<p>I'd like advice for getting in to Ivy League or really ANY med school at all. My reason for wanting to go to Harvard is because of the education. Not really fame or presteige, however that is a perk. I want to become a pediatric (or just plain) anesthesiologist. And I know that they have to be PERFECT at their jobs otherwise people die. And since I'm a perfectionist I figured perfect job for me. I also love medicine, find it incredibly facsinating, and want to save lives (especially children) :). Right now I'm studying biochemistry but I'm wondering if I should switch my major to JUST chemistry. Because I can still take the biology classes but they make you take the entry level bio first. Which is fine I love biology, but i'm not exactly interested in the population of rabbits in Australia or algae in a pond. It's cool! but not exactly related to my area of interest. Also, when would be a good time to start worrying about the MCAT? I'm a sophmore in college and haven't given it much thought except to take it end of my junior year of college (or so I was told). What GPA should I be aiming for? Will a 3.5 suffice? I know there is no magic number but is there a general approximate GPA I should be trying for (aside from the obvious 4.0). I know involvement is important. Will studying abroad help? Or is that just not important in the process? I've been reading some posts and many say it's very random. But adivce on what I should be focusing on would be greatly appreciated. I'm actually really really hoping for UW medical school and Harvard is just something to apply for cause I can. But I'd love to get into a prestegious medical school! And I honestly don't care so long as the education is good and I can get to where I want to be. And since anesthesiology is so specific and it's a little bit of a different process than just doctor, are there schools that are more anesthesia related? Or do I just go through the process of med school and then worry about anesthesiology afterwards? Your comments are much appreciated! thank you :)</p>
<p>Maybe take your perfectionism just a little bit further and search for the med school threads on this site. Good luck.</p>
<p>^</p>
<p>Post of the day (for me) but the OP is a ■■■■■.</p>
<p>A 3.5 is nowhere close to what you need for Harvard Med</p>
<p>You should also bear in mind that most people who study at Harvard Medical School do so to undertake further medical research. Only a small number of HMS students actually go on to practice as doctors.</p>