<p>Hey everyone, I just have a few questions about the whole med school process. I'm also open to advice from those of you who are more experienced.</p>
<p>I plan on starting day one of undergrad in pursuit of going to a top med school. The reason im starting to prepare so early is because I look back on what some kids did in HS and I kind of regret not being as motivated. I mean, I did great and all, but some of these kids started reviewing for SAT/ACT their sophomore year when I just took the test twice without preparing one bit. I winged it (still did pretty well). </p>
<p>Anyways:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is there a practice OChem quiz online that I could take? I took an OChem course in HS to try to get an edge on the subject, but I fear it was too easy. I just want to know where I stand and if taking the class was worth it.</p></li>
<li><p>Is it better off just to go to state school? I have a UW 4.0 in HS, but know that is VERY unrealistic for college. I want to get a 3.7/3.8, but everyone I talk to tells me that's impossible at a Vandy/Northwestern type of school. It worries me.</p></li>
<li><p>Is there anything that I could do this summer to start preparing? I already took AP Physics, but could it be worth self-studyin and taking practice MCAT physics sections? Or is that crazy?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I'm actually a lot more relaxed about everything than this post makes it seem. I just want to have a plan to follow from Day 1. Thanks for all your help!</p>
<p>Relax. It’s much, much too soon to start worrying the MCAT.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>No idea where to find OChem practice exams except in locked access university websites. But why are you even worrying about it? You’ll be taking OChem again in 2 years. (And I can guarantee that your HS course is a merest glimpse of what you’ll actually be learning when you take OChem in college.) You can decide if your time was spent in a worthwhile manner then–if you can remember any of it.</p></li>
<li><p>Go where the fit and finances are the best for you. Good students can thrive anywhere–and, yes, there are people at Northwestern/Vanderbilt who do get 3.7-3.8. Just because someone attends a state school doesn’t necessarily mean that his classes will be easier or his GPA higher. (Freshman weeder classes are GPA killers.)</p></li>
<li><p>You have 2 years at minimum before you’re ready to take your MCAT. It’s extremely counter-productive to start studying now.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you want to do something this summer–arrange to do some medical shadowing or volunteering in a hospital or nursing facility. Either of those will much more useful to you later on when you go apply to medical school than reviewing AP physics questions.</p>
<p>Or even better–lighten up some, find a job to earn some cash for college spending $$ or find some fun activity you love and enjoy your summer of freedom before you have to buckle down to the college routine.</p>
<p>Where are you applying to go to undergrad?</p>
<p>Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Penn, Cornell, UVa, Brown, and Notre Dame.
Got into ND today, and I’m also into IU (Indiana University) as my safety. </p>
<p>I don’t know whether I should just go to IU and be cheap for four years, or go to one of the higher end schools. I also know my GPA would be higher at IU, but I simply DON’T want to go there. I want to want to go, but I just DON’T. It kind of sucks, really. Everyone tells me its impossible to get a 3.7/3.8 at any of those other schools without giving up your social life.</p>
<p>Since you don’t seem to llike your financial safety, why don’t you apply to a couple of others. </p>
<p>I can understand your concern about your GPA.</p>
<p>Will you have to borrow any money to pay for those other schools? Will your parents help you pay for med school if you spend less for undergrad?</p>
<p>Yes, my parents have said they will basically give me the funding for 4 years of undergrad at a private college. If I get a scholarship, I can use that money on grad school. The deal is that the money MUST be used on education, and they will see to the fact that it is.</p>
<p>I know I’m very lucky to have parents that are willing to invest so much in my education. They don’t know it, but as soon as I’m older and financially stable (hopefully as a practicing doctor!), I intend to pay them back. They’re the best and I truly appreciate how supportive they are of me.</p>
<p>^^^</p>
<p>We offered a similar deal to our pre-med son. He took the big scholarship at a flagship. He’s got straight As (so far…fingers crossed!). Because he took the big $$, we’ll help pay for med for med school. He’s happy because he’ll have less debt in the end.</p>
<p>^Same deal with my family.</p>