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Are you considering taking pre-med in college? Read on to learn how to know if pre-med is right for you.
Pre-med, otherwise known as a pre-medicine track, is a natural choice for those who wish to pursue medical school after their undergraduate degree. Completing the track is the first step towards becoming a medical doctor; however, it does not come easy. To be successful, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication.
If you're wondering if pre-med is right for you, there are some things that you should know before you commit to the program. Read on to learn more!
The end goal for a pre-med student is to get accepted to medical school. As a result, you should always be thinking about the steps you will eventually need to fulfill in order to have a strong application.
This is where you will determine if you can meet the medical school prerequisites. Since a pre-med track is an intensive course load, consider these factors before applying.
Here's a fact that may be surprising to some: pre-med is not a designated major. Most pre-med students choose to major in a science-related program, as it normally consists of the prerequisites you’ll need to apply to medical school.
In fact, 68% of those who have been accepted to and completed medical school have a previous degree in the biological sciences, another health-related field, bioengineering, or psychology.
When it comes to pre-med studies, you can choose any major you would like as long as you fulfill these requirements:
Remember that certain medical schools may have different course requirements, so always check beforehand.
Being a pre-med major means that you will have to take a boatload of math and science courses. Even if math and science come easy to you, and you can master them quickly, these courses will demand a lot of critical thinking and brain power.
In other words, don't think you can skate by and do the bare minimum to get a high grade. If you're not comfortable taking science and math courses or putting in the time and effort they require, consider another program in college.
As we previously mentioned, many of the courses you will take during your pre-med track demand a lot of time and energy. This will result in a heavy course load and a heavier schedule.
To be successful as a pre-med student, you will have to become a master at time management. You must give all of your classes, assignments, projects, and exams the studying time needed to succeed.
When it comes to having a strong application for medical school, you will want to include something that will separate you from others. One of the best ways to do this is to participate in an extracurricular related to science and medicine—such as volunteering in a clinic, completing research or starting a passion project.
As an incoming pre-med student, this will add another layer to your already busy schedule, but it is a tactic you should definitely consider. If you pursue pre-med and are looking for an extracurricular, make sure to choose an activity that you enjoy so it won't feel like work!
When applying to medical school, you will need to include letters of recommendation. This bears a lot of weight when the admissions committee is reviewing your application for medical school. Usually, this will have to come from professors who can vouch for your expertise and potential.
As a result, it's important to start building strong relationships with your professors as soon as possible so that they will be willing to provide you with strong letters of recommendation when it’s time to apply. This should be something to keep in mind as soon as you start your pre-med track.
Pre-med can be tough, but the difficulty level varies based on your coursework and where you study. At any school, the challenge can range from just meeting the basic pre-med requirements to taking more rigorous classes aimed at science majors like chemistry and biology.
For the 2022-2023 cycle, the overall acceptance rate for allopathic medical schools was about 43%. Out of 55,188 applicants, 23,810 were accepted, and 22,713 actually enrolled.
Choosing the right pre-med school is crucial for your future in medicine. To help, we’ve created an interactive quiz. Think about the school setting (urban, suburban, or rural), location, type of college, GPA, and ACT/SAT scores. These factors will shape your college experience and prep for med school. Take the quiz to find the best fit for you.
After learning what you will need to be successful, you may be asking yourself, “Is pre-med worth it?” There's no denying that being a pre-med student is challenging. However, there are many advantages to taking a pre-med track through college tenure.
For starters, completing the program’s curriculum will give you valuable hard skills and knowledge that will prepare you for medical school. However, through enduring the program, you will also gain a variety of soft skills. Here are a few examples of the skills that you can learn:
These skills can benefit you not only in your academic and professional career but also in your everyday life. So, despite the initial challenges of the curriculum, considering everything a student can gain from a pre-med track, one could say that pre-med is worth it.
Here's a straightforward example of a pre-med schedule to help you plan your coursework and get ready for the MCAT.
This breakdown gives an idea of how to budget your time each week.
Based on this example, you have six hours left in the week. This does not account for exam weeks, where you may need more time dedicated to studying, weeks with significant club events, or additional work shifts.
So, is pre-med a challenging major? Absolutely, but it's manageable with good time management and dedication. Balancing your coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal time will be key to succeeding in a pre-med program.
Here’s a list of the essential and recommended courses you’ll need to complete for your pre-med track. These courses will prepare you for the MCAT and meet medical school prerequisites.
Below are three sample schedules to help you plan your pre-med courses effectively.
This schedule is for students planning to enter medical school directly after graduation.
This schedule is for students planning to enter medical school 1–2 years after graduation.
This schedule is for students planning to enter medical school 2+ years after graduation, allowing more time to explore the liberal arts curriculum.
Still wondering how to know if pre-med is right for you? We've listed some answers to frequently asked questions so that you can evaluate whether pre-med is worth it.
Taking a pre-med track can definitely be challenging, but with the proper time management skills and dedication, you can succeed and be well on your way to getting accepted into medical school.
Unfortunately, pre-med students tend to have a high dropout rate. According to a recent study, only 16.5% of college students intending to complete a pre-med track actually fulfill the course requirements by graduation. However, by following the tips outlined in this article, you can be a part of that coveted 16.5%.
Pre-med will require a lot of time, energy, and dedication. You can survive pre-med by staying on top of your course schedule. Be sure to manage your time wisely, put in the effort required by the curriculum, and take study breaks to prevent burnout.
While everyone may have different study habits and needs, all pre-med students spend a significant amount of time studying due to the track’s demanding nature. You can generally expect to study around two to four hours per day (not including any time spent in class). Study time may increase during heavy review periods, like exam preparation.
Pre-med is a wonderful choice for those looking to fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors. It's a route to medical school that will require dedication, sacrifice, and commitment. If pre-med is right for you, the skills you will gain as a result will make it worth it.
Remember to stay organized, devote yourself to your studies, and take breaks to get a good grasp of the material. You've got this!
