Are You Interested In Medical School?
Saturday, October 31st, 2009The study of medicine is an extremely prestigious and important field. Many children dream of being doctors while they are growing up because they like the idea of being able to help people feel better. As you grow older, you realize all the hard work (and high cost) medical school actually is. The few who can weather the competition in their biology classes during undergraduate studies and survive the medical school application process have proven themselves ready for the grueling eight years of medical study.
Medical school is definitely not for the faint hearted. It is much more than learning what types of medical supplies you need for each type of injury. Depending on what specialty you decide to pursue, you can expect long hours during and after medical school, trying to function with a limited amount of sleep, and needing to remember volumes worth of knowledge. It is a challenge but if you are passionate about medicine and medical equipment in addition to helping people lead longer, healthier lives, then medical school is the place for you!
The application for medical school actually starts long before you are even eligible to study medicine. You need to make sure you spend all four years of college focused. Do not slack off in your academics, even in your non-science courses; you need to have a strong academic record if you want a chance at a top medical school!
Volunteer work and lab experience are the next important factors. Try to volunteer at a hospital or a health clinic. The first benefit of working in a hospital early on is that you have a first hand account of the lives and practices of full time hospital staff. It allows you the chance to not only interact with patients and learn how to read EKG machines, it also affords you the opportunity to talk to different doctors and learn about their medical school experiences.
If you have a strong academic record and can demonstrate your interest in medicine by volunteering at a health clinic, then you are 75% there. The last two important factors are MCAT scores and recommendation letters. As long as you work hard, you will earn yourself a spot in the next year’s medical school class!
