In Highschool, anxious to get ready for premed

[Alan135]

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I'm finishing up my Sophomore year of High School on June 10th, so going to be a Junior quite soon.

I tend to really want to get the upper-hand on things once I get some idea/inspiration. I have always wanted to work in the field of medicine and really want to get ready, meaning finding out what college to go to, if I should study yet, what I need to focus on, and so on.

I want to be "the best" in a sense, I want to go into college ready to dominate those pre-requisites and posses more knowledge than the rest. Can anyone tell me what I should focus on and basically do right now in order to get ready for the future? Because at the moment I have no idea what school to go to and so on.

I live in Florida by the way and am in IB, so I'm tempted to go to a state school where I can reap the benefits of an almost free ride, economically speaking.

 

[HH Holmes]

I don't get what you're asking? Tips for college applications? Enhancing your résumé? SAT/ACT/SAT II stuff? Elaborate, and I'd be happy to help.

Oh, and I just finished my last IB exams... Good luck with two years of hell!

 

[Alan135]

Well, I'm basically just looking for tips on what I should try to do while I'm still in highschool just to heighten my chances of succeeding in my college courses and eventually doing well on the MCAT.

I feel like I should be doing something extra, to get myself prepared, haha I'm just trying to find something that I should be doing right NOW, for some reason I feel the need to begin this journey earlier than I need to.

Like I said, I'm just looking for tips on how to find the right college/what to study or focus on and etc.

thanks lol, I probably should have wrote a definite question in the OP, probably would have gotten at least 1 more reply!

 

[HH Holmes]

Well, I'm basically just looking for tips on what I should try to do while I'm still in highschool just to heighten my chances of succeeding in my college courses and eventually doing well on the MCAT.

I feel like I should be doing something extra, to get myself prepared, haha I'm just trying to find something that I should be doing right NOW, for some reason I feel the need to begin this journey earlier than I need to.

Like I said, I'm just looking for tips on how to find the right college/what to study or focus on and etc.

thanks lol, I probably should have wrote a definite question in the OP, probably would have gotten at least 1 more reply!

The best thing to do now is simply to create and practice good study habits and skills. If you're doing the IB Diploma, you will definitely be whipped into shape with regards to the workload and study needs of college classes. At the peak of everything IB, I didn't get to sleep before 2AM for a few months

For the something "extra", what extra curricular activities do you do outside of school? Try and find some health related ones (volunteering, shadowing a physician) and non health related activities. This will give you some exposure to the medical world while still giving you a well rounded application. Also, leadership positions are important too. If you are in any clubs now, stick with them and see if you can run for an officer/leader position.

Are you planning on applying to BS/MD and/or BS/DO programs or are you going to take the regular four year university route and then apply to medical school?

 

[willen101383]

There is nothing you can do most likely.....sorry to burst your bubble. Perhaps figuring out your most effective study style..but short of that nothing from high school is going to really help you to get into med school.

I was the biggest F up ever in high school I think I graduated with a 79 GPA and went to a low tier no name state school and you can see where I ended up!

So why not relax and make memories with your friends..because when you are my age you will look back on high school with fond memories. You are still young and really far from med school so just chill out!

 

[MNdental]

you could start volunteering in a clinic or hospital in your area. That will for sure give you exposure, teach you about the field, as well as make your college and medical school applications stronger.

 

[Rocher]

I was the biggest F up ever in high school I think I graduated with a 79 GPA and went to a low tier no name state school and you can see where I ended up!

So why not relax and make memories with your friends..because when you are my age you will look back on high school with fond memories. You are still young and really far from med school so just chill out!

Me too. My high school GPA was a 2.4 and I went to my stage college. You have the rest of your life to work enjoy your time while you have it.

 

[RunningStudent]

From someone who will start my final year of high school in September, here are a few tips for what to do in high school.

1. Some classes may seem useless in real life, and they probably are. But take these classes seriously, as it'll affect your G.P.A. Besides, it's a good opportunity to boost your G.P.A. to prospective colleges.

2. Find out what study habits work out for you. This'll be a big benefit to you in both high school and post-secondary education. For me, I practice several problems for science/math and read certain websites for humanities. Everyone is different, though, so find out what works for you.

3. Don't live only for your resume. If you're genuinely interested in a club or sport, join it. Don't join it just for it to be on your resume. I only worked for the newspaper in high school, and now I regret it. Don't limit yourself to one type of club, have diverse interests.

4. Volunteer at a hospital and possibly shadow a physician. This isn't based on real-life experience, but it'll give you a preview of a medical career and allows you to get involved. Not bad for college admissions, as well.

Now, here is the most important piece of advice I can give you: study hard and enjoy yourself. Make sure you put in the work and don't give up high school. However, don't make grades the only thing you care about. You only live one life, so enjoy high school. I haven't taken full advantage of that, and now I regret it. But, I'm going to make up for it in college. For someone in high school, make sure you're working hard and enjoying your time at high school.

That's what I'd offer as advice to someone. Don't focus solely on pre-med; you don't know what you'll end up doing. Volunteering in medical areas would be a good idea. Good luck for your final two years.

 

[cer26]

Also hate to break it to you, but in my personal experience there wasn't much from high school that prepared me for college. You will learn and cover much more material in college and for me, I learned study habits and things like that through trial and error.
Instead of focusing on how to prepare for college, MCAT, focus on enjoying your time in high school. Maybe do a few volunteer medical-related things but really don't stress about it. It's not worth your time and you'll look back in 6 years and think "crap, why did i do that?".
You will have more time than you realize to prepare for all these things for medical school.

 

[malpractician]

check out "How to Win at College" by Cal Newport. Excellent and practical read for undergrad students. I read it 3 years ago and still look it over once in a while.

his blog Study Hacks is at http://calnewport.com/blog/

 

[RunningStudent]

Also hate to break it to you, but in my personal experience there wasn't much from high school that prepared me for college. You will learn and cover much more material in college and for me, I learned study habits and things like that through trial and error.
Instead of focusing on how to prepare for college, MCAT, focus on enjoying your time in high school. Maybe do a few volunteer medical-related things but really don't stress about it. It's not worth your time and you'll look back in 6 years and think "crap, why did i do that?".
You will have more time than you realize to prepare for all these things for medical school.

Best advice you can get from this.

 

[KKat]

Frankly I don' think there is much point in trying to prepare for med school in high school. Just make sure you get into college and do well.

Any volunteering/community service activities you do in high school will help you get into college but will not help you get into medical school (unless one is perhaps a defining experience that might fit nicely in your personal statement). The activities that you will list on your med school app will all be from your college years.

College for me was way different from high school. I had a 4.0 in high school with out having to do much other than turning in my assignments. In college I actually had to learn how to study and it took me a few years to get it right. I went to a state school because of a scholarship.

I didn't even think about going to med school until my senior year and didn't really start preparing until after I was out of college for two years and I got in for this fall.

Just choose a school that fits you don't worry about getting into med school yet...wait for college.

 

[deleted357625]

Well, I'm basically just looking for tips on what I should try to do while I'm still in highschool just to heighten my chances of succeeding in my college courses and eventually doing well on the MCAT.

I feel like I should be doing something extra, to get myself prepared, haha I'm just trying to find something that I should be doing right NOW, for some reason I feel the need to begin this journey earlier than I need to.

Like I said, I'm just looking for tips on how to find the right college/what to study or focus on and etc.

thanks lol, I probably should have wrote a definite question in the OP, probably would have gotten at least 1 more reply!

When it comes time to study hardcore, monster energy drink is your best friend, ill tell you that right now.

 

[Alan135]

The best thing to do now is simply to create and practice good study habits and skills. If you're doing the IB Diploma, you will definitely be whipped into shape with regards to the workload and study needs of college classes. At the peak of everything IB, I didn't get to sleep before 2AM for a few months

For the something "extra", what extra curricular activities do you do outside of school? Try and find some health related ones (volunteering, shadowing a physician) and non health related activities. This will give you some exposure to the medical world while still giving you a well rounded application. Also, leadership positions are important too. If you are in any clubs now, stick with them and see if you can run for an officer/leader position.

Are you planning on applying to BS/MD and/or BS/DO programs or are you going to take the regular four year university route and then apply to medical school?

I'm not sure what exactly a BS/MD program is, I was just assuming by default I would do the 4 year, then apply to Med School. I have heard from this one general practitioner I know, his daughter took some type of program where she went to school for 3 years then went straight to med school, or maybe it was 4 years of college, 3 years of med school. It's probably the first one because Im pretty sure 4 years is a mandatory thing for med school.

Anyway I also have a question as to how I might be able to shadow a physician, I would be interested in doing something like that but not sure how to get that opportunity.

And do you have anything on your mind that would account for a good way to get this leadership experience?

 

[HH Holmes]

I'm not sure what exactly a BS/MD program is, I was just assuming by default I would do the 4 year, then apply to Med School. I have heard from this one general practitioner I know, his daughter took some type of program where she went to school for 3 years then went straight to med school, or maybe it was 4 years of college, 3 years of med school. It's probably the first one because Im pretty sure 4 years is a mandatory thing for med school.

BS/MD or BS/DO programs are guaranteed undergraduate/medical school agreements that can either be 6, 7 or 8 years. You will always spend 4 years at medical school, but your time in undergrad may vary. This allows a student to not stress as much about applying to medical school, as they are guaranteed a seat in med school as long as they keep/meet certain requirements.

For example, I am enrolled at Nova Southeastern's 7 year medical program. I will go to undergrad for 3 years, and must keep a 3.3 GPA and get a 26 on my MCAT with no subsection less than 7. Other schools have other requirements, and some schools don't even make you take the MCAT.

Anyway I also have a question as to how I might be able to shadow a physician, I would be interested in doing something like that but not sure how to get that opportunity.

Finding a physician to shadow may be tricky. I volunteered in a local hospital's ER for a while, and then finally grew the b*lls to go up to one of the attendings and ask if I could personally shadow him. I am currently shadowing a plastic surgeon (family friend). You can always just cold call private practice offices and ask to shadow the doctor there. You'll probably get a lot of "no" responses, but keep trying.

And do you have anything on your mind that would account for a good way to get this leadership experience?

This is something I can't really give specific tips on. Adcoms like to see leadership because it shows (or suggests) commitment in a club or activity. If you are already part of a club or group, stick with it, and run for office if you can. In my school, the norm is that seniors run every club and elect rising seniors for the next year. I was elected president of my debate team, as well as other various (non-presidential) leadership positions for two other clubs. If you're in a club (or multiple clubs), stick with it. If you're not, get involved now and see if you can run for an office position.

Good luck.

 

[Alan135]

BS/MD or BS/DO programs are guaranteed undergraduate/medical school agreements that can either be 6, 7 or 8 years. You will always spend 4 years at medical school, but your time in undergrad may vary. This allows a student to not stress as much about applying to medical school, as they are guaranteed a seat in med school as long as they keep/meet certain requirements.

For example, I am enrolled at Nova Southeastern's 7 year medical program. I will go to undergrad for 3 years, and must keep a 3.3 GPA and get a 26 on my MCAT with no subsection less than 7. Other schools have other requirements, and some schools don't even make you take the MCAT.



Finding a physician to shadow may be tricky. I volunteered in a local hospital's ER for a while, and then finally grew the b*lls to go up to one of the attendings and ask if I could personally shadow him. I am currently shadowing a plastic surgeon (family friend). You can always just cold call private practice offices and ask to shadow the doctor there. You'll probably get a lot of "no" responses, but keep trying.



This is something I can't really give specific tips on. Adcoms like to see leadership because it shows (or suggests) commitment in a club or activity. If you are already part of a club or group, stick with it, and run for office if you can. In my school, the norm is that seniors run every club and elect rising seniors for the next year. I was elected president of my debate team, as well as other various (non-presidential) leadership positions for two other clubs. If you're in a club (or multiple clubs), stick with it. If you're not, get involved now and see if you can run for an office position.

Good luck.

😵 The general practitioner's daughter went to Nova Southeastern! lol he wrote the program down for me to look it up, Nova Southeastern University 3 plus 4 program in medicine, was what he wrote.

Hmm weird haha, that seems like a good idea though since those requirements seem easy enough to keep. I actually live in Fort Myers so I'm quite close to there.

This brings another question, how should I go about looking for colleges?
Apparently state schools are looked down upon for some reason, I like the idea of it since especially with the IB, I could get quite a nice scholarship. And I don't know what college may have the best premed opportunities and so on.

Nova Southeastern seems nice but it brings up the realization, hey what if I have the ability to get into some amazing medical school, I wouldn't want to be stuck in NSU if I could go to some prestigious school.

 

[RunningStudent]

Depends on the school. Also remember that private schools may actually be cheaper because they can offer more scholarship-type money (don't know exact terms). Find a quality school you like and can afford. As it has been said before 🙂bang🙂, your GPA, MCAT, and EC's matter more than what school you go to. It may make a slight difference, but nothing to base your decision off of.

 

[deleted393595]

Well, I'm basically just looking for tips on what I should try to do while I'm still in highschool just to heighten my chances of succeeding in my college courses and eventually doing well on the MCAT.

I feel like I should be doing something extra, to get myself prepared, haha I'm just trying to find something that I should be doing right NOW, for some reason I feel the need to begin this journey earlier than I need to.

Like I said, I'm just looking for tips on how to find the right college/what to study or focus on and etc.

thanks lol, I probably should have wrote a definite question in the OP, probably would have gotten at least 1 more reply!

Take AP classes, shadow doctors and volunteer in hospitals.

Try to enjoy HS and get the most out of it. Looking back, I wish that I had taken things a lot easier and enjoyed it more.

 

[Alan135]

Take AP classes, shadow doctors and volunteer in hospitals.

Try to enjoy HS and get the most out of it. Looking back, I wish that I had taken things a lot easier and enjoyed it more.

Got any advice on finding doctors to shadow?

 

[RunningStudent]

Got any advice on finding doctors to shadow?

Try your own physician. They may know someone you can shadow.

 

[deleted357625]

Got any advice on finding doctors to shadow?

or cold call physician offices asking or even ask the volunteer department at a hospital if they allow shadowing opportunities.

 

[quiltlady]

A high school student is unlikely to get a volunteer position in a hospital or clinic, but you probably could get exposure to sick people by volunteering at a nursing home. Another possibility is counselor at day camp for sick or disabled children. This could turn into a long-term volunteer gig which looks good when you apply to med school.
You get leadership experience by doing something well enough that you end up leading it. This could be your garage band or string quartet, your sports team, or whatever. At high school in my town you can create any club you want, if you get some faculty sponsor. That shows initiative and leadership, and gets your picture in the yearbook.
Going to your state university in no way prevents you from getting into med school. It is prudent to go to a college which offers you money to attend or which gives you credit for IB or AP exams.
Go get involved with life in HS, just don't drink or do drugs because an arrest will follow you for a long time.

 

[HH Holmes]

😵 The general practitioner's daughter went to Nova Southeastern! lol he wrote the program down for me to look it up, Nova Southeastern University 3 plus 4 program in medicine, was what he wrote.

Nova Southeastern seems nice but it brings up the realization, hey what if I have the ability to get into some amazing medical school, I wouldn't want to be stuck in NSU if I could go to some prestigious school.

You are allowed to apply out of the school if you want, but to apply to medical school you must have a degree, so you would have to take an extra year and finish your requirements and apply the summer after your Junior year. I'm not really planning on applying out, but if I rock the MCATs and have a solid GPA, I'd consider it.

A high school student is unlikely to get a volunteer position in a hospital or clinic, but you probably could get exposure to sick people by volunteering at a nursing home. Another possibility is counselor at day camp for sick or disabled children. This could turn into a long-term volunteer gig which looks good when you apply to med school.
You get leadership experience by doing something well enough that you end up leading it. This could be your garage band or string quartet, your sports team, or whatever. At high school in my town you can create any club you want, if you get some faculty sponsor. That shows initiative and leadership, and gets your picture in the yearbook.
Going to your state university in no way prevents you from getting into med school. It is prudent to go to a college which offers you money to attend or which gives you credit for IB or AP exams.
Go get involved with life in HS, just don't drink or do drugs because an arrest will follow you for a long time.

I'm not sure if I agree with the bolded statement at all... A bunch of kids in my school volunteered at multiple hospitals in the area, and a plethora of other students I have talked to have volunteered at hospitals. I don't know where you got this information from, but most students interested in BS/MD or BS/DO have no problem finding some hospital to volunteer at.

 

[AntiHouseMD]

Most hospitals allow high school students to volunteer. Every hospital website I've looked at includes teenage volunteers.