Exploring the pre-med track

Hi everyone! I'm thinking about pursuing a pre-med track in college, but I'm not exactly sure what it entails. Can someone break down what courses and requirements I should be aware of? Also, would being on the pre-med track make it harder to balance extracurriculars and a social life? Any advice is appreciated!

Hello! Pursuing a pre-med track in college is an exciting and challenging journey! Let me give you a general overview of what you can expect in terms of coursework and time management.

1. Required courses: While each college might have slightly different requirements, a typical pre-med track will involve courses in general and organic chemistry, biology, physics, and biochemistry. Additionally, you'll have to take related lab courses and fulfill math requirements, usually including calculus and/or statistics. Many pre-med students also take courses in psychology and sociology, as these subjects are part of the MCAT exam.

Note that there is no required major for pre-med students. While many pre-med students choose to major in something like biology or chemistry, given the overlap with their pre-med requirements, you can major in anything so long as you also complete the pre-med coursework. Do note that you'll need to be highly organized to get everything done if you major in a totally separate field, but on the flip side, having an unconventional major can give you a more interdisciplinary understanding of medicine, which can in turn help you stand out during the competitive med school admissions process.

2. Completing prerequisites: To apply to medical school, you'll need to complete certain prerequisite courses, which are usually the same as the ones required by your pre-med track. However, always double-check the specific requirements for the medical schools you plan to apply to.

3. MCAT preparation: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that assesses your problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. You'll most likely need to set aside additional time during your junior or senior year for MCAT preparation, which may include self-studying, taking a prep course, or using a tutor.

4. Time management and extracurriculars: Balancing a pre-med track with extracurriculars and a social life can be challenging due to the demanding coursework. However, proper time management and prioritization are crucial. Many pre-med students participate in research, volunteering, and clinical experiences relevant to their future medical careers, while still finding ways to engage in other interests and maintain a social life.

5. Additional considerations: It's important to maintain a strong GPA throughout your pre-med journey. Medical schools often have high expectations for academic performance, so aim to excel in your coursework. At the same time, don't forget to explore different areas of medicine to help you determine your long-term goals and interests within the field.

In conclusion, being on the pre-med track requires dedication, strong time management skills, and a genuine interest in medicine. It's definitely possible to find a balance between your academic workload, extracurriculars, and social life, but it will require some extra planning and effort.

If you'd like to learn more about being pre-med, while also directly exploring your passion for medicine even while still in high school, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of medical internships and summer programs for high school students: https://blog.collegevine.com/medical-internships-for-high-school-students/

Many of these programs will allow you to network with medical educators or professionals, or even current pre-med or medical students. Participating in one could even give you a boost during the undergraduate admissions process, as admissions officers love to see that you're taking initiative and pursuing your interests outside the classroom!

Good luck with your pre-med journey!