Hi! I am a High School Junior and I am interested on getting on the Pre-Med track. I don’t know where to begin my research on understanding which Undergrad programs are the best for students to get into Med School. When I search up “How many students from xyz college get into med school” statistics sometimes don’t pop up.
What should I research on understanding the best college with a pre-med program and what other factors should I consider in an undergrad program if I eventually want to go to med school?
Generally there is no such thing as a premed program. Premed is an intent, hope, dream to be a MD, not a course of study. Although there are premed reqs (eg 1 yr bio, 2 yrs chem, 1 yr physics, etc), one can study anything that may interest them (eg history, religion, math, foreign language, etc), med schools don’t care what you pick. Most students choose bio, perhaps out of interest, but also because one can complete bio major reqs and premed reqs at same time due to course overlap.
There will probably be many colleges that will offer you the resources and opportunities to be a successful premed. Colleges will offer varying degrees of premed advising, but for the most part, being a successful premed will be much more due to your efforts, less about school attended. Consider fit because if you’re happy, you’re more likely to do well. Also consider cost as med school is very expensive and typically paid for by loans, graduating with as little UG debt, if any, should be a consideration. Generally your state flag ship will be least costly. Stop searching for schools that are successful in getting their students into med school as such stats can be misleading. Most importantly enjoy your remaining time in hs.
Getting accepted into med school is all about the student and his/her achievements and not at all about what college he/she attends.
I would offer one other bit of advice–don’t look at colleges with pre-med foremost in your mind. Most freshmen pre-meds (70-75%) never actually get around to applying to medical school. Pick a school you would be happy to attend if med school were off the table. Find a school that fits you–intellectually, socially and financially.
You need a school that’s supportive and collaborative, with lots of resources for students. An honors college at a university orba LAC can be the best envionments for premeds. Look into St Olaf, Earlham, Dickinson, Grinnell, Bates, Skidmore, Hendrix, Muhlenberg, Sewanee, Davidson for instance. Run the NPC.