I've heard where you need 4 yrs premed, 4 yrs medical, and 4-6 yrs residency. Are premed and medical schools the same? Can you get all 8 yrs at one college? He's also looking for scholarships. Does anyone have any ideas where would be a good place to start, and is it okay for him to start applying now (he's a sophmore) or should he wait?
2006-08-21 15:03:28 · 5 answers · asked by Racheal D 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
First, there is no 8 year program, although some colleges will have guaranteed acceptance into their med school with a certain GPA. For high school classes he should take : biology (AP if they have it), chemistry, and physics, English, as much math as possible, and in general the hardest schedule he can take.
Then when he gets to college he can be any major as long as he gets the right number of prerequisites. In fact, philosophy majors have the highest acceptance rate into medical school. According to my school (Ursinus College-- where 1/3 of the students are Prue-med) "Students seeking admission to schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry and podiatry should note the following:
A. Two years of chemistry and one year of general physics for science majors are required by all of the above schools.
B. Many schools also require one full year of English and some specify one or two semesters of calculus.
C. Students and their advisers should consult the premedical handbook or one of the premedical advisers for requirements of specific schools."
From what I have seen from my friends, they have to take a lot of biology and chemistry. A liberal arts school is better than a state school because you will receive one-on-one attention and will get to do much more research.
As far as scholarships, the best scholarships are the merit based which are given by private colleges when they accept you. Fastweb.com also has a search engine, but it is very hard to win one of those. You can also check with your local Lions, Rotary, and Church organizations. They tend to give scholarships.
For medical school, composition is tough and he will need to study hard to do well on his MCATs (standardized test for medical school). It is a tough curriculum, but after 4 years you will be a doctor. Then you will have a semi-normal life (paycheck and more sleep) during your residency.
I would encourage your nephew to chase his dreams but be prepared for them to change. It is a tough career, but well worth it.
Good Luck!
2006-08-21 15:35:15 · answer #1 · answered by emp04 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all. Most four year universities have a pre-med program. You cannot get 8 yrs at one college. You have to apply seperatly for medical school. You can't apply to medical school or college as a sophmore. Slow down! Talk to a college advisor at the closest university about the process required to obtain an M.D. As a sophmore your nephew can take the ACT plan which is like an exhibition test for the regular ACT. Remember that a high grade point average and skill in science is necessary to become a doctor!
2006-08-21 15:11:12 · answer #2 · answered by Adam 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are specific courses required for acceptance into medical school, but no specific major is required. The required courses, however, such as calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, tend to drive most applicants into life science majors. There's plenty of information at counselor's offices regarding the specific requirements of each medical school.
The undergrad years and the medical school years are generally not completed at the same university, although it is possible. Most universities do not have medical schools. Premed refers to the undergrad preparation at the university where your nephew is, will be, earning his Bachelor's degree. As a sophmore (in college) your nephew should be fully focused on satisfying the premed requirements. He can start investigating his medical school options after his sophmore year. He also needs to prepare to take the MCAT exam and now is a good time to start exploring that exam's requirements and deadlines.
2006-08-27 00:03:49 · answer #3 · answered by OU812 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
jus needs 2 do a medical degree at university, they last for 5 years. Occassionally if you do not quite meet the standards of that particular university you have the oportunity to do a premed year which consists of the basic biology and chemistry of the standard medical course, once you complete the premed year you go on to the medical degree.
2006-08-21 15:13:44 · answer #4 · answered by Michael W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's At University Not College I Think,
And Your Nephew Should Be Able To Do All His Studies At One University, They Send Them On The Wards Too.
2006-08-25 18:44:02 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋