{"id":390,"date":"2022-03-23T16:32:31","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T00:32:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/benchbytes.com\/?post_type=tutorials&p=390"},"modified":"2023-03-06T19:41:17","modified_gmt":"2023-03-07T03:41:17","slug":"premed-timeline","status":"publish","type":"tutorials","link":"https:\/\/benchbytes.com\/tutorials\/premed-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Pre-Med Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Becoming a doctor is a long and challenging journey that requires years of preparation and hard work. For students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, the pre-med timeline can be particularly daunting. From selecting the right courses to preparing for the MCAT and navigating the medical school application process, there are many steps to take and decisions to make along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this tutorial, we will provide an overview of the pre-med timeline and the steps that aspiring doctors typically take before applying to medical school. We will cover each stage of the process, from the early years of college to medical school graduation and beyond. Whether you are just starting out on your pre-med journey or are already well on your way, this post will provide valuable insights and advice to help you navigate the path ahead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Big Picture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The overall picture to keep in mind is that you have four years (or perhaps five, with a gap year) to get your application as ready as possible for medical school. The last year is typically not included in the application, since you will submit over a year before your intended start date, so that should be factored into your planning. In the beginning, you should focus on figuring out if a career in medicine is right for you. Use your classes, activities, experiences, mentors, etc to really explore and decide. After that, the next two years should be spent building up the components of your application. Traditionally, these components are thought of as (1) good grades and scores (2) research (3) clinical activities and volunteering to show exposure to and interest in medicine (4) a clear interest in something within or beyond medicine that a number of your activities, classes, and experiences relate to (5) evidence of leadership and commitment throughout the above. The last year will be spent on the application process, which starts in May of your junior year (for people going straight through) or May of your senior year (for people taking one gap year).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This hexagon essentially encompasses the significant components of your application that you would want to show strength in. No single application is strong in all of these factors so don't expect that of yourself. Identify things that you want to focus on and excel in. Try to make sure they naturally build towards one clear goal or interest that can align with why you want to go into medicine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Year By Year<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer: There are, of course, deviations to this timeline and many different paths to medicine. Perhaps you take multiple gap years, or perhaps you decide in your last year of college and do a post-bac. Either way, if you've decided medicine is for you, don't be discouraged. However, this specific tutorial focuses on a traditional timeline.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Year One<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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  • Focus on exploring at first. Join clubs and activities that allow exposure to healthcare or other interests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Identify and speak to potential advisors. Discuss course selection and specific experiences or opportunities that exist at your school that may be relevant to your interests within or outside medicine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Attend campus pre-med meetings and make sure you are on email lists to get relevant updates and information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Figure out what you might be interested in studying and what kind of research you may be interested in pursuing. Through your classes, research, and volunteering, start to develop relations with faculty, advisors, and mentors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Seek opportunities to volunteer, shadow a doctor, and, if interested, identify research opportunities on campus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Start taking the required portions of the premed core curriculum at your school, geared for freshmen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Towards the end of the year, line up a plan for the summer, ideally focusing on some combination of volunteering and research. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • During the summer<\/strong>, get involved in medicine-related activities - consider internships, volunteering, research, and leadership opportunities. Take summer courses through a university if desired or necessary. However, we would not recommend this unless you absolutely need to. Otherwise, it is better to spend the time investing in an experience or opportunity that you can meaningfully gain from.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    Year Two<\/span><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n