HS student questions

[davidw11]

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I am currently in HS at a private christian school in Lancaster County. My question is, how exactly can you tell that you would make it in pre-med?

This being my first year(11th grade-new to school), I haven't really got a calculated GPA. But, I have been getting as follows for marking period 1: 98.5 Spanish, 100 Computer Applications, 84 Honors Chemistry, 85 Communications, 92 Drivers Ed, B Weight Training. So, those grades aren't too bad and they're above average. But, an 86% is a B, and a 94% is an A. So, I was right below the border(got a C) on 2 classes, according to our grade scale.

Are these the types of grades typical of "pre" pre-med students? Or do people that go on to pre-med all have A's? My GPA average should be in the 3's(B). My school is a very "academic" school, where many of the students are very smart, and thus that's also why they have a high grading scale. Not to mention the work is very tough.

What are your thoughts regarding this? I'm thinking of majoring in Biology(how original) or BioChemistry(although that name alone scares me).🙂

 

[indianboy]

Look, being a real pre-med is really tough, and certainly I don't think that B in weight training is going to help. I'm sure you've heard of Darwin's 'Survival of the Fittest' right? If you wanna be a really great pre-med, you better stop screwing around and start taking your weight training a bit more seriously. Good luck to you kid, and if you don't bulk up a bit, you'll definately need it.

Hope that Helps

P 'Praying for you' ShankOut

 

[davidw11]

Look, being a real pre-med is really tough, and certainly I don't think that B in weight training is going to help. I'm sure you've heard of Darwin's 'Survival of the Fittest' right? If you wanna be a really great pre-med, you better stop screwing around and start taking your weight training a bit more seriously. Good luck to you kid, and if you don't bulk up a bit, you'll definately need it.

I appreciate fast replies, but no need to be so mean 🙂 I listed the B in weight training just because I wanted to post all my current courses and grades just so some people get a feel of my GPA...since I can't really calculate it until the year is over. Odd...what does weight training have a thing to do with pre-med? 21/25 students in that class have a B, it's not just a lift weights get an A course.

Maybe I caught you at a bad time...so I'll give you another chance. If you got any suggestions, I'd be more then willing to listen to the. I'm still confused why your entire post consisted of that one course, which is my opinion is the last class you need to get good grades in. You must be a previous coach 🙂

 

[Tezzie]

David one can't really tell if he/she can make it in pre-med or not.
Everything is a matter of effort. If you like biology and chemistry and your dream is to become a physician then you won't have a problem. I assume that you are heading for college soon right?

Generally people in college do change majors or plans rather easy. Some of us though stick to our dreams 🙂. Getting into med school is not as hard as it sounds and being pre-med it's well ... interesting. You have to study, get involved with research, volunteer and study for the MCATs (down the road). All it takes though is some time management and determination.

I am pretty sure that if you want it and you plan wisely .. you'll make it. Remember that college is far more than just being "pre-med". It's a 4 year experience. You get to meet people, have fun, get exposed to new things and ideas. Stay focused but at the same time don't get anxious about things that are both pretty simple and 5-6 years ahead of you.

Good luck!

 

[Bridaddy]

Don't worry about the other guy, his attempt at humor.

Your main concern right now should be getting into the best college you can. By 11th grade, you have a GPA, you just don't know it.

Its never to early to start volunteering, this will look good both on your college app, as well as med school app. I'd also start looking into review courses/books for the SAT.

The most important thing you can do is get into college, I'd worry about that.

There are several good books available from amazon, that are just a search away, I liked this one imparticular:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...=sr_8_1/102-2941098-9267355?v=glance&n=507846

I'd look into shadowing a doctor, volunteering somewhere where you can get exposed to what its like to be a doctor.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Amy B]

Hi,

It is way too soon to determine if you will do good as a pre-med. And really it is to soon to worry about it. Just concentrate on doing good so you can get into the college of your choosing. I assume you have taken the PSAT. How did you do? Are you preparing for the SAT? Research the colleges you want to go to and make sure you have the GPA and SAT you will need to get into them. Keep your GPA up as high as you can so you can go to college.

As to major in college. I wish my son (11th grader) knew what he wanted to major in. He still doesn't know and that's ok. Give yourself some time, do some research on different majors. And most important....choose one you want to do... not one you think will look good to med schools. There are lots of us who majored in Biology because we liked it and there are some who hated it and still majored in it and were miserable.

Do what you like. All you need is the med school required courses and a few higher level science courses to show that you can handle the harder science courses, but that's all. You could major in Spanish, woodworking, polictial science, english,etc.......

Have fun, this is a great time in your life. Please enjoy it now.

 

[Retro]

Hey kid, I am a med student, and I will give you some advice. Instead of focusing on med school right now, try to ask the question- will your marks be good enough to get you into a decent college first? As far as I can tell, a 3.0 GPA is not good enough to get you into a decent college unless you do well in your SATs. I got straight A when I was in HS and I took all Honors and AP courses, and passed all the AP exams and kicked ass in the SAT. As far as I could tell, all my fellow med school classmates were once top students in their home-state high schools, with one girl geting 1600 on the SAT and 4.5 weighted GPA is almost a given; and most of them went to very prestigious universities (and despite that, many of them were waitlisted at med schools at the beginning). You need to try harder... Be more practical in your goals and more diligent in your studies. That is all I have say to you.

 

[davidw11]

If you like biology and chemistry and your dream is to become a physician then you won't have a problem. I assume that you are heading for college soon right?

Well, I would never tell my friends this, but I kind of do like Chemistry 🙂 It's super frustrating when you don't understand a concept, but that's its amazing when you finally do and can understand all this stuff. The way my school works with semesters, I'm already 1/2 done with it. It's a 2 period class every day for 1 semester(semester is 1/2 year).

About college bridaddy, I can understand what you mean. However, I'm planning on going to Goshen College. It's a nice Mennonite college in Indiana. Since it's Mennonite, it may not be the "best" school out of all colleges, but it's not bad either. Average HS GPA of entering students is 3.5, it's private, ratio of like 13/1 faculty/student, class sizes about 25, etc. It's your typical private college. Colleges like Penn State are much more famous, but in reality I'm not sure that's where I want to go. To be honest, I could get into Penn State like nothing. It's just super easy to get into, especially being a PA resident living like 30miles from it at most.

But, I would LOVE to go to Penn States medical school, as it's very good. Being a resident gives me a big advantage too. But there are a lot of med schools in PA that favor residents.

 

[davidw11]

I assume you have taken the PSAT. How did you do? Are you preparing for the SAT?

Sorry, you must have posted right as I posted my reply. I just took the PSAT yesterday. However I wasn't planning on taking it so I was completely unprepared. At least it will show me where I need to study. For the regular SAT's, I will be studying very extensively. I already bought about 3 SAT study books from companies like Arco, Princeton Review, etc.

Do what you like. All you need is the med school required courses and a few higher level science courses to show that you can handle the harder science courses, but that's all. You could major in Spanish, woodworking, polictial science, english,etc.......

That is also a worry of mine. If I don't make it into med schools, honestly I don't want a career in Biology doing research or whatever. That's one reason I fear majoring in Biology. But, if I major in something else, I won't have near the Science background, which will be bad in many ways, including the MCAT test. My idea is....if in my junior year of college majoring in Biology I don't get into any med schools, I will go on to get my Masters degree in Biology. Then, I'll reply to med schools again and hopefully do better on the MCATS as well as look better to the schools. If that failed, I'm clueless.

 

[SilleAngyl]

David,
You mentioned that you wanted to go to a smaller private college. I would like to suggest another to you: The University of Scranton. Student to Faculty ratio is 13:1, average class size is 23, student population of about 4700. Not to brag but we also have an awesomeawesome pre-med program. We actually had a 100% acceptance rate into med school two years ago. That is practically unheard of for most schools. As far as making it as a pre-med goes, you can do it, you just have to keep your nose in the books and don't let yourself faal behind in your work (especially in organic).

 

[JonnieQuest]

He's being funny about the weight training! Aight, I'll lay it down for you, you are being way too serious WAY too early. Nothing wrong with getting a head start on your career as a physician, but 11th grade might be a bit premature. Get into college, take a few classes in all fields, explore what's out there and see if medicine is the way to go.
I didn't want to study science my whole life but decided so at school after taking g-chem for my physical science requirement.
There's so much to life besides school...invest some time into learning about other things and about yourself.
good luck.

 

[Cerberus]

Everything you do prior to college means absolutely nothing in regards to whether or not you will make it into medschool.

 

[davidw11]

The University of Scranton

I'll go to the website to check it out, but the reason I want to go to Goshen College is because it's a Christian Mennonite college. It's not just a regular private college. I don't doubt that there are better private schools out there(although not much better), but this is my first choice school. I have a weekend visitation scheduled for early next month(through my HS).

He's being funny about the weight training! Aight, I'll lay it down for you, you are being way too serious WAY too early. Nothing wrong with getting a head start on your career as a physician, but 11th grade might be a bit premature. Get into college, take a few classes in all fields, explore what's out there and see if medicine is the way to go.

He probably was, he just needed to add some smileys so I knew... 🙂 But, I don't think I'm being at all too serious. This is something that needs to be decided on very early to make the most out of it. Unlike others here, I don't have parents that are writing me a check to attend college. In fact, they couldn't even afford to pay for the applications to different schools, so I can't just apply to a dozen different schools for fun(costing $500 alone). I have to take complete loans out for every penny financial aid doesn't cover. I'm going to a very nice private christian school, but only because my church is able to finance it. We could never afford $6000/yr tuition.

Goshen College is $25,000/yr also, which is one reason I'm being serious. I think your suggestion is gold and is what every person should do. But, if I want to go for pre-med, I need to decide shortly. I already chose Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics this year for Science electives. Next year I'll take AP Chemistry, Advanced Biology 1+2, and maybe another science elective. This way, I will have good background in it before even entering college. After 4 years of majoring in Biology, my skills in the sciences should be supurb.

 

[JonnieQuest]

Deciding too early about anything can cripple you in the long run. How do you know you want to be a MD? Sure, it looked fun when i was younger but i hate hearing kids say "deciding to be an md is serious and must be planned starting at age 4." hey man, my parents believe that the challenging road builds character or whatever. so i worked 20 hrs a week in hs just to buy necessities that other kids just got. anyway, relax...life isn't so serious. my friend started planning going into medicine when she was in 9th grade (took SAT course early, got good score, went to an ivy, great college gpa, great mcat). she got into cornell and half-way through, decided medicine wasn't for her.

good luck and remember to breathe.

 

[davidw11]

good luck and remember to breathe.

Maybe I'm coming off as too serious. It's not meant that way. I'm just HIGHLY considering this as a future path, above all others. The way I figure, absolute worst case I could always apply to Law School or something, which has drastically lower requirements and competition. But that's if things didn't work out. I can relate when you say you had to work tons of hours to buy things other people got free. I don't even have a car yet, as there just ain't no money. Unfortunately the downside of living in a small town is that there just aren't jobs, and the ones that are there are already filled. This includes jobs like McDonalds, etc. If I had a car, I could easily get a job out of town, but I need a job to buy the car. It's an annoying circle.

 

[Bridaddy]

A lot of good advice here.

I'd read what everyone wrote about 5 times, maybe print it out and paste it to your mirror, this advice is golden for you.

 

[Sonya]

someone else posted this somewhere. Maybe you might find it helpful. What would you do if you didn't get into medical school? I mean, what career choice would you go for, if you couldn't go into medicine, or the medical field didn't exist... Use that to help decide what to major in.

I really have to agree, you can not predict how you will do in college at this early of a stage...

I don't think it's not too early to think about your future career. It's never too early.

I totally agree with others that you should get some sort of medical or service experience. Volunteer in a hospital or something. Right, what you do in high school will not affect your medical admission. However, it WILL allow you to make sure medicine is right for you. Don't just do them for the sake of padding your resume, do it to judge whether you like it.

Sonya

 

[davidw11]

I agree with you. But, I wasn't posting this to ask whether I would make it in med school, but rather if my "profile" matched those of the pre-med people here. Is it typically of grades and stuff you got in high school? Or were you all straight A students? I should have made that a little more clear.

Like I said earlier, the reason I'm planning so early is so I can have good preparation for college courses in that career. If I wanted to be a lawyer, I wouldn't be taking AP CHemistry and Advanced Bio next year. Just the same, if I wanted to be a doctor, I wouldn't fill up my schedule with non-science things. I'll agree that non-science things are very important, but not at the cost of not being able to take good science courses.

 

[Sean2tall]

I think all you need is an interest in what you are doing. If you are really into Bio or Chemistry, then why not major in it? That's what I did. (At Duquesne U., a medium-sized Catholic school) As a matter of fact, you could major in anything you like, (just taking the pre-med requirements as well) and decide at any point along the way if med school is for you. And why not be excited about medical school? When I was graduating High School, I couldn't wait to get into medicine, but along the way in college, I gave myself some serious time to think it over and decided it was still right for me. As for the grades? Well if you love what you are doing, you can't help but do well right? That's what I think. A lot of people at my school complain about Biology because to them it's just a hoop they have to jump through to something better. Other people tell me I must be some kind of genius for doing Biology. I just love it - and when you are having fun, it can't be easier. Anyways, I think most of this long winded speech is for the people that tell you it's too early to think about going into medicine😉 I think your grades should be just fine 😀 Do what you want!

Sorry that was way more than my two cents!
Sean

 

[davidw11]

As long as the post is serious, it's impossible to make it too long! 🙂 I appreciated the input. I understand that my grades should be a little improved, which I'll work on very hard the 2nd quarter. Since classes are only 1/2 year long(1 semester), I only have to work for a couple more months on Chemistry. Then it's on to Honors Physics...

As a matter of fact, you could major in anything you like, (just taking the pre-med requirements as well) and decide at any point along the way if med school is for you.

I know that, but it just seems contrary in a sense. It's like saying, there's no requirement to play professional basketball, you just need to get accepted into it and show that you've played a little before. Well, if you've only ever played soccer your entire life, how are you going to be so excellent in basketball?

I think the same applies to medicine. There's no requirement to get into med school, you just need to get acceptable and show that you've got an understanding(by taking the very few required courses). Well, my point is, if you've barely went into Biology, how are you going to excel in the MCATs and med school?

It's funny how I see Med Schools say "There is no required major", but then they say the next line down that they're looking for very strong science-skilled people. It can be done, but the chances seem a lot less that you'll be so science-smart from taking a science course here and there.

 

[Can U Feel It?]

At this point in your educational career I'd be more concerned that you learn how to study well, and that you learn how to retain what you learn from year to year. The MCAT is based on classes you take in college, some of them up to 2 years after you had the class. If you have to totally relearn everything because you don't remeber anything, you'll be a big disadvantage.

I would second the universtiy of scranton as a good pre-med school, and I would add Mulenberg College in Allentown if you are looking at small colleges (both schools have good acceptance rates into med school)

As far as Penn State being "really easy to get into", you might be right if you are talking about the branch campuses. Granted it's not Michigan, Berkeley or UVa, but getting into University Park as a freshman isn't a joke (btw being a Pa res. doesn't factor into PSU's admissions decisions).

 

[dan0909]

haha....this david kid is funny.

 

[amsomerv]

Have you considered a BS/MD program? I am in one and I think that it is great because I already have my spot in med school and I knew it in december of my senior year, no worries about the horrific med school application process. If you seriously want to be a md and know it now, you might as well get a head start. You should be more concerned now with raising your current gpa, not just for college apps but scholarships as well. Work hard and you'll be fine.

 

[Bridaddy]

I think he is pretty funny too! Seems like a nice guy.

Makes me realize a bit when I ask questions to med students/residents, how I might come across.

 

[dan0909]

I actually think David has said a lot of really mature, well-thought out things. Best of lcuk to the Davidster!

 

[Bridaddy]

I completely agree, he seems like he has his stuff together.

I do feel though that some of our advice went unheard. It was strange posting on here, actually being ahead educationally than someone else 🙂

 

[jlee9531]

Originally posted by Bridaddy
I completely agree, he seems like he has his stuff together.

I do feel though that some of our advice went unheard. It was strange posting on here, actually being ahead educationally than someone else 🙂

yeah its too bad he didnt get the weight-traning joke....

or else he be GOLD Jerry!

god i love that roundtine episode. haha.

but imho i think its a tad too early to think about premed profiles...but thats just me.

 

[davidw11]

As far as Penn State being "really easy to get into", you might be right if you are talking about the branch campuses.

Actually I was talking about University Park. When I say "easy", I don't mean easy as in community college standards. You still need to have a good 3.5 HS GPA to be considered. But, compared to private colleges I've looked at, Penn State is the easiest compared to standards. They have a much better acceptance rate then others. Are you sure they don't favor PA residents? I know Medical Schools extremely favor residents if it is a public medical school, but not positive on colleges.

Have you considered a BS/MD program?

Can you name some private small colleges near me that offer this program? I would love to be in something like this, but haven't looked at a single school that offered it. Plus, you tend to have to have extremely good grades.

 

[An Yong]

Originally posted by davidw11

I know that, but it just seems contrary in a sense. It's like saying, there's no requirement to play professional basketball, you just need to get accepted into it and show that you've played a little before. Well, if you've only ever played soccer your entire life, how are you going to be so excellent in basketball?

I think the same applies to medicine. There's no requirement to get into med school, you just need to get acceptable and show that you've got an understanding(by taking the very few required courses). Well, my point is, if you've barely went into Biology, how are you going to excel in the MCATs and med school?

It's funny how I see Med Schools say "There is no required major", but then they say the next line down that they're looking for very strong science-skilled people. It can be done, but the chances seem a lot less that you'll be so science-smart from taking a science course here and there.

I think its wonderful your are considering medicine so early in your academic career.

Unfortunately, your line of reasoning is wrong regarding majoring in biology. The medical schools, by mentioning the need for strong science skills, doesn't mean you should necessarily be a science major, but that you have proven yourself by doing well in any science course that you take (even if you only have the pre-requisites). The fact remains, the MCAT and medical school curriculums are designed on the assumption that the student has only the pre-requisites (for most places: 1 year physics, 1 year biology, 1 year gen chem, 1 year organic, 1 year college level mathematics). In fact, the people who score the highest on the MCAT are the mathematics and humanities majors (probably because math majors have developed above-average logical sills and humanities majors can read very efficiently).

In sum, major in whatever field you are interested in, whether that be engineering, math, physics, or underwater basket weaving =P

(p.s. good job on selecting a small private college, it will help you immensely since you will be able to get to know your faculty better and probably have options such as research available to you more easily)

 

[NontradICUdoc]

I think that you are worrying about your pre-med requirements just a bit too early. What you need to do is get things into perspective and put them into priorities.

First of all...finish high school and get into college.

Once you are in college, concentrate on you pre-requisites for your major. Chances are, if you are majoring in any science then the pre-med requirements will be there.

Med-Schools want people that are well rounded from many different backgrounds. They want to see that you can study and keep up your grades while also having a life. So your next priority, after getting into and starting college, would be to enjoy yourself. In college you will exposed to many different expriences and you never want to live with any regret that you may have missed out.

Join clubs, go to sporting events, go to a party, enjoy life. But when you are studying, be serious.

Enjoy the the time you have now before you are hit with other wordly responsibilities.

Finish High School and get into college. This is what you should be concerning yourself with right now. Just keep it in the back of your mind what you want to do. In the mean time, see if you local Fire Department or EMS service is volunteer based and begin volunteering there. It will expose you to medicine and looks good on med school apps.

Good luck

 

[freesolo]

I wouldnt fret about premed too early, enjoy senior year first! Youve got plenty of time to stress out 😀

 

[davidw11]

or underwater basket weaving

Stop reading my mind...that's my favorite major 😉 j/k...but seriously, I do understand the MCAT is based on the pre-courses. But, it would seem like it makes sense that having many more science courses would give you better knowledge in those areas. But then again, if the test doesn't cover more then the basics, I could understand why you say that. Although, by majoring in Biology you would probably be constantly using the science you were taught so you wouldn't forget any.

It's just such a hard decision to make regarding majors. I want to go to med school, thats for sure, but I don't want to ruin things either. If I don't get in, it seems I may be stuck doing something I don't want. Then again, like I said I'll first go on to graduate school to get my Master's. If that still didn't work, who knows. Then again, a Master's degree is very valuable also. I could get a ton of different jobs, even the FBI 🙄 Or of course...go for the Ph.D, then I still get to call myself doctor

 

[musiclink213]

if you live in PA, i think muhlenberg has one. I'm not positive, but i was thinking about applying there, and i think i remember seeing something about that. I think they do it in conjuction with Hanneman (i'm not sure what it's called, i'm not too familiar with teh area).

but to be honest, i don't like muhlenberg too much, could be cause the interviewer told me she wouldn't worry about getting in, that i had a great interview, and i was a shoo-in. then she talked to my dad, asked what he did (he had just closed his business and was working at medical supplies). then i got wait listed.

but those programs are EXTREMELY competetive. the one at Brooklyn College rejected my friend. she was ranked #7 in a class of 732, had an SAT of 1490 or something like that.

good luck

 

[davidw11]

Yeah those programs are way too competitive for me to be able to get into. If they were easy, every single pre-med student would be in one just so they were guaranteed a spot in med school...

 

[Cerberus]

Originally posted by An Yong
In fact, the people who score the highest on the MCAT are the mathematics and humanities majors (probably because math majors have developed above-average logical sills and humanities majors can read very efficiently).

proof that mathematics majors are superior to everyone else bow before us! Bow!😉

 

[davidw11]

proof that mathematics majors are superior to everyone else bow before us! Bow!

I didn't know people actually majored in mathematics 🙂 I knew there was a math major...just thought nobody was that crazy to pick it! Are you depressed, not feeling well, what would make somebody go to drastic steps to major in math....?

 

[hamhamfan]

I would recommend taking community college classes NOW. Depending on the professor, the classes won't be significantly harder than what you are doing now. Credits from community college are MUCH better than AP credits because the medical schools won't make you retake those classes. Instead of taking AP Chemistry, just take the gchem offered at your local community college. Over the summer, you can fit in your GE's or whatever.

I don't know about Pennsylvania, but in California, community college tuition is free for high school students. Therefore, it could hypothetically cost less or about the same as taking an AP test.

One of my regrets from high school was that I didn't take college classes back then. Good luck!

BTW, a HUGE myth is that community college is really easy... I didn't find the university significantly harder than the community college. Even though the community colleges usually don't have as many opportunites, the local university may have them available to you. My school (UCI) lets you participate in research, clubs, and different services even if you aren't a student.

 

[davidw11]

I never heard of that "free" tuition thing stuff here in PA. Or else obviously I'd be taking some classes there. But, I don't want college credits at all.

 

[Brickhouse]

Originally posted by indianboy
If you wanna be a really great pre-med, you better stop screwing around and start taking your weight training a bit more seriously. Good luck to you kid, and if you don't bulk up a bit, you'll definately need it.

Hope that Helps

I'm sorry but that is hysterical............

 

[davidw11]

yeah, I just didn't get the joke 🙂 Usually when people say "stop screwing around", I thought he meant in school, which I'm actually trying my best in.

 

[Brickhouse]

Sweetie....

Just go get 'em. F*ck what anyone says to discourage you. Just give your best effort and if you are really certain that you want to try the med school route, just DO IT! You'll know eventually if you can hang with it. Just walk confidently in the direction of your dream and remember, you're THE BOMB!

I went back to school after college to do this, AND I AM DOING IT! and if I can do it....well you know the rest!

 

[hamhamfan]

Originally posted by davidw11
I never heard of that "free" tuition thing stuff here in PA. Or else obviously I'd be taking some classes there. But, I don't want college credits at all.

😕

Whatever floats your boat...it's just that I've never met someone who wanted to get college credits done with sooner rather than later.

 

[davidw11]

it's just that I've never met someone who wanted to get college credits done with sooner rather than later.

First, I don't even have a way to get to the college, even if it were free. Second, I heard med schools ask you questions when they see that you've done courses at other colleges. Third, I'm too busy with current school work to take on a harder course load.

 

[doc05]

in answer to some of your questions:


(1) most med students were straight-A students in high school. There are exceptions, but probably 85-90% fall into this category.

(2) you really ought to take as much advanced coursework in all areas - science, math, history, literature, etc. At the high school level, even advanced courses aren't that hard, and it will be well worth it regardless of whether you eventually pursue medicine, law, or anything else.

(3) there is a reason why there are simple prerequisities for med school. a biology major is entirely unnecessary because, once you get past some very basic (and interesting) concepts in biology, much of it becomes too detailed and frankly repetitive and boring. the study of medicine is very different from undergraduate and graduate study of biology, so there is no reason to major in biology.

(4) most importantly, stop worrying about all of this. enjoy life now. you are only young once.

 

[davidw11]

the study of medicine is very different from undergraduate and graduate study of biology, so there is no reason to major in biology.

Really? So I wouldn't use any of the knowledge from that major in my medicine career? It seems like saying a lawyer wouldn't benefit from majoring in Criminal Justice. Yeah Criminal Justice isn't law school, but it sure does let you know all about the laws, which you'll eventually have to know in order to defend people.

And, I am taking Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics this year. Probably even AP Chemistry and Advanced Biology 1+2 next year.

 

[musiclink213]

apparently, the med schools don't think that the classes were taught correctly unless they were taught by an MD, so you'll pretty much and up retaking the same classes, just disguised as medical classes. they just want you to have a general background in the area, to see that u can do well.

BTW, remember to try not to be so focused on science, science, science. I mean, it's great and all, and i'm not putting it down or anything, but try to take some non-science classes, it kinda puts things into perspective.like when you start stressing about orgo exams, and then you go to a holocuast class, and realize that there are more important things in life.

it's easy to get caught up in school, and i;m not saying you should slack off, but see what else is out there. remember, what really matters is not what you end up as, but what you did along the way. it can only help, make you more well-rounded. (this reason is basically i went to a liberal arts college and not this science school that i was thinking about, even though they offered me more money)

 

[davidw11]

apparently, the med schools don't think that the classes were taught correctly unless they were taught by an MD, so you'll pretty much and up retaking the same classes, just disguised as medical classes.

I don't know about other people, but to me that looks like reasons to major in Biology!!! That way, you'll be going into med school classes already with the knowledge, they'll be much easier to pass them since you understand it.

I'm still having a hard time trying to understand why NOT to take a biology major. But, if "Biology" is too general, then why not major in Biochemistry(also called Molecular Biology). They say your sucess in med school is in part determined how you do in Biochemistry. So imagine majoring in it!!

The reason I say this is because every pre-med student I know is majoring in Biology or another science major, like Molecular Biology. The kid I know that scored 1580 on the SAT also is majoring in that. There must be a reason.

 

[jamielehigh]

hey david-
i can recommend a book. "From High School to Med School" by Jason Yanofski and Ashish Raju. Jason and Ashish are 24 and will graduate this year from Drexel Med. I went to college with these guys at Lehigh University, and they wrote while they were there. You can buy it on amazon.com or bn.com. It's a book designed for high school kids applying to BA/MD programs, but it has pretty good advice for all high school students who want to be doctors.

FYI- Penn State has a 6yr BA/MD program with PSU Med School, and Lehigh has a 6 or 7 yr BA/MD program with Drexel (formerly Hahnemann).

In retrospect, most people I know who went through these programs wouldn't recommend them, because you sacrifice way too much. It's no fun being 20 and in med school, especially when most of your classmates have much more experience (in school and just in life).

 

[davidw11]

Penn State has a 6yr BA/MD program with PSU Med School

I have absolutely no problem with Penn State, as they are an excellent school. However, there is absolutely no way I would ever go through a 6yr BA/MD program. Unless I was a natural born genius, I think those programs don't work well.

I just don't understand how that program works. Do you do 2 years worth of material in college or do you cram 4yrs of credits in that time? But I guess the real issue is the fact that those programs are impossible to get into. Plus, they have requirements to maintain a spot in that program. If you drop below a 3.5 or something, they'll kick you out. But the way I see it, if you can keep a 3.5GPA anyways, you won't have that hard of a problem.

 

[spumoni620]

Originally posted by davidw11
but seriously, I do understand the MCAT is based on the pre-courses. But, it would seem like it makes sense that having many more science courses would give you better knowledge in those areas. But then again, if the test doesn't cover more then the basics, I could understand why you say that. Although, by majoring in Biology you would probably be constantly using the science you were taught so you wouldn't forget any.

Dude. You do not have to major in a science to do well on the mcat. the mcat is as much a critical thinking test as it is a science knowledge test. knowing scads of molecular biology or embryology topics is not going to give you a huge edge in the test. in fact, there's the danger of knowing too much--the proverbial problem of ignoring the forest for the trees. as any test prep book will tell you, the mcat does only test basic science principles even in the most complex-sounding questions. the rest is up to you.

in terms of applying to med school, majoring in a non-science does sometimes give you an edge by distinguishing you in the eyes of adcoms. better yet, majoring in a humanities-related topic gives you exposure to a lot of the critical interpretation/verbal reasoning skills that are heavily tested on the MCAT. it also does a lot for the "well-rounded" quality that med schools put such emphasis on.

i guess my point is: don't major in something just b/c you feel it will "look good" or "help you out" on standardized tests. yes, be sensible in your choice, but go for what you really are interested in--then you will naturally demonstrate initiative, motivation and performance in college.

some areas to explore in your first year of college, that might serve as your "back-up" for not getting into med school (although don't set yourself up for failure--you'll get in if you work hard and want it enough!): i'd suggest a business-related area, such as marketing, finance or general business. also, look into econ, anthropology (esp medical anthropology), or if culture floats your boat, international relations. say you have a passion you really are into - foreign languages, music, religion - go after it! as i realize upon graduating from college, ppl were right when they said "college is the only time where you can really explore what you love". you're thinking early enough that you can do things like study abroad, take interesting classes you like, complete premed reqs, gain research experience, prepare for the mcats and most importantly HAVE FUN. I'm serious. Please have fun in college and don't become type a. You won't ever be that free again.

whew. ok, i'm done now. can you tell i'm just slightly nostalgic for my college years?

🙂