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College Admissions Counselors - egelloC

Essential Summer Activities for Future Pre-Med Students That Med Schools Value

How to Prepare for College as a Potential Pre-Med Student: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey future doctors and families! Coach Tony Masha here, bringing you insider tips on navigating the college preparation journey specifically tailored for aspiring pre-med students. Drawing from over 16 years of experience, including my time as a UC Berkeley admissions reader and UCLA outreach director, I’m here to break down what it really means to prepare for a medical career starting from high school.

Understanding the Pre-Med Path in High School

First things first, let's clear up some common misconceptions:

  • Premed is not a major. It’s a collection of prerequisite courses you must complete during undergrad to qualify for medical school.
  • Medical school comes after undergrad. As a high school student, your immediate goal is to get into a strong undergraduate program.
  • When applying to med school later, your undergraduate GPA, MCAT scores (the medical college admission test), and your CV (resume) are what matter most. Today, we'll focus on the high school to undergrad phase.

The Two Pillars of Medical School Preparation: Academics & Activities

When it comes to college admissions for pre-med students, two main factors stand out:

  1. Academics
  2. Extracurricular Activities

Let’s dive into each.

Academics: Balancing Strong Grades with Rigorous Coursework

Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll be in school for many years — four years of undergrad, plus six to eight years of medical school, and potentially more if you specialize.

  • Keep your grades strong: Consistently high grades demonstrate your ability to handle academic challenges.
  • Emphasize academic rigor: Don’t just take easy classes. Admissions officers want to see you challenging yourself.

For pre-med students, focus on two key academic overlays:

  • Mathematics: Aim to complete at least AP Calculus BC. Some competitive students even take multivariable calculus.
  • Biological Sciences: Take AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Environmental Science if available. These courses align closely with medical prerequisites.

Physics is helpful but not essential for pre-med and is more commonly pursued by engineering students.

Activities: Show Your Passion & Commitment

Extracurriculars are just as critical as academics, especially for competitive programs. The goal is to spend 20-30+ hours per week engaged in meaningful activities related to your interests.

Activities fall into two categories:

  1. Major-related activities (focused on medicine, biology, health sciences)
  2. Non-major activities (personal interests outside medicine)

Here are some ideas for major-related activities:

  • Join or start clubs:
  • HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) – very popular for future health professionals.
  • Science Olympiad or Biology Club.
  • Neuroscience or Psychology clubs.
  • Red Cross volunteering.

  • Future Doctors Club – Pro tip: Start a virtual “Future Doctors” club on Discord, invite doctors for monthly guest talks to build community and gain insights.

  • Get hands-on exposure:

  • Hospital volunteering (though roles may be limited, like assisting visitors).
  • Shadow doctors or nurses at local clinics or private practices (smaller offices often have less red tape).
  • First aid certification or junior EMT programs.

  • Volunteer at blood drives or community clinics.

  • Academic enrichment:

  • Attend summer research programs or internships.
  • Participate in science fairs and competitions like Regeneron Science Talent Search or Intel ISEF.
  • Engage in community health projects addressing public health, health equity, or tutoring in science subjects.
  • Create health-related multilingual resources or start a health education blog or podcast.

The key is to find activities that match your interests and strengths. Don’t feel pressured to do something just because it looks good — authenticity matters.

About BS/MD Programs: The Accelerated Route

Some students consider BS/MD programs, which combine undergraduate and medical school into an accelerated 6-7 year track without needing the MCAT.

  • Caveat: These programs are not recommended for most students because you need a strong, genuine reason to pursue this path beyond just finishing faster.
  • Most medical professionals suggest careful consideration before choosing this route.

Final Takeaways

  • Academics: Focus on maintaining strong grades in a rigorous curriculum, especially excelling in calculus and biological sciences.
  • Extracurriculars: Engage deeply in activities that demonstrate your interest and commitment to medicine. It’s about the hours, passion, and consistency.
  • Build your identity: Use your activities to develop your story and direction. This will help your application stand out authentically.

If you’re a high school student or parent starting this journey, remember that preparation is a marathon. Start early, stay consistent, and pursue what genuinely interests you. Questions? Feel free to drop them below!

Good luck, and see you in the next training!

— Coach Tony Masha

Related Resources:

This guide aims to demystify the pre-med college prep process, helping you build a strong foundation for a successful medical career.

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