UNSOM K-12 Recruitment & Outreach: FAQ
What should I major in when I get to college?
There is no major that is better than another. You should pick a discipline degree - such as biology or English - not a 'pre-med' degree. If you like science, choose a science major. If you have other interests choose one of those subjects as your major.
What if I don't like my science classes?
Science classes are just one way we learn about science, but it isn't always the way science is actually done in laboratories or doctor's offices. Call up one of the universities and find out if you can tour a lab and talk to a scientist. Ask you doctor how he or she uses science during the day. Take advantage of programs at the School of Medicine to learn more about science. Learn more about our Summer of Discovery and High School Medical Scholars Programs.
What is the MCAT?
This is the Medical College Aptitude Test and it is an entrance exam for medical school. The test has three subject areas, Verbal, Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences and one writing section. Scores range from 0 - 15. Don't worry about this until your junior year of college.
How important is my GPA in high school?
Medical schools only consider your academic work in college. How important is my college GPA? Very important. Medical school admission is competitive. The higher GPA you have, the more competitive you are as an applicant. You need to get As and Bs in college, mostly As to be successful in applying to medical school.
Should I take the time to volunteer in a health care facility?
Yes. This is very important. The more clinical experience you have, the more you can be sure medical school is the right decision for you. Admissions committees don't just want students to say they want to be a doctor. Committee members want to see that students have had experience and taken the time to work with patients.
Medicine is very interesting, but medical school is too long.
Four years of college, followed by four years of medical school and at least three years of paid residency training in a medical specialty is a long commitment. Those years will go by anyway - do you want to spend them working toward something important to you? And as you get close to your goal, everything you are learning you will use as doctor - no more time spent in "wasted" classes. It makes the time go by very quickly.
I'm not sure I'm smart enough to be doctor?
Doctors need to be intelligent, and, just as important, they need to be good listeners and care about people and be willing to work hard. Don't let one poor grade in a course discourage you. No medical student has perfect grades all the time.
I don't see a lot of doctors who look like me.
Growing communities in Nevada, such as minority groups, and rural areas need more doctors and better access to health care. The best way to make this happen is for more students from these communities to choose medicine as a career.
