<p>I am a 10th grader. I want to do an Accelerated MD in a Top-Tier programs like Brown, St Louis Washington Univ, NW, Baylor or BU. After looking around I came to the conclusion that GPA, Teacher Recommendation, SAT, ECs & Doctor Shadowing alone does not get it done. So started to think about the following. </p>
<ul>
<li>Study Abroad</li>
<li>Research</li>
</ul>
<p>Net searching showed none for high school students. </p>
<p>What are my available options Or any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you all in advance.</p>
<p>It’s quite unusual for high school students to do research. There are quite a few people here on CC who have done it, but CC students tend to be quite above average in a variety of ways. Most high school students don’t do research beyond the science fair.</p>
<p>I’m a bit baffled at how you came to the conclusion that the regular elements of a college application don’t “get it done.” Most people who are admitted to direct accelerated MD programs don’t have either research experience or study abroad experience. However, if you want these:</p>
<p>Research: if you live nearby a university, look up professors at the medical school or in one of the biomedical science departments and see who’s doing interesting stuff. Then ask them if they would be willing to take on a high school student volunteer. Most of them will probably say no, since HS students are unlikely to be of much help around the lab (You don’t know anything yet). But you may come across someone who does tell you yes. If you live nearby a hospital, many hospitals have research departments, so you can find out if they take volunteers there.</p>
<p>Study abroad: There are many exchange programs for high school students that lets them spend their sophomore or junior year of HS abroad. Search around the Internet. But I’m not really sure how a study abroad experience would make you more competitive for these programs, unless it was a health-related one.</p>
<p>Honestly, the best way to get into these programs is to get top grades, really high SAT scores, volunteer at a hospital in a capacity that allows you to work with a doctor, and get strong recommendations, plus write a strong personal statement describing why you want to be a doctor.</p>
<p>Thank you for the response. Appreciate that. I will look into those directions.</p>
<p>City of Hope in Duarte, CA accepts HS students for summer research gigs.</p>
<p>Yes, such programs are few, but they do exist.</p>