Undergraduate Plan for Premedical Students
If you’re an undergraduate premedical student interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you may wonder what steps you should take to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. As a pre-med student, there are several things you can do to set yourself up for success. Here are some tips to help you plan your undergraduate studies:
1. Choose the right school
The school you attend can have a big impact on your experience as a pre-med student. When selecting a school, consider factors such as location, cost, degree programs, and campus culture. Some schools have a more competitive atmosphere, while others are more laid-back. Choose a school that aligns with your goals and where you’ll feel comfortable and thrive.
2. Choose a major
While many pre-med students choose to major in the biological sciences, your major doesn’t necessarily matter to most admissions committees. Instead, they’re looking for intelligent, hard-working, and well-rounded students with diverse experiences and skills. Choose a major that you enjoy and that challenges you academically. Admissions committees will evaluate your overall GPA and the rigor of your courses and schedule, so make sure to demonstrate improvement in your later years if you struggle early on.
3. Fulfill required courses
Most medical schools require specific courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, statistics, sociology, psychology, and humanities. Take electives that interest you, such as learning a second language, ethics, death and dying, and sexuality. Don’t be afraid to explore courses outside of your major. It’s possible to major in music or art while still fulfilling the admissions requirements for medical school.
4. Timeline
Plan your schedule to allow yourself to excel academically, explore career options, and have fun during college. Allow yourself time to engage in clinical activities, volunteer, perform research, take the MCAT, and spend time with family and friends. Doing all of this over four years is possible without taking summer courses. Some students extend their education to five years, while others take a gap year. Find the timeline that works best for you.
5. Extracurricular activities
How you spend time outside class is important to admissions committees. Extracurricular activities are a way to let them know more about you and demonstrate skills that aren’t easily assessed by grades or standardized tests. Consider both clinical and nonclinical activities. Use clinical activities to gain medical experience and nonclinical activities to develop leadership skills and showcase your strengths and values.
6. Addressing problems
If you run into academic struggles, don’t wait to get help. Find a tutor, and talk to an advisor about your options if needed. You can audit or retake a course, which will have less of an impact on your GPA. If your GPA is lower than the average admission GPA, consider decreasing your course load or enrolling in a graduate or post-bac program. Admissions committees will look at trends and view grad school or post-bac program improvement favorably.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the pre-med process and prepare yourself for a medical career. Remember to stay focused, work hard, and enjoy the journey!
