Joining Pre-Med This Fall: Need Advice

[liontraveler25]

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Ok so a preface, I know I haven't even physically gone to college yet, but I need to roughly plan out what I'm gonna do these next four years. I completely messed up high school with very subpar grades and EC's and even though my SAT scores were good I couldn't get into any of my top choices. Hence, I'm going to a state school. This whole high school thing really opened my eyes and I feel even more motivated to apply to the grad schools of the places I couldn't get into as an undergrad. But I feel like that requires planning (something I absolutely did not do in high school).

Now that I've gotten the sob story out of the way...what exactly do I do other than getting good grades and MCAT stuff to get into a medical school of Vanderbilt/Emory's caliber? I know that's a hell of a task ahead of me to try and get into the top medical schools but I'm down for it. But I've been reading that applying to medical schools is a lot of weirdness like even people with good scores and EC's were getting rejected for no reason because they don't "stand out."

so I guess the end question here is how do I "stand out" amongst all these other pre-med kids who have hella research and the annoyingly high GPA with a 518 MCAT.

 

[vrazzles]

-High GPA
-High MCAT
-At least 200 hrs of nonclinicial volunteering, focusing on underserved groups
-At least 200 hrs of clinical volunteering
-At least 50 hours of shadowing, with some of it preferably in primary care
-Research is looked upon well by top schools, as is teaching
-Productivity in research is more important than just raw number of hours spent doing it
-You will need strong letters of evaluation from professors and perhaps research mentors

For top schools, it also often helps to stand out in some way in addition to your stats. This can be through service, research, creative ventures, leadership, teaching, entrepreneurship, etc.

 

[LizzyM]

Your first focus should be on building good study habits and good health habits in your first 4 months of college.
If you don't know how to study, seek out campus resources & books on how to succeed in college coursework, establish a study group with like-minded students, take advantage of tutoring, attend faculty member office hours to ask questions and get clarification. Learn to use resources like Anki decks and Kahn Academy videos to review concepts that you are having trouble with and tap into "RateMyProfessor.com" to avoid electives and gen ed classes that will be disappointing or disasterous and to make choices that will be enjoyable or enlightening.

Build good health habits. Stay away from alcohol and drugs including pot, even if it is legal. This is for reasons related to health as well as to avoid getting in trouble on campus (institutional action) or with the police (misdemeanor, etc). Develop a schedule that emphasizes a healthful diet, 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days per week, a regular sleep schedule, and something fun to look forward to each week. Develop a circle of friends who share your values and begin to build a support network. Find healthy ways to deal with stress because stress is a part of everyone's life and you should expect it in your own.

Good luck!

 

[deleted1005514]

What if you don't get into a Vanderbilt/Emory caliber school? Do you still want to be a doctor, even if you have to go to a lower tier state MD or *gasp* a DO school? Don't sell yourself short...work as hard as you can and climb as high as possible; but also don't hang your self-worth on a certain school or tier of school.

 

[liontraveler25]

@pagingdoctormom i absolutely agree with you, i understand that it's important to not tie my self worth to a certain school. but I also want to set goals for myself and aim high so that even if I don't achieve those lofty goals, I'll at least land somewhere in the middle.

 

[liontraveler25]

@vrazzles @LizzyM you guys thank you for the advice!

 

[openstage]

Never to early to find a mentor and join research. Most undergrads wait too late.

 

[Icebird]

Get your study habits on lock first semester; start networking with ECs and research as soon as you feel comfortable and have established strong grades, spring or summer if possible

Keep in mind that ECs are easier to make up than a dip in GPA.

Do research, volunteering, and student orgs in things you are INTERESTED IN; don’t fall for the trap of joining circlejerk pre-med student orgs if they don’t have specific goals and programs that are within your interest.

 

[deleted1040417]

I agree with the post above. A Nobel prize wouldn't excuse your lack of a strong GPA and MCAT. Don't rush into med school. A gap year or two (as much as it sucks) isn't going to be the end of the world if you're true to your desire of being a physician.

One thing I will chip in is to ENJOY THE PROCESS.

 

[deleted1005514]

@pagingdoctormom i absolutely agree with you, i understand that it's important to not tie my self worth to a certain school. but I also want to set goals for myself and aim high so that even if I don't achieve those lofty goals, I'll at least land somewhere in the middle.

Aim high, but one more bit of advice: don't rush the process. Lots of pre-meds get into a hurry because they have their eye on the prize, and they pile a ton of high level classes + shadowing + volunteering + research + ECs all at once, and then they hate their lives, they're super-stressed out and miserable. You're young, med school will be there when you get there...whether that's at 22 or 24 or 30. Take however much time you need to not only to be an impressive candidate, but also give yourself time and experiences to become an impressive person. You'll end up much happier overall. Good luck!

 

[Icebird]

Oh and : HAVE FUN! I turned up and got ratchet any non-exam weekend, college is a special place in your life and enjoy it to the fullest; you need to be able to take a break from studying to maintain your sanity.

Its a marathon, not a sprint; get into a good habit of balancing academics and your own hobbies/stress relief