What do colleges look for when applying to medical programs?

Question

Currently, I am going to be a junior in high school, but I would just like to know what colleges want when you apply for a medical program. What are the SAT score, GPA,high school courses,and extracurricular activities they are looking for? If it isn't possible to get into a straight medical program, what other alternatives are there?

Answer 1

Colleges do not have "medical programs." If you want to go to medical school in the future, you must first earn a bachelor's degree at a college or university.

After being admitted into a college or university, you must take certain university-level courses in order to qualify to apply for medical school admission. These courses are, at minimum:
One year of BIOLOGY
One year of PHYSICS
One year of ENGLISH
Two years of CHEMISTRY (through Organic Chemistry)

It does not matter what your major is in college, but you should contact your university's pre-medical advisory program to make sure that you make yourself a viable candidate for medical school admission. Pre-medical advisory programs will generally recommend that you do volunteer work in a health-related field (hospital, etc.), and that you take science courses well above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Most students who hope to get into medical school after college major in biology, chemistry, or another science while at university, but many students major in other fields while still completing all required courses in the sciences. They do this in order to distinguish themselves as "out-of-the-ordinary" candidates in the eyes of the medical school admissions committees.

So back to your question.

In order to gain admission to a good university that will assist you in attaining your goal of medical school, you must have a good high school GPA, and excellent SAT scores. You should also have some evidence of consistent involvement (and leadership) in an extracurricular activity. Take the hardest courses your high school offers (AP courses, etc.).

In other words, shoot for the best college you can get into. Aim for a college with a national reputation. And when you get there, speak to the folks in the pre-medical advisory program. They'll help you become a good candidate for medical school.

Answer 2

They look at your grades mainly!! So study hard and good luck!