Hey guys!
I’m 15 years old and a junior in high school as of right now, and I’ve been looking into some accelerated BS/MD or BA/MD programs. Some of them have MCAT score prerequisites, and I just wanted to know if it would do me any good to submit an MCAT score?
By the time I’m applying and even get into college, I’d be 16, which kind of sets me back a little. I’m not really sure, so if someone can let me know if it would hurt or promote my chances at admission, that would be great!
Thanks 
Absolutely DO NOT do that!
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No. Just no.
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Ridiculously absurd notion to even think about the MCAT before junior year of college, if you need it. If you’re serious about getting into a combined program, you should concentrate on high grades. Take AP’s that you can of these: sciences, English, math, Psych, and any others that you like. Do shadowing, work on an ambulance, volunteer in anything patient related. Get great letters, get a high SAT or ACT score. Have a coherent story that makes them realize that you have always been hell-bent on medicine, won’t flake out. If you can get involved in doing some scientific research at your local college, that would be good, too.
There are BS/MD programs that require a certain minimum MCAT score before proceeding into the MD portion of the program. Perhaps the OP was confused about that and thought it was a prereq before college. No, just no.
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It has nothing to do with combined degree program entry. Do not take. This is only for undergraduates who have taken college level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Calculus, Psychology, Sociology, Genetics, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physiology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Anatomy, Medical Ethics, etc.
Now I know you’re smart and perhaps you’ve taken these courses already, but that would be highly unusual. Besides, once you’ve taken these courses, you’ll want to study and review them for 6 months or so before actually taking the test.
Relax. Do community service, volunteer, and enjoy your high school years. You’ll need your energy and enthusiasm later.
Also, there is a limited number of times you can take the test, and all scores are reported to medical schools. You won’t want to waste one now.
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Oh my god, alright thank you guys so much!
I’m sensing that the answer is a resounding no, which is great because I would have definitely started studying this summer lol.
Just for a little context, I am planning on leaving high school with around 10 APs, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics 1 maybe 2, Calculus AB, Statistics, Psychology, English Language, and some other ones that still show my interest in non-STEM related areas. I’m planning on neuroscience/psychiatry, by the way. GPA’s around a 4.2/4.3, which should go up with this next grading period.
I just had one more question: would medicine-related shadowing online be any good? Just because of rising cases with Omicron in my area I’m a little apprehensive, and I don’t want it to hinder my ability to get relevant experience.
Any interest would be good. Just make sure you do some volunteering with the underserved as well. Research if you can find something.
Also take foreign language, arts in high school.
Great, good to know! And this volunteering/shadowing is recommended around the summer before senior year?
Also, I have taken AP Spanish Language and Culture. I got a 5 too! I kind of stopped over there because AP Spanish Literature didn’t fit into my schedule this year. Should I pick it back up next year, or is it unnecessary? I love the language and the teacher, but it’s a lot of course load that I maybe could focus instead on classes like Psych or something? I’m not sure.
Unnecessary for admissions. Only take if you have a burning desire to study Spanish Lit.
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Okay, thank you so much! That’s actually so funny btw. I think I’ll smother the flame of this ‘burning desire’ and instead focus on my test scores, as recommended. Hopefully, I’ll be back in about a year with good news! Thanks again!
Google:
Doogie Howser, M.D. (a TV series which ran from 1989-1993).
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Yes, do community service, clinical exposure, shadowing, research over the summer.
This generation is likely more familiar with Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.
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I was about to say that! But yes, she is the goal.
I’M KIDDING
Great! And is it necessary to do research at a local university? I guess my options based on location would be CWRU or some other NE Ohio college.
Anything, it may be hard because of covid
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You’re 15, that’s way too young to be thinking about medical school. I discourage BS/MD programs for that reason. Only a small fraction of college freshmen who want to be doctors actually decide medical school. College is a maturation process, and students find hidden passions as they take classes in college.
Take a deep breath! There’s no rush to graduate early. Seriously…enjoy your teenage years. Injure yourself on a skateboard…something! Give yourself time to grow-up. There is a world of difference between 15 and 18 years old.
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Thank you so much! This was deeply reassuring.
Medicine is something I’ve wanted to do since I was 8, but I always wonder what doors I may be blocking for myself under the guise of this ‘lifelong passion’. I do still want to take a little advantage of the fact that I skipped two grades in grade school to try and start earning as quickly as possible, but I don’t really know.
Who knows, maybe I find out that I like business or something along the way! Then I could set up my own private practice…
I’m getting carried away. Just wanted to say thank you for the helpful comment!
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