Do I need to prepare for med. school now? ?

Question

I'm 17 years old and I'm possibly doing some doctor shadowing and what not next semester. My question is, would it be a good idea to start studying now for medical school? I've got an Anatomy and Physiology book. Should I e-mail the pre-medical councilor of my undergraduate school and talk to him/her?

I also requested information on the medical school I want to attend. It came with the business card of a woman who advises prospective students. Should I e-mail her and ask for a list of text books to (possibly) read in advance?

Answer 1

No studying you can do now is going to help, you won't be more competitive or prepared by taking anat and phys, and honestly reading the text books in advance is kinda weird, and futile. They will have new books by the time you get there, and most of the first year books are different from school to school anyways. Mostly biochem and anat/phys stuff the first year anyhow. Get into research, that's important for your resume.Do community service, etc. Shadowing is good. No need to study for medical school, they want you to learn it there not before hand. Take your MCAT in the spring of your Junior year, start studying in December for it, at least 300 hours of studying would be good.