Want to be medical doctor (PhD)?

Question

I'm taking all the classes, but I want to know all the other steps I need to take in order to get into medical school.

going into my second of four years of college.

such as: working at a hospital as a student (how does this work)

or: Is having a music minor (voice) help me stand out.

I don't have any relatives in the field, I was hoping someone on here may have some experience.

Answer 1

I'm no doctor (never had the acumen for math), but I have some friends and relatives in the field.  They all say that the biggest thing for med school is the test that you have to take (MSAT or MCAT, I think it's called.  Something like that).  Apparently, it's a test that covers the pre-med science info, with a particular emphasis on organic chemistry.  Organic chem, according to my cousin, is the class that makes most people switch majors.  It's supposed to be really difficult.

My advice:  see if you can audit organic chemistry (audit means that you take the class, but you don't get a grade or credit for it).  This way, when you take it for credit, you'll be going through it for a second time and it will all make much more sense, helping you to get a good score on the test.

Answer 2

First of all, you are not going for a Ph.D., which you don't get in medical school.  You are going for an M.D.

Basically, you need outstanding grades and MCAT scores.  They are not really looking for well-rounded doctors, the way colleges look for well-rounded students.  Do as well as you possibly can in college, and in your senior year, take the MCAT, then apply to various medical schools.  If you have a pre-med office at your school, you might take additional suggestions from them.