new to pre-med...and this forum.

[Hannan]

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HEY
I usually frequent the predental forum as I expected to enter dentistry and have been interested in this area for a while...recently I've decided to expose myself to a broader medical field, in particular, I have an interest in neurology. I want to be a neurologist, but I haven't forgotten about a DDS/DMD degree, I just want some input and opinions here...
My GPA currently is about a 3.5 and I have taken chem 1 and 2, bio 1 and 2, english 1 and 2, college algebra, pre calc, and trig, and a variety of core classes and electives that interested me, like psychology, sociology, economics, introduction to business. My question is, do I still have time to realisticlly prove to be a traditional applicant? I will be a junior this upcoming fall at University of Florida. The medical field just looks so much more interesting, promising, and rewarding than dentistry but don't get me wrong, the outlook and life of a dentist is one I also value as well (less malpractice issues, autonomy, etc). Only problem is I see myself more interested in medicine and really making a difference. I know it sounds cheesey, but what else should I be doing at this point in my life to further my chances of making myself a more compettitive applicant? Thanks!

 

[exmike]

your GPA is fine, especially for FL schools (they heavily favor in state). Just do well on your MCAT, and be sure to log insome heavy volunteering work, and maybe some research and shadowing and you should be good to go!

 

[Tezzie]

Hey Hannan!

Your GPA is good enough. If your BCMP GPA is also around 3.5 then you should have no problem.

In order to become a more competitive applicant... Hmmm ...

You will need to shadow a physician of course so you can see things a little bit better. Volunteering at a hospital has become the norm these days so you should do that also. If you can get yourself involved in a research project, that can help too. Other than that you will need some interests - so try to get involved on campus (but outside groups are also great). Don't chose things by what will look good on your application but rather how much fun you will have or what you will get out of it.

If your dream is to become a neurologist then go for it.

 

[ehd327]

I am assuming you are a Florida resident so you have an awesome chance of getting in to U of F or U of Miami. You have plenty of time because most of the pre-dental courses coincide with the pre-med courses.

Academically: Obviously, don't let your GPA drop in your junior and senior years. During your junior year, you should prepare to take the MCAT (if you want to enter med school straight out of undergrad).

Non-academically: IMO, the most important thing to do is really get involved in the field--volunteer, shadow a physician, do clinical research, other activites related to medicine. When you know you can handle the environment and you are happy to be there, then you know that medicine is a good career choice. Your extracurricular, medical related activites will also boost your application.

Good Luck

 

[Amy B]

Hi and welcome to SDN pre-med. You need to study for and take the MCAT really before you can decide if you should skip dentistry and pursue med school. And I agree, one of the main parts to getting accepted to med school is some sort of clinical experiences, either paid or volunteer. If you don't have this then the chances of an acceptance is almost nothing.

I would suggest a free health clinic, or hospice or hospital (not filing office papers, but actual direct patient contact), etc.

It appears you are lacking only 4 main MCAT and med school requirements and that is Organic Chem I and II with labs for both and Physics I and II with labs. Did your chem and bio classes have labs with all of them, because that is also required?

I would suggest taking taking the organic and physics and then taking the MCAT, but also trying to get clinical ECs so you can be ready to apply.

Good luck!!!!!!!