Just Getting Started

[msuleprechaun]

I am looking for some general advice on what to do...I am a sophomore just getting into pre-med at MSU, I wasnt sure what to do as of last year so i basically took general university electives (3.24 GPA, but I know I can improve upon that)

I have some catching up to do on science, and I've narrowed down my majors to: Human Biology, Diagnostic Molecular Science, Biochemistry/Molecular Bio, Microbiology.

Over the summer I have been working in a lab at a flour mill testing for various toxins. Any general advice for me with that info?

Thank you!

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[dajimmers]

Hey, I'm entering my senior year at MSU, and applying this year. I'm a Microbiology/Physiology dual-degree student. Micro is good, Biochem is too but it's a very hard major. Sorry, I don't know much about the others. I'd say sample classes that count for multiple (like Micro requires BMB 461), and decide from there.

Research work is good, and you'll want to look into some clinical/volunteer work soon too. You can volunteer at the hospitals (Sparrow, Ingham) through the Service Learning Center (SLC) on campus. I'll warn you it kinda sucks, though, as its mostly work the nurses are too lazy to do. It does open up opportunities for shadowing a doctor too, though, which you'll definately want to do.

There are a variety of health-related organizations and clinics you can volunteer for as well: Red Cross, homeless shelters, Gateway Community Health Clinic, etc. Other activities include study abroad (London and Costa Rica have healthcare programs), more research, and pre-health clubs on campus (Preproffesional Society of AED, pre-AMSA, pre-SOMA, etc.).

Otherwise, just work on the grades, and start thinking about profs you'll want letters of rec from. Obviously someone at your lab will work, but you'll need science and humanities professors as well.

Message me if you want more info. Good luck!

 

[PrincetonRocks]

Undergrad is a time for you to really explore yourself and your options. Here were some of the recommendations given to me by older friends and siblings:

(1) I do recommend that you settle on a major starting next year (junior year). I also recommend a science major since it helps a lot for the MCAT and med school. I designed my own major and had lots of flexibility with that.

(2)Getting involved in undergrad research is awesome! Med school ad coms love students who have strong analytical skills.

(3)Volunteer also! Med school is a big decision and most committee members want to see that you're throroughly exposed to the field.

(4)Actually spend time and study for the MCAT. Good SAT scores sometimes do not translate to good MCAT scores. I actually studied 6 months prior to my MCAT...went on a regular 4-6 hour a day regimen.

(5)You need to get your GPA up. I heard that a competitive applicant requires at least a 3.7.

Best of luck...i will private you my email if you have anymore questions.

 

[deuist]

Here are the steps that you need to take:

1) Continue doing research
2) Start volunteering
3) Find some way to get medical experience (shadowing, EMT, nursing assistant, etc...)
4) Get your grades up
5) Visit the pre-med office and start talking to professors

 

[deuist]

I heard that a competitive applicant requires at least a 3.7.

Nah, you only need a 3.5. A GPA like the one that you're describing is only needed if you want to apply to the top tier.

Also, read the Not So Short Introduction if you need any other pointers.

 

[msuleprechaun]

Is a B.S. in Microbiology marketable if med school doesnt work out?