How does pre-med work?

Hey everyone! I'm a junior thinking about going pre-med in college. Can somebody explain how the whole pre-med process works, like do I major in something specific? What classes should I be looking to take in college?

Hey there! Pre-med is not a specific major, but rather a path you choose to follow in college in preparation for medical school. As a pre-med student, you can major in any subject you're interested in; however, you'll need to fulfill specific course requirements to be eligible for medical school admissions. Though majors like biology and chemistry are common, pre-med students can major in anything from English to Economics, as long as they complete the required coursework and maintain a strong academic performance.

Here's a general outline of the pre-med process:

1. Choose your major: Pick something you're genuinely interested in and passionate about. As long as you complete the required pre-med courses, your major won't affect your medical school application.

2. Pre-med coursework: Medical schools have certain course requirements you'll need to fulfill during your undergrad years. These typically include:

- Two semesters of general biology, with lab

- Two semesters of general chemistry, with lab

- Two semesters of organic chemistry, with lab

- Two semesters of physics, with lab

- Two semesters of English or writing-focused courses

- One to two semesters of calculus or statistics

Some medical schools may also require or recommend additional coursework, such as biochemistry, psychology, or sociology.

3. Build a strong GPA: Your undergraduate GPA is a key component of your medical school application. Aim for a competitive GPA, generally above 3.5, to be a strong candidate.

4. Extracurricular activities and clinical experiences: Participate in activities that demonstrate your passion for medicine, such as volunteering at hospitals, shadowing physicians, or conducting research. It's important to gain clinical experience to show medical schools you're familiar with the profession.

5. Prepare for the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test required for medical school admissions in the United States. Give yourself ample time to prepare and maximize your score, since the MCAT is heavily weighed in admissions decisions.

6. Letters of recommendation: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to your academic abilities and personal qualities, especially in a healthcare context.

7. Medical school application: Lastly, you'll apply to medical schools through a centralized application service like the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) or the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). This involves writing essays, filling out your application with your extracurricular and clinical experiences, and submitting your MCAT scores, GPA, and letters of recommendation.

By navigating through these steps thoughtfully and diligently, you can pursue a successful pre-med path leading to medical school. Good luck!