<p>Went to UVA then Emory for med school....practice GI in Alabama. As discussed major/study what you like....do well in the sciences. MCAT is important. Same approach with choosing the school....go where you'll be happiest. Try to ignore stats re: med school acceptance.</p>
<p>For what it's worth I'm not convinced shadowing docs,etc. gives much insight into whether one will enjoy practicing medicine. Anyone can enjoy the daily routine....but are they up for the commitment...especially the time? Sounds old fashioned but can be quite tough on a woman who wants a family life. Cangel can comment.</p>
<p>Other advantages that LAC students have in med-school (and other programs) placement are their close relationships with their professors and strong graduate school advising departments. </p>
<p>Because classes are small and mostly taught by professors, the instructors really get to know the kids. Its easy, then, to connect with professors whove been personally involved with the students academic work and who can write compelling firsthand recommendations. The schools also have structured and accessible programs to help students understand what they need to do to get into graduate programs and to walk them through the process.</p>
<p>I dont doubt that kids at larger universities can also find supportive professors and help with grad school applications, but they may need to be more aggressive in seeking out assistance than they would at an LAC. I know from my personal experience as an introverted undergraduate at a mega-university that I barely spoke to a professor in four years. That wouldnt happen at my sons LAC.</p>
<p>A good half of my sons friends are planning on going to medical school. They are majoring in disciplines as diverse as geology, philosophy, astronomy, art history, but they are confident that when the time comes to apply their professors and college as a whole will be there for them and will shepherd them through the process.</p>