Pre-Med

When you tell someone you want to be a doctor, the path ahead might seem straightforward:major in biology, go to college, spend your weekends in a research lab, and volunteer at a hospital.

That’s what most pre-med students do, right?

But here’s the truth: if you want to stand out as a future medical school applicant, you may need to rethink that plan. Following the crowd rarely leads to distinction. Success in medicine isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about making intentional, personal choices that reflect your interests, strengths, and genuine motivations.

Pre-Med Isn’t a Major

Let’s clear something up right away: “pre-med” isn’t a major. It’s a set of courses and a goal, not a field of study.

Many successful medical school applicants major in something completely unexpected—Spanish, philosophy, drama, even music. They still complete the core science prerequisites (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.), but they stand out because their major reflects who they are and what they love.

Here’s the bonus: when you study something you enjoy, you’re far more likely to earn higher grades—and GPA matters much more than whether your major sounds “medical.”

Stop Trying to Be the “Ideal” Pre-Med

This idea is hard for many students to accept. It’s tempting to believe that majoring in biology at a well-known university gives you an edge. But admissions committees aren’t impressed by sameness.

If your résumé looks like everyone else’s—same major, same volunteer work, same “I’ve always wanted to help people” essay—you’ll blend into the crowd.

On the other hand, imagine a student who majors in political science, spends summers working with underserved communities, and researches public health policy. That applicant will stand out no matter where they go to college.

What to Look for in a College

Forget prestige for a moment and ask better questions:

• Does the college offer strong pre-health advising?

• Are there systems to help students find research and shadowing opportunities?

• Are intro science classes massive and graded on a curve, or smaller and more supportive?

• Will you have real relationships with professors who can later write recommendation letters?

A liberal arts college might not have a huge hospital nearby, but it may offer smaller classes and closer faculty mentorship. A large university might provide more clinical access, but you’ll need to be proactive. Neither path is “better”—it depends on your learning style, personality, and goals.

That’s why fit matters more than fame.

Building a Foundation in High School

Even before college, you can start laying the groundwork:

• Cultivate curiosity. Explore topics that genuinely interest you.

• Develop people skills. Communication, empathy, and leadership are key traits for future physicians.

• Seek experiences—not checkboxes. Shadow doctors or volunteer in health-related settings only if you’re truly interested in seeing what the world of medicine is like.

It’s not about doing what you “should.” It’s about finding what fuels your motivation to care for others.

Once You’re in College: Play the Long Game

Too many students sprint into college as if there’s a ticking clock. They overload their schedules, join every club, and assume they must apply to med school by the end of junior year.

Take a breath.

It’s perfectly fine—wise, even—to take your time. Many students apply after senior year or take a gap year to study for the MCAT, gain more experience, or simply mature. A calmer, more confident applicant often makes a stronger impression than one rushing to meet an arbitrary timeline.

The Takeaway: Write Your Own Script

The most successful pre-meds aren’t the ones who do everything “right.” They’re the ones who chart their own course with purpose and authenticity.

They don’t just check off boxes—they pursue opportunities that make sense for them. They can talk about their experiences with real insight, not rehearsed answers.

They’re not perfect. They’re genuine.

So as you plan your college path and your journey toward medicine, don’t try to be the ideal pre-med student. Be the most authentic, curious, and committed version of yourself.

That’s the future doctor medical schools will want to meet.

If you need assistance in the college application process, let's talk!