Want to become a doctor?

Question

I am 13, 14 in two weeks. I am going into high school next year. I go to one of the best private middle schools in the country. And i am going to go to also one of the best private high schools. I REALLY REALLY want to become a doctor. What shoul i do now to help my future?

*Not trying to brag or anything just giving the info
** And i am not a spoiled rich kid

Answer 1

Good luck!

You need
1. Excellent grades in HS.
2. A 4 year degree, great grades, and while not required, an undergrad degree in Chemistry or Bio or Physics.
3. Graduate from a college of medicine or osteopathy, ( 4 more years)
4.Internship
5. residency.
6. The rest of your life in seminars, conferences, on going training.

I cannot think of many other more educated, ( or respected ) profession

Answer 2

You should ensure that you maintain a well rounded set of courses, and not just focus on the math, and sciences. What is most important is to maintain the highest possible gpa, and doing so with a balanced courseload shows more overall capability, than leaning heavily towards math, and science.

I had asked my dad, who is not only a doctor, but one who graduated with honors, and is one of the most well known, and respected in his specialty about this years ago. He got his bachelors in an arts area, though minored in the science needed for med school. His reasoning was that once you start into med school, all you do is sciences, and should take advantage of the chance to have a more rounded overall education. Additionally by having a stronger background in courses where writing, and critical reading were more of the core skills, it gave him an edge later on in writing for journals, and in his case, wanting to teach, in preparing coursework.

Unless you are intending on specializing in one of the few areas of medicine that are as much science as medicine, your science requirements don't extend beyond basic physics, and a bit more chemistry, but definately only need limited higher math. Learning latin is pretty useful, as are some psychology courses.

Other things that will offer you greatly improved chances for med schools, are to do some volunteer, or community work that brings you into contact with doctors, and offers the chance to learn before even starting med school. If you are lucky enough to know any doctors socially, ask them for advice, and a chance to mentor you. This would of course give you a way to have recommendations, and backing by alumni of a school, which always counts well in your favor.

Answer 3

take as many AP course as you can especially math and science. that would be a good start.

Answer 4

Good for you do all of that.