We will start with high school:
Make sure your GPA is well above a 3.0 so that you can get into a university hopefully with some scholarship support so that you won`t have to scrap over financial aid. Take the SAT as many times as you need to get at least a 1250. I know folks that get a 900 on their first test, but end up getting a 1300 after taking it a few times. I can almost guarantee you that your score will increase every time you take the test because you will become more familiar with the format of the test. To prepare for the SAT make sure to read lots of books (for leisure) and study one of those SAT prep books made by either Kaplan or Princeton Review.
When applying to college, don`t get overly anxious about which school has the bestpre-med program because it is often not the school, but what you put into it that will get you into medical school.
While in high school I definitely advise everyone to take as many AP and dual enrollment classes as possible. Dual enrollment is best because you get the college credit automatically without having to take that crazy test at the end of the school year. The more of these classes you take andpass, the easier your transition will be to college because:
1-- you will have fewer freshman year classes to take because you are already starting with a few credits under your belt.
2-- you will have already had exposure to college level courses.
Once you get to college or maybe the summer before college starts you can take CLEP tests to test out of many intro level classes. If you did exceptionally well in a class in high school or have great test taking skills after mastering the SAT then you will EASILY pass these CLEP tests.
Click here to see a list of universities allow you to earn CLEP credit. CLEP examinations usually cost about 50-60 dollars and last 1.5-2 hours long. The cost is well worth it because it can get you out of 2 semesters of very boring humanities or english classes. I advise EVERYONE to at least try the humanities CLEP test. It is very simple and for most of the CLEP tests you only have to score 50% or higher to pass them!!!
It was frustrating for me when I found out that even at a
HBCU, Humanities classes were teaching the same old European history and arts crap. They never mentioned how Egyptians were fully black before the Greek soldiers invaded and took their women for themselves. They didn`t tell us about how European invasions and conquests detroyed evidence of Egypt`s bountiful wisdom and philosophy and adopted their wisdom as their own. Come on, Aristotle claimed to have written over 300 books in his lifetime. We know that doesn`t even seem possible. For more info on the Stolen Legacy of Egypt you all should read "Stolen Legacy" written by G. James and "Nile Valley contributions to Civilization" by Anthony Browder.
Sorry about the ranting and raving, just wanted to let yall know how I felt.... Back to business.
Beginning with your first science class you should make sure that you understand the concepts thoroughly. If you don`t understand you should read and reread the text until you do and go speak to your professor during office hours. Tell your professors your goals and ask them questions. Most of them will be pleased to have a studentwhom is truly dedicated to learning their material. You should try to makeall As in your science courses, if not make Bs. No Cs, except maybe in organic chemistry(its a beast).
Do not take honors classes. They do not make your transcript better. As make your transcript look better!
"As not honors"
Don`t waste your time and energy with honors college, spend it studying for the MCAT and making As. When it comes down to it, you won`t get an interview unless your grades and MCAT score are great. Then when you get an interview, that`s when they may ask about your extracurricular activities. The best extracurricular activities are ones that areservice and medical oriented. Working in clinics, hospitals, orcommunity service projects are key.
KAPLAN Comprehensive Review MCAT Prep book
I recommend reading over the KAPLAN Comprehensive Review MCAT Prep book after completing each science course. This book has a huge section dedicated to all of the premed science courses and will ensure that you understand all material, even if it wasn`t fully covered in your class.
Over the summers you should be reading books that are interesting to you to build your reading comprehension and speedreading skills. Reading comprehension and speed are key to making a great score on the Verbal part of the MCAT. Minorities traditionally don`t do so well onthis section probably because we don`t read enough for leisure.
I will add more info later, but if you have any questions feel free to send me a note.
FYI I amnot some genius that made all As or mastered the MCAT and I still got into medical school and I believe that if I can do it, anyone can do it. Where there is a will there is a Way....PRAY!!!!
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