How to prepare for pre-med track in college?

Hey guys, I'm a junior in high school and I've been thinking about pursuing a pre-med track in college. What should I be focusing on now and during my senior year to prepare? Any advice from current pre-med students or grads would be super helpful in terms of classes, extracurriculars, or anything else I should know!

Before officially starting your pre-med journey in college, there are several things you can do to build a strong foundation in high school. Here’s a list of steps you can follow:

1. Coursework: Make sure you excel in relevant science and math courses. Take advanced courses such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Calculus to demonstrate your ability to handle rigorous coursework. You can also consider taking an anatomy or physiology course if offered by your school.

2. Extracurriculars: Seek out healthcare-related opportunities to gain experience and demonstrate interest in the field. These can include volunteering at a local hospital, shadowing a physician, or participating in medical research. Also, consider joining (or starting) a club related to pre-med or healthcare, such as HOSA.

3. Building soft skills: Develop essential soft skills for a future medical professional, such as communication, teamwork, empathy, and leadership. Engaging in activities that require collaboration can help you develop these skills. Examples include joining the debate team, becoming a tutor, or participating in student government.

4. Summer experiences: Consider summer programs that focus on pre-med or healthcare. These can help you gain valuable insight and experience, while demonstrating a strong commitment to your chosen field. Some well-regarded pre-med programs include the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) on Medicine and the National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Health Care.

5. Pursue your passion: Apart from the above suggestions, don't hesitate to pursue a non-medical passion. This could include engaging in community service, participating in fine arts, or excelling in a sport. Displaying genuine passion and accomplishment outside of medicine can help differentiate you from other prospective pre-med students.

6. Test preparation: Prepare for standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, as a strong score can help you gain admission to a college with a good pre-med program.

7. Research colleges: Start researching colleges with strong pre-med programs and a history of successful pre-med graduates. While many schools provide a solid pre-med curriculum, some have dedicated pre-med advising, early assurance programs, or partnerships with medical schools.

By focusing on these steps during your junior and senior year, you'll be well-prepared to start the pre-med track in college. Keep in mind, once you're in college, maintaining a competitive GPA, participating in relevant extracurriculars, and building relationships with mentors and professors will be crucial in your journey to med school.