Just wondering if there are pre-med students, medical students, and doctors on Nairaland that wouldn't mind discussing courses, application process, and things to expects when it comes to studying the medical field. It would be great because it could help people answer questions, while explaining things to others. So any questions. . .or anyone willing to participate would be highly appreciated.

In the title it says for those in the U.S., which would be preferable, but anyone is welcome.

P.S. I am not an expert, just a pre-med myself.

Premed student here but going to be a sophomore in college though I know a tremendous amount of information about applying.

devilmaycy:

Premed student here but going to be a sophomore in college though I know a tremendous amount of information about applying.

Really, I'm about to be a sophomore in college as well. I think I have a question now.

Have you started studying for the MCATs yet, because I know someone that wants to start studying for the LSATs now as well. Is it like the SATs where you need to practice and early on?

a.

Hey, thanks for your answer.

Okay, that makes me a little worried. I never took Physics in high school, and won't be taking physics until junior year. Do you plan on taking orgo and physics concurrently?

a

Your major requires 21 courses Are you double or triple majoring? Or is it just a really hard major?

a

I think I posted that around 2:00AM or 3:00AM east coast time lol.

That is a lot of course requirements. . .hmm, I have to check out the requirements of my major lol. I guess I will be doing that soon, the only thing I know is that it requires 8 or 10 classes in that course. I'm majoring in a biology. . .pretty much. But I was thinking of adding a minor or double majoring, but someone said I better plan on being in college for 5 years to do that. Which I cannot add another year to like 10+ years of schooling.

How do you plan on doing both courses at the same time? I took a math and science course together freshman year and I was dying. . .like it was seriously nothing like the AP classes that are supposed to prepare you for college.

as

Oh wow, you had it tough. My school requires 4 classes, but you need to take 5 classes for at least 2 semesters to graduate on time. For my semesters I had:

Semester I

Accelerated Chem (I and II)
Calc (I and II)
Psychology class
Writing Class

Semester II

Microbiology
Biological Anthropology class
Philosophy Seminar
Women's Studies Class

So I guess I had it pretty easy freshman year. Though I will have to step some things up. But I already know what I plan on doing. I think I'm also going to try and get a research job during the school year. . . .and join and really participate in those pre-med things. Whatever, just glad that I finished freshman year because it was definitely a learning experience lol.

Wait you completed chemistry and calculus in one semester- that is really difficult- why did you do that? I also plan to do research. Infact I am going to meet with my professor next semester. I was planning to volunteer at a hospital but it did not work out. I would probably try next semester. Why did you post at 3am- did you just wake up and head to your computer?

I went to NY with my family and came back really late/early the next morning lol. Chem and calc. . .yep, had many a sleepless night. . .and overnights at the library lol.

I don't know, I might have to start doing multiple science classes in a semester. But hopefully if I get my study skills back, it will work out for the best.

I also need to start talking to my professors, that was something I started all too late, and they can't help you as much towards the end. I was actually even thinking of getting in contact with the Dean of the Medical School, maybe if I start talking to her now, I will have a better chance? I have spoken to her before, but I never really made it a habit.

Oh I was actually going to meet my professor so that I can discuss about the possibilities of doing research with her. Doing research with a professor can be very useful since the professor you do research with can write you a recommendation letter. I have not done much premed stuff because I am very busy but I have tried to be involved in lots of other activities. I have no plans of doing much next semester since I plan to run a club and also be involved in other activities. I would just do research for the next two years. The most important extracurricular activities are research, volunteering and shadowing. I would start on research next semester and probably start clinical volunteering in January.

Yeah, but I need to boost my activities. Hopefully that will give me a better leg up. I guess I will ask my bio teacher next semester if I can do research with her. But I don't know, it's not that high up of a bio class. It's about AIDS and other Emerging Diseases, so I'm not quite sure if she's really involved in the research with that in particular. Would you recommend doing research every year with the same professor then? Because that would seem like a good idea. . .even though that professor in particular would not be involved in my major?

So I was cleaning my room, and found some notes I had taken for this pre-med student lecture thing. . .thought it would be helpful for anyone looking at this thread.

What does it take to be a successful applicant?
[list]
[li]Demonstrated ability in the sciences[/li]
[li]Intellectual curiosity and focus[/li]
[li]Evidence of altruism and significant service[/li]
[li]Knowledge of the profession and motivation[/li]
[li]Sense of integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.[/li]
[/list]

They also gave the academic performance of students from my school that were accepted into medical school. . .

Mean GPA: 3.53
Mean Science GPA: 3.39

Mean MCAT scores:
[list]
[li]Verbal: 10.6[/li]
[li]Physical Science: 11.3[/li]
[li]Biological Science: 11.2[/li]
[li]Writing Sample: Q[/li]
[/list]

Course Requirements:
[list]
[li]2 semesters of English[/li]
[li]4 Semesters of Chemistry with lab[/li]
[li]2 semesters of Physics with lab[/li]
[li]2 semesters minimum of biology with lab[/li]
[/list]

Hi,

West Coast University is offering admission for prospective students into professional courses.
You can check for more information on the school’s website at: www.westcoastuniversitynigeria-edu.org

All the best.

a

Don't worry, it's cool. I actually should be getting ready as well. School starts in like two weeks!!! LOL

Well I just called about a paid research job. . .hopefully I get it.

How have you been preparing for school?

a

Oh I get it. . .yeah I need to buy my textbooks as well but for some reason, the lists haven't been put out yet.

Any more premeds here??