What does a pre-med track involve?

Hey, I'm considering pursuing the pre-med track when I go to college. What courses and experiences should I expect if I choose this path? Does anyone have some advice to share?

Hey there! I'm glad to see you considering a pre-med track. The pre-med track typically involves completing a set of required courses, gaining clinical experience, participating in extracurricular activities, and preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

1. Required courses: Pre-med students generally need to complete coursework in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, mathematics (often calculus and statistics), and sometimes psychology and sociology. These courses provide the foundation for the MCAT and future medical school coursework. While some colleges have a pre-med major, most students choose their own major (e.g., biology, chemistry, psychology) and take the required pre-med courses alongside their major and general education requirements.

2. Clinical experience: Gaining exposure to healthcare settings and patient interactions is vital for pre-med students. This can be achieved through volunteering at hospitals or clinics, shadowing physicians, or working as a scribe, medical assistant, emergency medical technician (EMT), or certified nursing assistant (CNA). These experiences help you build a deeper understanding of the medical profession, confirm your passion for medicine, and demonstrate your commitment to medical schools.

3. Extracurricular activities: Engaging in activities beyond coursework and clinical experience can strengthen your application for medical school. This might involve joining pre-med or healthcare-related clubs, participating in research, leading community service projects, or showcasing your non-medical interests through various campus clubs, sports, or the arts. Medical schools look for well-rounded candidates who exhibit leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

4. MCAT preparation: The MCAT is a challenging standardized test that is required for most medical school applications. It assesses your knowledge of the required pre-med courses as well as your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Although the timeline may vary, many pre-med students begin studying for the MCAT during their junior year of college and take the test during the summer before their senior year. It is essential to dedicate ample time to preparing for the MCAT—investing in prep books, attending prep courses, or using online resources—since a strong score is crucial for medical school admissions.

As you navigate the pre-med track, don't forget to seek out academic and pre-health advising resources available at your college, network with peers and professionals in the field, and most importantly, maintain a balance between your academic work and personal life. Pursuing medicine is a long and challenging journey, but keeping these key components in mind will set you on the right path. Best of luck!