<p>Hi all, I'm currently looking at schools and yes, it's already time to start applying! It's crazy! Time flies... anyway back on subject. I'm interested in doing a pre-med track in college. I'm not going to lie my SATs are just over 1800 (I'm hoping my newest scores will be a bit higher in math), I have a lot of EC's ranging from the arts to athletics, and I'm hoping to graduate salutitorian. I've accepted the fact that I won't be attending any Ivy League schools or anything like that, but I was hoping that some of you would know some schools with good pre-med tracks that will help me later on down the road. A lot of schools are expensive and I get that, but I'm not exactly looking to spend 60k+ on a school that has a bad reputation for pre-med. If you have any school suggestions or any advice from your/someone you know's experience, it would be much appreciated!! Thank you :) -E</p>
<p>Any college can be pre-med, really…What part of the country are you interested in? Big/small school? Urban/Rural?<br>
Big Football team?</p>
<p>@bopper I’m honestly not picky when it comes to schools. As long as it has over 2,000 kids I would be fine! I’m pretty social and I get along with basically everyone I meet. I could do without a football team if I like the school enough. I’ve looked at schools in the middle of nowhere and I’ve looked at schools in NYC, and that probably doesn’t help because I really haven’t narrowed anything down for you. I was just hoping someone would give me a few schools to look at 
I also understand where you are coming from when you say that any college can be pre-med, but I know some may prep you better than others. Thank you so much for your response!</p>
<p>Start by learning more about what becoming a strong med school applicant takes. Read thru the very informative FAQ at <a href=“http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa/15890.asp”>http://www.rhodes.edu/hpa/15890.asp</a> They also have a nice writeup in the PreMed Essentials link on the left side of that page. There is also an excellent online handbook at Amherst I recommend you read to get an understanding of the process and what really matters
One thing to avoid is placing any importance into acceptance numbers. Some schools boast incredible rates, but it boils down to one of two things. Either they start with great students (think Stanford, etc) or the school weeds out students. Look out especially for the “committee letter” which small schools with average students coming in wield like an axe to prevent all but the strongest applicants from applying right out of college; to no surprise, they often boast 80% or better med school “acceptance” numbers for their undergrads.</p>
<p>I always ask kids that say they want to be doctors, why an M.D? Not that I know it is wrong for you, it may be the right fit, but have you actually looked into the medical field and considered the alternatives? From the day you start college it will be 11-15 years before you are a practicing doctor, depending on what field you go into. In other words, think back to 1st grade; all those years since then matches the <em>minimum</em> it will take to become a practicing doc! Its almost a reflex action among HS kids, they think of a career in medicine and its “I’m pre-med!” Doctors are far from the only ones in the health field that help people. Physical therapists, radiology techs, nurses, speech pathologists, to name but just a few. Before you go heavily into debt and commit so many years I suggest you explore the alternatives. </p>
<p>What is your home state?</p>
<p>How much will your parents pay each year? That answer will likely determine where you should apply. </p>
<p>What is your M+CR?</p>
<p>Go to any UG that fits your personality, wide range of interests and your pocket. These 3 are the most important. UG name is not importnat for Med. School as well as you combo of major(S) /minor(s). Dismiss claims otherwise from those who are very proud of their attending of Ivy’s. What is of the most importance for Med. School is what you do at your UG. You will need very high college GPA, decent MCAT, reasonable medical ECs, any ECs in area of your interest while are not must, just show you as a real person,personal growth.<br>
Going to UG on full tuition Merit (or close) and getting GPA close to 4.0 is really the best road to Med. School. Your preparation will solely depend on your personal effort and absolutely NOTHING else.<br>
“some may prep you better than others” - FALSE (based on experience, not theoretically)</p>