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What are the steps of becoming a Medical Doctor after High School?

Steps into becoming a doctor?

  • Hello! I'm a 15 y/o female. I think I've officially decided that I wanted to become a doctor. I think that becoming a family care doctor is what will interest me most, but I got enough time to decide what exactly I want to specialize in. I'm currently at a technical high school, majoring in law. Now, I used to want to be a lawyer. But I decided that when I was 13 years old. I didn't know better. Now, I've realized that that's not what I have a passion for. I have a passion for health, science, hygiene, and helping people. My dad is mad that I'm changing my mind. In fact, he says I'm not allowed to. I went to him the other day mentioning that I might not want to be in the criminal justice field, and he completely flipped! So I'm pretty much going to have to wait until I turn 18 (or maybe even sooner since I'm graduating early) to go completely 180 on him on my career choice. I understand where he's coming from, and I really do feel bad because the technical high school I go to is competitive, so him and I, along with many other people...put all our time, money, and effort for me to go there...and it all is pretty much for nothing. I'm glad that I go to my high school because I got a fresh start from middle school, met new people, and got to experience a whole new world. If I would have went to my zoned school, I think I wouldn't be where am I now...I probably would care less about grades and worry more about being social. OK, sorry about my ranting sob story... hahah But back to what I came here for... I had a 4.0 unweighted (4.2272 weighted) GPA my freshman year of high school. My sophomore, I slacked off the first semester. I'm probably going to end up with 4 B's and 4 A's. 2 of my B's are college classes (English Comp and Humanities) and the other B is from my elective class (Acting - performing arts credit). I mgith My 5 A's consist of my 2 honors classes (English and World History), my 2 other college classes (Psych and Micro Apps), and my "major" class Criminal Justice (I go to a technical/magnet high school, and I'm in the law cluster... I should of signed up for medical, darn). My GPA for my first semester will probably be 3.625 unweighted (tsk tsk, I know) 4.25 weighted. This second semester starts tomorrow, so I'll definitely be on the road to getting straight A's again...there's no doubt about that. I'll be taking Criminal Justice, Acting, American History Honors, Algebra 2 Honors, Critical Thinking and Study Skills (prepping for my SATs this upcoming summer), Intro to Sociology (college), Humanities (college), and Survey of Drama (college). Also, I'm going to be graduating high school with my AA degree (traditional 4-yrs) in June 2013. With my AA degree, I know that one of public universities in my state HAS to accept me. Within my AA degree, 5 of my classes involves science (maybe it'll end up being 6). My top college picks are [in order UF, UCF, and FSU...if I don't get into one of those, then I'll go to whatever school left picks me] (clearly I live in Florida, hahah). Now the major will probably be in some type of science (I love science) or engineering (something else that I genuinely find interesting, and I should of majored in instead of law at my high school...hahah). So, based on what I've told you... What are the next steps I need to take to become a doctor? I'm just looking for some outside advice. Thanks in advance. <3

  • Answer:

    What you want to specialize in isn't an important step right now. Your grades from HS are only important towards what college you get into for your undergrad years, then they aren't worth much. Sorry to be harsh. Your main job now (since you're only in hs) is to figure out what you're interested in. This is the time to pick up a new sport, instrument, find a foreign language you're interested in, etc. You NEED to be well rounded to get into medical school. This means that there has to be more to you than grades. Anyways, you'll be taking the same steps as everyone else. The first step is attending a four year college. Major (and possibly minor) in something you actually like. If you don't get into medical school, you'll def want a back up plan. Don't choose your major(s)/minor(s) to impress a medical school. Also, find something that really interests you to volunteer for. Like, what makes you want to take action? What do you want to change? Also, doing more things outside of classes (besides volunteer work) is important as well. You will need to join clubs, have hobbies, etc. The more unique you are the better. Your grades also need to be extremely high. A 3.5 is the lowest, but honestly that's extremely low. A 3.7 is what I consider to be the minimum. I know you said that you have a high GPA now, but that doesn't mean you'll have one in college. Not trying to scare you, but It's important that you know it's *a lot* harder. Just telling you this so you don't go in expecting good grades without hard work, like some people. After your four years of undergrad, you'll go to medical school. A lot people choose to take a year long break in between, and this is the time students usually take the MCAT and apply to med school. After med school, you'll have your residency. The length of this depends on your specialty. It can be from 2-7 years.

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1. your grades are fine. 2. you should consider getting an agent there are some movie companies who do work on florida. you might get a part in something, and it usually takes only a few weeks for your part of a movie. (get parents approval first) 3. if you were valedictorian, or salutatorian in some states you get free tuition at some state colleges for some of the years of a four year degree. you will be at least 2 years ahead with your AA (when you get your high school diploma). 4. ACT or SAT need to be taken so you can see how high you score. sometimes you can get scholarships for that. even the military has the ASVAB. and sometimes the military will train you in certain areas and give you money for college, while in the military (90%), and afterward (75%), with limits. at the very least the ASVAB helps if you want to do ROTC while in college, even if you do not end up serving. there are also military academies, that you might could attend (congressman recommended,etc) to become an officer and get a degree at the same time. 5. if you are not going military, you need to get your four year degree before you have any chance of starting or becoming a lawyer or doctor. you need the basic degree first. best of luck.

eawoodall

kiddo, with your GPA, if you do well on the ACT or SAT you can do what ever you wish. the fact you are in High School and doing so well is impressive. Your dad probably isn't mad about you changing your mind, fact is most kids change their mind. No one at 15 really knows "what they will be when they grow up.." Don't worry about it. Seriously if you want to be a doctor, and can get the grades and ACT score, you can go to the college of your choice.. med school is 4 years beyond undergrad, and you would have internships, and residencies after that. 10 - 12 years total of college. in your senior year of college you would have to take the MCAT test to determine ability and aptitude toward med school. or LSAT for law school. You could do both. Next step you ask.. @ 15 finish High School with a High GPA, prepare for and take the ACT, several times if necessary, shoot for a 28 or above.

GKW

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