Understanding Pre-med? Need Some Help.

Hey everyone. I've been thinking a lot about majors and career paths and pre-med came up pretty frequently. As a junior, I'm quite new to this thing. Can anyone give a proper rundown of what pre-med exactly is, and what kind of preparation I should start for it?

Pre-med is essentially a track that students who intend to go to medical school follow during their undergraduate studies. It's not a specific major, but rather a series of courses that are prerequisites for medical school (think general chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, calculus etc). Therefore, students who plan to go to medical school major in a variety of things, from biology to English to classics; the key is that they take the necessary prerequisite courses and prepare for the MCAT, which is the standardized test for medical school admissions.

To prepare for a pre-med track, a broad and strong background in the sciences is really beneficial. At this stage, you might consider taking AP courses in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics to familiarize yourself with the kind of content you'll be facing and to potentially earn college credit. Work on your study techniques and learning how to be both a self-motivated and an organized student—these skills will help you handle the rigorous courseload of pre-med.

One important factor to consider is getting involved in activities related to healthcare. This could be shadowing a doctor, volunteering at a clinic or hospital, or conducting scientific research. Medical schools like seeing candidates that already have some practical exposure to the healthcare field. You can certainly start this in college, but if there are opportunities in high school, feel free to get started early!

Additionally, medical schools look at your overall GPA, so maintaining strong grades throughout high school and college is an important element of the pre-med pathway.

Finally, medical schools look for well-rounded individuals, not just great students. Involvement in other clubs or activities, leadership experiences, and showing a commitment to your community through service are all valued traits for aspiring doctors. You'll want to have a mix of extracurriculars—a blend of medical and non-medical related—that reflect your interests and commitments.

The pre-med pathway is challenging, but with solid preparation and a clear understanding of what it involves, it's definitely achievable. Best of luck!