It is common knowledge that the road to becoming a doctor is long and hard. That said, the more students know, the better equipped they will be when the time comes to apply to medical school.
High school students who feel called to this most noble profession may wonder what, if anything, they can do to start working towards the goal? The short answer is YES!
ONE: ASK yourself why you want to be a physician
- Are you ready for extensive schooling?
- Will you enjoy an intense career?
- Do you want to help people?
- What attributes do you have that will make you a quality physician?
TWO: Understand what being a doctor is and is NOT
- Becoming a physician is a calling, a passion
- It is not a quick/easy way to make money
THREE: CULTIVATE important attributes
- Empathy
- Active listening
- Compassion
- Passion
- Curiosity
- Confidence
- Humility
- Strong work ethic
FOUR: EXPLORE the profession
- Research specific specialties
- Shadow a doctor
- Volunteer in a hospital or other healthcare facility
- Join relevant school clubs
FIVE: Academics
- Challenge yourself
- Take advanced science classes, if available
SIX: STRIVE for excellence
- Work hard at everything you do
- Stand out as a leader
SEVEN: IDENTIFY colleges where you are MOST likely to succeed
- Academically (i.e., high grades)
- 3.5-3.6 PA in Biology Chemistry, Physics, & Math
- A major that interests you and makes you a more well-rounded person
- Professionally (i.e., internship & research opportunities)
- Socially (i.e., where you will find your people and be happy)
- Emotionally (i.e., where you feel safe & supported)
EIGHT: APPLY to college
- Make sure you apply only to schools that are a good fit for you
- Ease of access to internships, mentors, research, and clinical opportunities should be a priority consideration
- Where you go is not important. What you do when you are there is critical.
High school students can take small steps and make strategic efforts towards paving the way to medical school. Investing time and effort in high school will make students more informed and will make them more compelling pre-med college candidates.
For more information how small efforts in high school can pay off when it comes to applying to college or questions about the college application process in general, please contact me at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
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