. daily workout. Fly to said overseas country soon. Read wide variety of books.
10. Focus on Science classes. Be on SDN asking for what classes I should take.
11. Bio looks fun, and sciency, and useful for the future.
12. It more or less fills the pre-med prereqs, and has enough open space to allow me to experiment with other classes/research/stuffs.