Becoming a doctor in today’s world requires a great deal of hard work. Even being admitted to medical school can be a difficult task. Competition is fierce, and those seeking careers as medical doctors are among the most intelligent and skilled individuals in our society. Knowing how to succeed and putting yourself in position to do so is half the battle. Below are some helpful tips to put you on the right track toward a future in medical school and a career in the medical field.

Required Undergraduate Coursework

Most medical schools require undergraduate coursework that encompasses several different subjects. Typically, you will be required to complete a calculus course, two biology courses with labs, two general chemistry courses with labs, two physics courses with labs, two organic chemistry courses with labs, and a microbiology course with a lab. Not by coincidence, these courses are among the most difficult you will encounter in your undergraduate studies, and are often thought to be “weed out courses,” separating those who truly want to pursue careers in medicine from those who do not. Your performance in these courses is what is reviewed most seriously by medical school admissions councils, and it is important to do as well as you can in each of these courses.

The Remainder of Your Undergraduate Studies

A common mistake made by undergraduate students with aspirations of attending medical school is that it is absolutely necessary to major in chemistry, biology, microbiology, or a related field. If your undergraduate institution offers a Pre-Medicine major, it is wise to choose this major to enhance your ability to succeed in medical school. However, if your undergraduate institution does not offer such a major, it is completely up to you to choose a course of study. Today more than ever, graduate schools, including medical schools, are placing increased significance on diversity, leading to them accepting more students with differing majors and minors. So, if you have an interest in music, then major in music. Or, if you would like to learn how to manage money and invest, then major in finance. Your choice of major cannot hurt you when applying to medical school, so long as you have good grades.

The Importance of Research and Other Extracurricular Activities

Your undergraduate GPA and MCAT score will be the primary factors influencing medical school admissions committees, but extracurricular activities provide an outlet to separate yourself from others with good grades and a competitive MCAT score. Most medical schools take a holistic approach to admitting students and look at your entire undergraduate resume, including what you did outside of the classroom. One activity you should work to become involved in as early as possible in your undergraduate experience is research. Seek out experience in research at your institution’s medical school, if it has one, or instead in a chemistry, biology, or microbiology laboratory. You can find such opportunities by communicating with professors, reading listings in classroom buildings, and visiting your institution’s website in the appropriate department. Also, never underestimate the value of a leadership role on your campus.

Get To Know Your Professors

Of course, the majority of the time you have not spent in class will be used to study, but it can be extremely beneficial for you to develop relationships with each of your professors. They will more than likely be glad that you are seeking them out for tutoring, guidance, or simply to talk about coursework and professional applications. More importantly, strong relationships with professors can translate into valuable letters of recommendation for medical school applications as well as potentially important professional networking opportunities.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to medicine.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to medicine. https://careers-lsi.icims.com/jobs/intro?hashed=0

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to medicine.

Category: Education
Keywords: Medicine, Medical School Education