OU Medicine Flashcards
What courses are important for me to take to attend a pre-medical program?
It is important to do well in all of your core classes. It is also recommended that you continue taking a math and science class through your senior year. However, other classes matter too. Consider taking foreign language classes, elective classes that engage you creatively, and activities that encourage you to build relationships with others.
To attend medical school, do I have to take all Advanced Placement courses for my math and science credits?
No. While math and science are both important subjects, they are not the only ones that matter, and AP classes in general are not required to get into a pre-medical program.
Will my research projects and science projects in middle and high school help prepare me for a pre-medical program?
Yes. Working on research projects helps you think critically and develop skills needed for pre-medical programs.
Can speaking another language help me in the medical field?
Yes. Learning a different language can help you communicate with patients, as well as helping you learn about other cultures.
Can other activities like art, music, or sports help me get into a pre-medical program?
Yes. Extracurricular activities are helpful because they show you have interests outside of schoolwork. Plus, having other interests can help your application stand out.
Do my grades in high school affect my chances of being accepted into a college or university that will help prepare me for a pre-medical program?
Yes. Your grades in high school matter because the topics and ideas you learn will contribute to your college courses. Doing well in high school will help you do well in college, which better prepares you for medical school.
Will volunteering in the medical field (nursing homes, hospitals, doctor’s offices, etc.) before and during college help me prepare for medical school?
Absolutely! Volunteering in the medical field demonstrates that you are passionate about taking care of others. It also gives you good learning experiences and helps you know whether or not you really want to have a career in the medical field.
What if I do volunteer work for projects or organizations that aren’t related to the medical field? Will that help me get into a pre-medical program?
Yes. Volunteering in general shows that you are willing to help others and give back to the community.
Will volunteering regularly with an organization help my chances more than volunteering at a one-time event?
Although all volunteer hours matter and help the community, building relationships with people over a period of time shows dedication and deeper human connection.
Can I participate in summer programs or internships that let me complete hands-on activities with medical staff while I’m still in high school?
Yes. For example, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers the SPARK Summer program for high school sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing a medical career. This is a week-long program and is free to participants. You can find more information about Club Scrubs here: https://tinyurl.com/OUClubscrubs.
Do I have to take a medical college admissions test to attend medical school?
Yes. You will have to take the Medical College Admissions Test, also called the MCAT, before applying to a medical school.
Can I just apply to go to medical school after high school?
No. You have to also take the MCAT and earn a Bachelor’s Degree before you can apply to medical school.
Are my grades and test scores the only things schools take into account when I am applying to a pre-medical program?
No—leadership skills, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and many other things are all taken into account.
Do my reading, writing, and critical-reasoning abilities factor into my admissions?
Yes. These skills help when taking the MCAT. They also help you stand out as a candidate for medical school. Reading, writing, and grammatical skills are very important when considering a career in the medical field.
Is it true that only rich students can afford to go to medical school?
No. Medical school is certainly expensive due to the years you will spend in school—a minimum of four years of undergrad and four years of medical school. However, there are things you can do to bring down the cost, such as applying for FAFSA, exploring options for scholarships, and going to school in-state.
