In High School? Want to be a doctor? 8 Tips for Aspiring Doctors

It is common knowledge that the road to becoming a doctor is long and hard. Whether applying to Early Acceptance Medical Programs, college, or medical school, the most competitive applicants start preparing early.

High school students who feel called to this noble profession may wonder what, exactly, they can do to start working towards their goal?  

Eight Tips for Aspiring Doctors

ONE: ASK yourself why you want to be a physician

• Do you want to help people?
• Are you ready for extensive schooling (like more than 9 years)?
• Will you enjoy an intense career?
• What personal 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 and/or other healthcare facility 
• Join relevant school clubs

FIVE: CHALLENGE yourself in school

• Make good grades in challenging classes
• Take advanced science and math classes (think: bio, chem, physics, math)

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., earn 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
• Consider BS-MD and/or early assurance programs
• 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 or Early Acceptance Medical Programs

• 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 priority considerations 
• If applying to BS-MD programs, make sure the medical school is also the right fit for you
• 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 more compelling pre-med candidates.

Tune in next week to learn about the nuanced world of Early Acceptance Medical Programs. For example:

• What is the difference between Early Assurance & Conditional Early Acceptance or BS-MD & BA-MD?
• What are the pros and cons of Early Acceptance Medical Program? And more.
• How do I know if I am a strong candidate for an Early Acceptance Medical Program?

Tune in in 2 weeks for the most comprehensive list EVER of Early Acceptance Medical Programs.

For more information on how to make high school experiences 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.