Does it matter where I go to school if I do want to become a neurologist?
My grades aren’t the best at the moment, however I am currently taking 3 AP classes (but that isn’t going too well, 2 C’s and a B+ currently in the first quarter). I wanted to shoot for UC Davis but that seems like a long shot now that I’ve seen my current grades. My freshman grades were 5 A’s and a C+. My sophomore grades were 4 A’s and 2 B’s and well, currently junior year quarter grades are A+, B, B- (Ap class), 3 C’s (language class and 2 AP classes). I also wanted to go to a college that is far away (as in anything above 4 and a half hours) from where I currently live but would like to stay in CA but a nearby state would be fine with me too. I am a member of a few clubs such as Leo club and CSF. I was in my academic decathlon club during my sophomore year but decided not to this year due to AP classes and other clubs. My reasoning for become a neurologist is primarily from when I was an elementary schooler ( and some personal information). I’m not sure how to make of this. Where do I have a chance to be accepted?
It’s about getting into a good med school which requires great grades and test scores in college. The range of colleges is huge from good state schools to privates. Make sure they have respected science / biology programs. You can also research where they send their graduates. Based on your grades, I would start looking at all the UCs and CSUs to determine their student profile. Some will be very competitive, others not so much. Then look into their science programs. See how many actually got accepted to med school and where. you’ll have a better feel after you look at real data.
A neurologist is an MD: four years of college, four years of medical school, three to seven years of residency.
A neuroscientist is a Ph.D.: four years of college and four to six years of graduate school.
Random thoughts:
Although not of zero importance, where you attend college is not at top of factors med schools look at. Most US colleges will provide you with the opportunities and resources you need to produce a competitive med school app. Whether you take advantage of what your school offers is mostly on you. You should consider schools (there will be many) where you think you’ll fit in because if you’re happy you’re more likely to do well academically. Also as med school is crazy expensive and is typically paid for by loans, consider colleges where you can graduate with as little debt as possible
“research where they send their graduates” Ignore success rates as to getting their graduates into med school, these rates are easily manipulated.
“respected science / biology programs:" No. Med schools only require college degree and completion of premed reqs. Premed reqs are for the most part garden variety science courses open to any student who has an interest and satisfied any course prereqs. You can major in anything (eg bio, art history, Spanish, etc) you are interested in as if you’re interested in material you’ll tend to do better GPA wise which is something med schools care, in part, a great deal about… If you’re thinking some schools premed reqs will better prepare you for med school/MCAT, no.
It’s about getting into a good med school, no.
As most premeds change their minds and of those that apply 60% fail to start anywhere, getting one acceptance is quite the feat. All US med schools are good schools and can serve as pathway to take you neurology or wherever should you change your mind.
Discuss with parents how much they can afford
Do you have SAT/ACT score?
Agreeing with above, it’s a long slog, say goodbye to your 20s.
To become a board-certified neurologist you need a general medicine intern year followed by 3 years of neurology residency. No more, no less. You would only need more than 4 years of post-med school training if you pursue a fellowship to further subspecialize.
I am more concerned to your HS downward spiral of academic stats, it is not a good sign for your College application… I don’t know whether you are slacking or lacking of aptitude in the subject matters. If you cannot do well in HS science you won’t be able to get into UCD as a premed and even if you did, you might not be able to pass their rigorous pre-med weeding process. I know several kids personally from there and it is pretty hard to get high grades in pre-med. One kid could not get a med school worthy GPA and now is in a PT program.
Perhaps you should consider UCR or UCM, at UCR, if you do well, you can be selected into their Early Assurance program where only CA residents and UCR students can apply. UCM normally is being viewed as an easier school than UCD and you may excell there.
I was thinking about UCM for awhile now! I haven’t gone there myself just yet due to living about 3 goes away but I have heard some awful rumors about the school and I’m unsure f I should go. But after looking through all of these comments, I will try my best to look into more schools. It is quite confusing for me, even after I spent time talking about it with my counselor .
I suspect that you do not have the grades for any of the UC’s although your future SAT and AP scores might be helpful. Given your current grades you might want to consider a CC and a transfer to a UC if you can improve your academic skills. What is your current GPA?