Classes necessary for general surgeon

Question

i am a sophomore in high school and currently taking bio 2 AP (Advanced Placement) Chemistry, European History AP, English AP, Spanish 2, Algebra 2, then I'm in the orchestra. i plan on becoming a general surgeon. i live in kansas which has a pretty good med school. i just wondering if i am on the right track to my dream and what i need to do my next 2 years.

Answer 1

Your AP credit is a bad idea. Bio AP, Chemistry AP, and English AP, are not accepted by many medical schools. I'm not saying drop it, in fact go ahead and take the courses. When you get to college, decline the credit and retake the classes. Why you ask? Because you'll dominate the classes, having already taken them! This would pad your GPA with delicious A+'s, especially your science GPA (which is what med schools look at). High school isn't important to med schools, they don't look at what you did or what you scored. They only care about your undergraduate life, your college GPA, and your MCAT score. Going to a prestigious university won't help you much, but going to a state school with a big research program will. Med schools love research experience. Just keep up the good work and prepare to get involved with as much as you can in undergraduate. Do medical community service and get a medical job at a clinic. Join clubs, be the president of at least one. Take a non science minor, like history or dance.

Answer 2

Sounds like a very tough course load.  You probably don't need AP english or AP euro history.   The chemistry may depend on what type of doctor you want to become.  No need for spanish.    the math is good.           Remember that surgeons have huge responsibilities to save lives.  It's not all about the money.