Okay, so let me begin this post by first off stating that I will be attending UC Merced in the fall as a freshman majoring in Chemistry and (like everyone else on this forum), my goal is to get into med school. This is a goal that I will achieve; however, I would like some structured advice to help me to guarantee the success of this goal. Throughout my high highschool career, all restraints on my past academic success are derived from simple ignorance, a curse that I do not want to be haunted by again. With that said, I am asking for you guys to help me build a plan. A structure containing everything that I should, and need to do that will guarantee me acceptance into an extraordinary med school. Obviously the obvious is perfect grades, but from what I hear, grades alone do not get you into the school of your dreams. So what are things that I should participate in throughout my college career.
Research: I know research looks good but can one participate in research at the university while still an undergrad? I have found I few openings at my school but all required a PhD. If so, how do I take advantage of said opportunity? Do I simply go to all my professors and ask? How early can you begin research?
Clubs: Are clubs as important to getting into med school as it was back when applying for college? If so does the type of club matter? Like does participation in a competitive club like archery or boxing look better than a more chill club?
Community service: same thing with the question with clubs, is community service hours from random activities a factor for medical schools? Do hours (if not from research) even matter? (unless from like volunteer work in hospitals).
Job: Does having a job in college make any difference for med school applicants like it did in high school? I would think no, that med school is too prestigious to look at a small part time job as a factor, but then again you never know so I figure to ask.
Shadowing: Does shadowing a doctor look good? If so, how do I get involved in that?
Fraternity: Does going a frat look good? Does a professional pre-med frat look better than joining a regular frat? I would assume so right?
Anything I am missing? Look, I need help with the perfect plan that will get me into a med school like Stanford and such. I do not want to hear (don't overload your schedule, don't burn yourself out), I was lazy in high school and made mistakes that prevented me from getting in colleges that I feel like I belonged in towards the end of my high school career and I will NOT repeat my mistakes. I want to know everything I can do and how I can do it and I guarantee, I will do it because I will get into the med school of my dreams, no doubt there.
Any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thank you
Research: I know research looks good but can one participate in research at the university while still an undergrad? I have found I few openings at my school but all required a PhD. If so, how do I take advantage of said opportunity? Do I simply go to all my professors and ask? How early can you begin research?
Clubs: Are clubs as important to getting into med school as it was back when applying for college? If so does the type of club matter? Like does participation in a competitive club like archery or boxing look better than a more chill club?
Community service: same thing with the question with clubs, is community service hours from random activities a factor for medical schools? Do hours (if not from research) even matter? (unless from like volunteer work in hospitals).
Job: Does having a job in college make any difference for med school applicants like it did in high school? I would think no, that med school is too prestigious to look at a small part time job as a factor, but then again you never know so I figure to ask.
Shadowing: Does shadowing a doctor look good? If so, how do I get involved in that?
Fraternity: Does going a frat look good? Does a professional pre-med frat look better than joining a regular frat? I would assume so right?
Anything I am missing? Look, I need help with the perfect plan that will get me into a med school like Stanford and such. I do not want to hear (don't overload your schedule, don't burn yourself out), I was lazy in high school and made mistakes that prevented me from getting in colleges that I feel like I belonged in towards the end of my high school career and I will NOT repeat my mistakes. I want to know everything I can do and how I can do it and I guarantee, I will do it because I will get into the med school of my dreams, no doubt there.
Any help would be hugely appreciated.
Thank you
