I am 21 years old and I have been interested in medical since the start of this school year. I am very proficient in general chemistry as well as biology. I grasp the concepts of physics well. I plan to transfer to UC Berkeley in the Fall of 2008 to obtain a degree in Legal Studies. I have not started any premedical coursework yet. I also work two jobs (Monday thru Saturday) and go to school full time, three days a week at a junior college. What do you think my best route would be to enter medical school as far as my undergrad schedule goes? Biology and Chemistry next semester and summer? Should I quit one of my jobs. I work at a gym Saturday mornings and at an elementary school Monday through Friday. I still live at home but am financially independent to a certain degree. Thank you for your help and support.
2007-10-20 18:35:08 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
I have a 4.0 GPA.
2007-10-20 18:41:18 · update #1
Just keep on doing well in you classes.
http://www.pre-med.info
2007-10-20 18:48:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wondering why legal studies...anyway, if you are setting up for the MD - some of the undergrad work can be really intensive. You'll want to pour yourself into it as there is so much to digest. Plus, the better your grades and mcats are, the more choice you will have. Legal studies or whatever your undegrad degree is, make sure you are steeped in competency in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Zoology, Physics. I would move away from the elementary school work if you are an assistant or whatever, and see if you can work on par from an income standpoint in some sort of medical facility. Also, you'll get a feel for your loads, as start to set your schedule. Don't be afraid to take loans and live lean - Sounds like you conserved some cash with the jc. Student Loans come with the territory if you're a doc. My suggestion would be to make that not only a #1 priority, but an obsession, and own it. If you can do that, work full time, run the NYC marathon, date 6 people and keep them all happy at the same time, more power to you. Just realize what your ultimate goal is and stay true to that. Good luck!
2007-10-20 19:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you have already picked out UCB, contact their academic counselors for the medical school. You can make an appointment with them and they will give you more than you can imagine about how to prepare for medical school. Your community college should have a transfer counselor for Berkeley (all CA colleges do.) Talk to them as well.
From what I have heard from the medicine majors in my science classes, you need top grades, lots of extra-curricular activities (or work,) chemistry and biology. Your legal studies won't hurt, either. Some physicians are also attorneys as well. Keeping a busy schedule will be helpful. The first semester of medical school is your "shake-down cruise." There are a huge number of classes you have to take, so you won't be able to work that semester, but may be able to go back to work after that. That first semester is a test of your ability to perform as a physician. They often have to work 48-hour shifts, so the shake down cruise is an important time to prove yourself.
UCDavis is another good choice if you live nearer to it.
2007-10-20 19:05:43 · answer #3 · answered by Jeanne B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to verify that any science courses taken in a community college will transfer into a majors program at the university, otherwise, you'll have to repeat the course.
The only thing as important as your GPA is your medical related volunteering or work. If you can maintain your GPA, more power to you. Personally, I wouldn't risk losing a percentage point in GPA for an income right now.
I wouldn't recommend taking summer courses in chemistry. The condensed nature of summer courses isn't going to benefit you in the long run. Now, biology is another story. Biology is necessary for the MCAT, but virtually worthless as far as med school goes.
2007-10-21 02:16:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am also 14 and want to be in the medical field. Here are some medical schools in Tennessee. East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine Johnson City, TN Meharry Medical College School of Medicine Nashville, TN University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Memphis, TN Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Nashville, TN
2016-05-23 23:28:02 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you have a very good chance to get into Med school. I want to go to Med school too. However, I think you should start your premedical coursework because by the time you will become a doctor you will at least be 30 if not more. You have a very good GPA.
2007-10-20 18:44:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
That's all sounds good but without a high GPA you won't get into medical school.
2007-10-20 18:40:02 · answer #7 · answered by tanzer360 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋