How to Choose a College as a Pre-Med Student
Pursuing a career in medicine is a dream for many high school students, but the path to becoming a doctor is not an easy one. It starts with choosing the right college to lay the foundation for a successful future. As a pre-med student, you must carefully consider the factors that will help you achieve your goal.
First, here are 5 criteria pre-med students should look for when choosing a college (besides a strong pre-med track and science curriculum).
Research Opportunities: Research experience is highly valued by medical schools and it's a great way for pre-med students to get hands-on experience in the field. Look for colleges that have robust research programs for undergraduate students, both in the sciences and in other areas, and that provide opportunities for students to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge research projects.
Clinical Exposure: Clinical exposure is also crucial for pre-med students, as it provides them with hands-on experience in patient care and allows them to learn from experienced healthcare professionals. Look for colleges that offer clinical experiences, such as volunteering at local hospitals, participating in health fairs, and shadowing healthcare professionals.
Experienced Faculty: The quality of the faculty can make or break a pre-med college experience. Look for colleges that have a reputation for producing successful pre-med graduates and have a faculty with a strong track record of helping students succeed in medical school and beyond.
Preferred Location and Size: The location and size of the college can also impact your pre-med experience. Consider whether you prefer a big, bustling city or a smaller, more intimate community. Some pre-med students prefer larger universities with a variety of resources and opportunities, while others prefer smaller colleges where they can form close relationships with their professors and classmates. There’s no right or wrong answer - it just depends on what type of environment is right for you. If you’re happy you’ll take advantage of everything the college has to offer inside and outside the classroom, which ultimately will help make you a strong pre-med applicant.
Lower Cost: Finally, the cost is an important factor to consider when applying to college for everyone but especially pre-med students. Medical school is still years away and extremely expensive; you don’t want to take on undergraduate debt if you can avoid it. Make sure you understand the financial implications of attending each college on your list and explore all available options for financing your education.
Additionally, below are 5 questions pre-med students should ask while visiting colleges to better evaluate their pre-med programs:
What is the average MCAT score for pre-med students?
Does the college have an affiliation with a local hospital?
What percentage of students are admitted to med school?
Do the pre-med advisors help with the med school selection & application process?
What percent of interested pre-med students will get a committee letter (essentially a letter of recommendation from the pre-health advising team)?
In the end, there are many factors to consider when applying to college as a pre-med student. By focusing on certain criteria and asking key questions, you can make an informed decision and choose the right college to help you achieve your goal of becoming a doctor.