<p>I started off my year as a pre-med, in both the first semester of Intro Chem and Single-variable Calc here (received an A and B in those, respectively). However, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to continue on the pre-med track at Vandy since it's so competitive and I didn't have my heart set on being a doctor. So, I decided to take a semester off and I am currently enrolled in a broad, liberal arts-type curriculum (econ, poli sci, english, etc.). My question is - how do I jump back into pre-med? I've decided that it's definitely for me but I'm worried given the fact that I'm now behind (especially all the people who start out with Organic, not General chem). I want to graduate in four years and have no idea what to major in - I love econ, but it would be a GPA-killer major on top of a pre-med schedule. </p>
<p>A few questions - do I need another semester of calc? I don't really like the math department here and would probably rather do that over the summer in the Boston area - any suggestions for the best school to take pre-med courses there? It's not imperative to me that I'm on the "typical" pre-med timeline but if I could get accepted to med school while still in undergrad that would be great. Also, what should I be doing outside of classes to boost my resume? I would love if someone could help me generally map the next three years and give me a few suggestions for outside activities. $$$ for tuition for med school is a factor, so if I looked like a "stellar candidate" and could possibly not pay full tuition that would be great!</p>
<p>Disclaimer - I apologize for the poor writing, I'm exhausted & stressed right now.</p>
<p>One consideration-- an econ major will need at least 1, possibly 2 or 3 more calculus courses. If you hate math–probably not a good choice for you.</p>
<p>Only a handful (maybe 6 or so) med schools currently require a second semester of calculus. However most require or strongly recommend “a year of college math.” Since you already have calc 1, consider taking a semester of statistics.</p>
<p>If you want to be able to apply to med schools while you’re still in college, you will need to have ALL of you pre-reqs finished by the spring of your junior year since those topics are covered by the MCAT and the latest you should plan on taking your MCAT is early June if you want to have your score back in time to apply over the summer before your senior year.</p>
<p>You will need to double up on your sciences. Sophomore year–gen bio 1&2, gen chem 2, an upper level English or other writing intensive class and stats. Junior year-- gen physics 1&2, orgo 1&2. All of your science classes must include lab.</p>
<p>You will need to check the med schools you’re specifically interested in. Some schools have additional requirements that include biochemistry and upper level humanities. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, you’ll need to fit in your major requirements in around those. </p>
<p>If you have not done so already, you will need to get involved in medically related activities–shadowing physicians, volunteering at a local hospital or other healthcare agency, community service volunteering. </p>
<p>“Stellar” applicants will also usually have research experience of a year or more. </p>
<p>BTW, funding for medical school is very different than undergrad. There is very little grant aid available, even for “stellar” candidates. Be prepared to borrow.</p>
<p>I went to medschool as a non science major. I had no interest taking two sciences at one time, so I took chemistry and calculus frosh year, biology soph year, physics junior year and orgainic chemestry the summer. The result was that I was able to finish all my requirements in time to take the MCATs, and not have my premed stuff overwhelm my philosophy major. Side benefit, my second term senior year was a time to take whatever struck my fancy.</p>
<p>As far as grants, there are very few medschools in the US. You can get to any career, any specialty from any one of them. Beware of taking out a ton of loans. If you owe the average $150,000 or like 1/4 $250,000 it limits what you can do. If you defer during your residency that number can double. Then you will owe a mortgage before you eat, pay rent, put your kids through school of start to save for retirement. State medschools are really good and save a lot of money. I went to a private medschool, and wished someone had told me there was NO difference.</p>
<p>Activities? Plus minus. The schools really seemed to like my non science major and that helped me separate from all the other hard core premeds. </p>
<p>PS Being doing what I do for a while, and still like comming to work almost every day!
Good Luck</p>