How to Prepare for Pre Med School
October 22, 2019
The journey to becoming a doctor is long, but it’s never too early to start. There are several things you can do in high school to prepare for a pre-med program. Pre-med programs are competitive and challenging, so adopting healthy study habits today will help you excel in community college in Alabama.
If you want to improve the health and lives of others, working in the medical field is a rewarding career option. Below are some ways to help you prepare for pre-med school.
Take AP Classes in High School
To get on the pre-med track, enroll in challenging classes in high school. This will help prepare you for the work that goes into college courses. Most high schools offer AP classes, so focus on those in science and math.
If your high school does not offer these courses, your college won’t penalize you for not taking them. However, most pre-med programs like to see honors courses on student transcripts. Not only do advanced classes give you a solid foundation for pre-med school, but also they’ll begin preparing you for the MCATs.
Build Relevant Experience
Take every opportunity to get relevant, hands-on experience in the medical field. This type of experience prepares you for demanding working conditions, plus shows online colleges in Alabama that you’re passionate about medicine. Here are some examples of things you can do.
- Volunteer at a hospital or nursing home
- Attend summer camp for math or science
- Participate in science clubs and math competitions
- Apply for an internship for students interested in medicine
- Create a health-related project
Attend a High School Medical Internship
Look for a high school medical program that will give you exposure to the world of medicine. Most of these programs offer hands-on lab training, including examining MRIs, CTs and X-rays. You may also have the opportunity to do research. Some summer medical programs charge a fee to attend, some are paid for and some pay you. On weekends during the school year, consider shadowing a doctor or volunteering at a hospital.
Seek Leadership Opportunities
Doctors work in high-pressure situations where they must make quick decisions. This comes more naturally to some, but there is no substitute to gaining problem-solving experience. To acquire these essential skills, seek leadership opportunities within your extracurricular activities. Or, make yourself stand out by starting a fundraiser or new club on campus.
By preparing for pre-med school, you’ll be ready to start a pre-med program at a community college like Lurleen B. Wallace. We prepare students to become doctors by offering courses in biology, chemistry, physics and more. To learn more about enrolling in our pre-med program, contact us today.
