What does 'pre-med' mean in the context of college?

Hey everyone! Lately, I've been seeing the term 'pre-med' thrown around a lot, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. Can someone please explain what being a pre-med student entails and how I can pursue it in college?

Hello! Pre-med is short for "pre-medical" and refers to a path that undergraduate students follow to prepare for medical school. Being a pre-med student typically means you're focusing on fulfilling the prerequisites for medical school, maintaining a competitive GPA, and engaging in extracurriculars that align with your aspirations to become a physician.

Pre-med is not a specific major, but rather an academic track or advising program that you can follow regardless of your undergraduate major. Certain majors, such as biology or chemistry, more easily accommodate the required coursework for medical schools, but you can major in anything as long as you fulfill the pre-med requirements as well.

Medical schools generally require that pre-med students complete classes in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes biochemistry or calculus. These courses are designed to provide a strong foundation for future medical studies.

To pursue a pre-med path in college, here are a few steps to consider:

1. Choose a major: Major in a subject you're genuinely interested in and passionate about. While natural sciences may align more directly with pre-med requirements, majoring in something unconventional can help you stand out in the medical school admissions process, and give you a more interdisciplinary understanding of key medical concepts. Just be aware that, if you choose a major that doesn't overlap much with the pre-med track, you'll need to be highly organized to make sure you get all your courses done.

2. Plan your coursework: Work with an academic advisor to map out a four-year plan that includes the necessary prerequisites for medical school. Ensure you have a balance between your major requirements, pre-med courses, and any elective or general education classes.

3. Gain relevant experience: Participate in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication to medicine. Consider finding clinical experiences, such as volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a physician, or working as a medical assistant. Engaging in research projects or community service can also bolster your application for medical school.

4. Build a strong academic profile: Maintain a competitive GPA and perform well in your required science courses. Medical schools place weight on strong academic performance when considering applications.

5. Prepare for the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized examination required for entry into medical school. Begin studying for the MCAT early and devise an effective study plan. You'll likely take the MCAT the summer after your junior year or early in your senior year, but you could also take it later on - many students take a gap year or two before starting medical school, sometimes in part to study for the MCAT.

6. Seek guidance: Connect with pre-med advisors and resources available at your college. They can provide valuable insight and assistance in navigating the medical school application process.

Remember, there is no single path to medical school. While a pre-med guide can help you understand the general requirements, it's crucial to tailor your college experience to your unique interests and goals.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to start pursuing your passion for medicine while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of medical summer programs for high schoolers: https://blog.collegevine.com/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/. Participating in one could even give you a boost during the college process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and exploring your interests outside of the classroom!

Good luck!