Medical School Early Preparation Checklist

Gearing up for medical school is taxing for students because it repeats the entire admissions process. You need to take tests, apply to programs, etc. After finishing your undergraduate study, it’s rough to start the process all over again. Thankfully, you can get a head start during high school and college using our medical school early preparation suggestions below.

Applying to medical schools right after undergraduate studies gets stressful fast. To help get ready for the process, follow these medical school early preparation tips first.

Here’s a quick primer on basic medical school requirements, in case you’re interested in pursuing this career.

Meet With Your Academic Advisor

Seek out advice from officials that are there to help.

Getting ready for medical school is stressful, whether you’re already an undergraduate or still in high school. Common worries include:

• Not knowing what classes you have to take
• Which major is the most beneficial for you
• How to secure volunteer hours with a hospital

If you’re in high school, touch base with your high school counselor. Chances are good that they can connect you with college officials, or perhaps contact local hospitals for specific advice on your behalf.

If you’re in college already, then hit up your academic advisor. Chances are good that your school already has a career center or other on-campus program they can connect you with to provide answers or internship opportunities.

The biggest takeaway here is…don’t be afraid to ask.

Get Involved With Relevant Clubs

Don’t be afraid to get out and meet new people!

College campuses are filled with a variety of extracurriculars, from sports to culture and career clubs. If medical school is your goal, then don’t hesitate to look for medicine and science-oriented clubs to join.

Not only will you gain helpful experience that looks impressive to medical school admission boards, but it also lays the groundwork for potential relationships later on in your career.

Who knows, you may end up becoming a part of a helpful alumni network. Make sure that they don’t interfere with your preexisting class and exam obligations.

Use Summer For Internships And Work

Take advantage of your summer breaks for gaining hands-on experience.

Besides studying during the school year, take advantage of your summer vacation to get practical knowledge. This knowledge can come from any number of sources:

• Medicine-related job
• Volunteering at a clinic or hospital
• Assisting medical research studies
• Shadowing doctors in hospitals

Summer is also a great time to snag an internship or two that provide experience too. Meet with your academic advisor again to see what options are available before a vacation break arrives.

Otherwise, your regular class load during school may hold you back from pursuing these opportunities.

Don’t Overlook Networking

Don’t be afraid to network with other medical students.

If you’re in a medical-related club, and people in it are either medical students or know people who are, then don’t be scared to introduce yourself. Get to know them, share your intentions, and learn what you can from them.

There are plenty of things you can ask from them:

• Advice on the medical school application process
• How to prepare for the MCAT test
• What a daily routine looks like
• How to approach internships

Get the information you need from people who are living that life right then. They’ll have the best perspective you need to approach your own path.

It’s Never Too Early To Attend Conferences

Start researching relevant seminars and conferences.

There are events year-round that cater to the medical community, and chances are good you can attend some of them. These are great opportunities for you to:

• Gain educational experience
• Network with relevant professionals
• Build connections with other students
• Learn about current health trends and research

Before committing to an event, make sure to research the price and other travel considerations first. However, if you can attend any such events in your area, go ahead and take the opportunity to learn and connect with others.

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