<p>I will be a high school senior next year in high standing. I'm mainly planning on applying to the University of California schools, although I am an out of state resident. I'm still a bit unclear on how the whole med school process works. Here is my understanding of it, so correct me if I'm wrong:</p>
<p>-after graduating from high school, I must complete my undergraduate and major in basically anything relating to science (I'm thinking molecular bio in my case. Is this a good idea?) This should take 4 years.
-After completing my major, I must take the MCAT and apply for admission at a Med School
-Assuming I get admitted, I will complete Med school in about 8 years.
-After getting my MD, I will need to complete my residency which takes another 4 years.</p>
<p>Is this all correct? Please correct any of the incorrect statements listed above. </p>
<p>One more question: What exactly is "pre-med"? Is it a major in itself? or is it a term that refers to whatever you major in before entering med school?</p>
<p>med school is 4 years. you take the mcat before graduation from undergrad(3rd year). and you only have to take the premed curriculum, not major in science</p>
<p>So it takes approx. 8 years total to complete med school and undergrad?! Then why do accelerated med programs like the one at UCSD also grant you an MD after 8 years?
Also, I understand that you don't technically HAVE TO major in anything to get into Med school; however, most people do major in something, right? Also, is it easier to get accepted into med school if you major in something relating to science? I mean, is your major an admissions factor?</p>
<p>One last question: If you complete your pre-med from "College A", are you more likely to get accepted into the Med School at "College A" verses if you complete your pre-med from "College B"? </p>
<p>haha, i know I'm just full of questions. Thanks a lot for your help though.</p>
<p>I'll repeat what I wrote on another thread.</p>
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<p>There is tons of information on not only this site, but the internet in general. A simple "pre-med" Google search will probably lead to a wealth of information. The questions that you are asking have been answered countless times.</p>
<p>You need a bachelor's degree for almost all the medical schools. This means you have to major in something as no college or university is going to let you graduate without some sort of major.</p>
<p>For medical school purposes IN GENERAL, it doesn't matter what you major in, so major in something you'll love. It is not what you would call an "admissions factor" overall. The stats available show that the ratios of majors of matriculants are nearly identical to the ratios of majors of applicants. This is not to say that some medical schools do not have a preference, as several have come out publicly in favor of either science or non-science majors. But in the overall scheme of things it's a very minor consideration, so just go with what you love.</p>
<p>The 8 year combined programs you speak of are not "accelerated" just combined. The 6 and 7 year programs are the accelerated ones.</p>