How to Get Into Harvard Medical School

In this video, we'll discuss how to get into Harvard Medical School.
Harvard Medical School, which routinely receives the #1 ranking from U.S. News & World Report, is an automatic long shot for even the most qualified pre-meds.
With world-class faculty, a diverse set of research and clinical opportunities, and an alumni network of CEOs and Nobel Laureates, it's no wonder why HMS is many pre-med hopefuls' dream school.
We'll take a look at the acceptance rate, requirements, and admissions strategies so you can become one of the select few who receive the highly coveted Harvard Medical School acceptance letter.
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TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] - Introduction
[00:27] - How to Get Into Harvard Medical School
[01:36] - Harvard Medical School Curriculum: Pathways & HST
[02:21] - Harvard Medical School Acceptance Rate
[03:48] - HMS Required Courses
[06:37] - Harvard Medical School Letters of Recommendation
[07:25] - The Harvard Medical School Personal Statement
[09:14] - The Harvard Medical School Interview
Who we are:
Shemmassian Academic Consulting (SAC) was founded by Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, a medical school admissions expert with over 15 years of experience helping thousands of students get into top programs such as Harvard, Mayo, and UCSF. Despite a roughly 40% medical school matriculation rate nationally, the SAC team’s approach has resulted in over 90% of their students getting accepted the first time they apply. SAC has been featured on The Washington Post, US News and World Report, and NBC.
We'd love to hear from you! Drop a question down below in the comment section; we respond daily!
#medicalschooladmissions #harvard #harvardmedicalschool #howtogetintoharvard #premed #premedadvice

[@Pete-da-peter]

Let me tell all y'all something..... I just want any medical school to give me a shot. Then I'mma be the best doctor the world can provide

[@Shemmassian]

I believe you. :) Let's get you to a spot where medical schools will give you a spot!

[@YoungWildCatter]

You and me both

[@Pete-da-peter]

@@YoungWildCatter that's right. Let's do it. Spring semester just ended. I'm studying orgo for MCAT.

[@kyleessex6301]

@@Pete-da-peter Go get em yall... I'm applying this year too... LOVE ORGO!!!!!!!!

[@Pete-da-peter]

@@kyleessex6301 that's right buddy. Let's go for it

[@justanerd3345]

As long as I save lives and make the world a better place, I'm fine.

[@bers.hailegiorgis7403]

thats beautiful :)

[@ororox7307]

Ur a good person. I just want to make a lot of money lol. Saving people is a great bonus tho.

[@allantruong7031]

@@ororox7307 if you want to make money, don’t go into medicine. Making money is a good compensation because of the hard work and debt, but it’s 100% should not be a big reason. In fact, it should be your 3rd or 4th reason to become a doctor

[@timothyswag3594]

Step 1: Choose your parents wisely. It isn't our fault that you made poor decisions when being born!

[@Shemmassian]

We can't control that so let's optimize what we can. :)

[@fionamariano9240]

Lmao

[@ikramrafi6481]

Lmao I'm dead

[@phrog2522]

Why?? If you telling me that you didn't have much money, there is something called a scholarship for kids that don't have money to go to school.

[@j10001]

I might not have chosen my parents wisely, but I have tried to help my kids make a better decision at birth! 😂

[@riddhigupta5155]

I was here almost 2 years ago, when I hadn’t even started my junior year! I’m a high school graduate in a few weeks now!!! I just want to say to any student out there who doesn’t believe in themselves right now: you will get through. I got so many university offers I’m confused on what to pick! You’ll do great. Just hang tight in there. I wish I could say this to myself 2 years ago but since that isn’t possible, I hope I am of some help to anyone else :)

[@minananou9070]

Needed this thanku

[@Scriabinfan593]

I don’t even know why I’m watching this video I have no shot of getting into Harvard

[@Shemmassian]

Whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you're right either way. ;)

[@inamzide8998]

Not the right attitude you should have🤞 ......I'm still in high school and 2021 is my last year there which means I'm doing grade 11 in South Africa should I apply?

[@ikramrafi6481]

@@inamzide8998 you have a long path in front of you, remember that med schools in the us are a graduate type of education which means that you need a bachelor's degree of 4 years before you can apply to medical school. :)

[@Uzair823]

@@inamzide8998 Why ? You lost hope in UKZN and our local universities ? Take advantage of the quota system

[@talli3930]

just graduated middle school and now im here preparing for college! i already sing and play guitar, as well as drawing and creative writing.

[@sandhyaparihar8427]

Amazing. Like I watched thousand videos on this topic and understood nothing but your video helped me out really well and cleared each and everything so wonderfully.

[@rishitayadav4649]

This video just evoked something within me...Thank you for strengthening the conviction! Undoubtedly the best video..Kudos to you, you're doing a fabulous job :)

[@Shemmassian]

Thanks for your encouragement! Glad it resonated.

[@nassertabesh680]

Thank you Dr. Shemmassian for this helpful information.

[@sophia.shetty]

Thank you. I told my dad about your website. It’s my dream to go to Harvard med.

[@anaaa311]

I love how he responds to every comment.

[@sandhyaparihar8427]

Please don't stop making videos, keep making them. They are amazing.

[@vaishnabeemohanty746]

Thank you so much for boosting me through this video.. I'm extremely glad to say that this video is very useful ❤

[@Shemmassian]

Glad it was helpful!

[@princess287love]

I just want to get into one med school lol

[@Shemmassian]

And every bit of content that you watch/learn puts you one step closer to realizing that. :)

[@onlyme996]

Me too, it's my big dream but it's very hard to get into 😭💔

[@christianvillalobos1312]

3rd year Math major. Got probably 4 more years in college because of how behind I was in math when I came in, major changes, and low unit semesters. It feels like an impossible road but we’re gonna do it. We’re gonna go to medical school and become doctors everyone.

[@Surya-jk8ik]

Hey, would u have to attend a postbacc program to satisfy the other pre requisites ?

[@Uromastyxfanatics]

Thank you for putting this together

[@fifi8314]

Thank you Dr. Shemmassian for this informative video. I'm a rising college sophomore and greatly appreciate this.

[@Shemmassian]

You're very welcome, Sophie! Thanks for tuning in.

[@puiwaiwu7870]

It is very helpful. It encouraged me to still apply even though the MCAT is still in the 10%tile but GPA is about average. The hollistic application means that I can make up for the lost cause of low MCAT score with killer personal statement and secondary application.

[@puiwaiwu7870]

And it is good that they do not screen applicants based on a minimum cutoff.

[@akiinns]

Amazing video very helpful thank you!

[@Shemmassian]

Thanks, Andi!

[@Juan-qo6fn]

Unfortunately I wasn’t enough prepared for applying to such a college as Harvard is. But at least I could Join a Private college to study medical sciences. I’m proud of it anyways. And if I’m confident on something in life is that if I graduate, if all works in my favor for what I want, I will do my specialization in Harvad

[@Shemmassian]

Yes sir! Love the attitude here; you'll get wherever you want to if you set your mind to it. Please lean on us and our resources if you ever need guidance. :)

[@amazontv4260]

You definitely deserve a like plus subscriber

[@miguelm43210]

I scrolled back to this video because I hope anybody could give me opinions other than my own on my plans and what I feel in attempting to become a psychiatrist but obviously first getting into HMS. I have every intention on achieving that goal in my lifetime, it’s not that I feel i can’t get into HMS or any other med school, but more if it’s the right time to do it. I’m currently a freshman at a relatively small honors college but i feel as if I were to go to med school now I would place an insane amount stress both financially, and mentally on my parents and I since i’m still a dependent. I do have other interests in fields that are unrelated to medicine such as becoming a teacher for instance. I feel as if i’m feeling the pressure of rushing into field that I’m not sure i’m ready at this moment in my life. I feel if I were to still do a pre-med track and get a degree where I can find stability and become a teacher while making passive income can set me up financially and bring more happiness in my early life and maybe later on i life consider actually pursuing med schools such as HMS with pure enjoyment and commitment. I guess a lot of questions arise if I were to consider this. I guess a big one would be if I were to build a flawless application meaning: near perfect GPA Research applying your own interests into the community and distinguishing yourself as an individual shadowing strong recommendations from current professors competitive MCAT score would my credentials still stand if i decided to apply to med school later in life? Would i need to retake the MCAT? Would my recommendations be useless if they’re not in present-tense? Would the research experience i do now still hold in the future? Ultimately is this non-traditional path even possible and does being an older age and somebody who’s not coming straight out of a university affect my chances of getting in? If not recalling topics that was learned earlier in life a problem, couldn’t i just take the MCAT right before I apply to show that I still know the material? Sorry if i went on a spree lol i’m just so unfamiliar with this process and nervous if i’m closing a door i can never open again.

[@farizasamadova9570]

Thank you. My dream is to study Harvard medical school. In shaa Alloh I will be a student of Harvard medical school

[@sina8437]

Thanks for information 👍

[@CarlosMartinez28]

It has always been my dream since I was a little kid to go to HMS

[@Shemmassian]

Let's get you the best chances we can. :)

[@angelatithidas736]

Hello. I have a question. I have completed my undergrad in Computer Science with not so good GPA (3.45). I am now highly interested in studying medicine. Maybe I have to attend premedical school. So, my question is, which GPA is important? Undergrad one or premed one?

[@HRL170]

Hi its me Hirdya from Nepal.And my aim is to graduate my medical sector education from the Harvard Medical School Because i want to interact with different community people learning and doing of the community work in the school. Thanks to your video for gibing me knowledge about the admission process for Harvard.. Thank you so much..

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Hirdya! Thanks for saying hello from Nepal. :) We're rooting for you and we'll be here to support you in any way we can.

[@nihaninitalia]

Hi! This video was very helpful for me. I have a question; the preenrolments you mentioned in the video (math and chem) are supposed to be finished in the US. I am an international student so what should I do about it? If I go to US what should my plan be about and where can I take my couse? Thanks...

[@Shemmassian]

Hey Nihan! Thanks for dropping a comment! Medical schools in different countries will have different policies. I'll speak to the majority of the United States medical schools but know that you will find similarities and differences between institutions in the UK and Canada. To get your specific answer, you'll have to browse each school's website and contact the respective admissions offices with your questions. As for your grades from international schools, the vast majority of medical schools will NOT accept these grades. Grades are very important in the evaluation of any medical school applicant so if you would like the best chances to be admitted to a school in the US, you'll have to spend some time studying at an accredited US school. Many schools require that your prerequisite courses (which you can find here, www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-requirements) be taken in the United States. Many schools also require that you have at least one full year of academic credits at a United States accredited college. As for your plan, you can take a look into this foundational article; it'll walk you through the entirety of medical school admissions! www.shemmassianconsulting.com/medical-school-admissions I strongly encourage you to review this article for a step-by-step guide on what it takes to get into US med schools. In addition to your grades, you'll need to take the MCAT since all US medical schools require it. If you have any other specific questions afterwards, please let me know!

[@nihaninitalia]

Shemmassian Academic Consulting thank you so much for helping and using your time to explaning

[@Shemmassian]

@@nihaninitalia Absolutely our pleasure. :)

[@timothyswag3594]

You didn't ask about it specifically, but it is also important how old your pre-reqs are. Many schools might not list it on their website, but they do not count pre-reqs if they are anywhere from 5-10+ years ago. However, many schools also don't have this internal policy. You will have to call admissions at each program you are interested in applying to.

[@ayla4725]

I’m in middle school and am so invested in this! Just not sure of what I want to peruse in a few years

[@Shemmassian]

Never too early to start! :)

[@timothyswag3594]

Just chill out, make friends, and don't do drugs. Worry about adult stuff when you go to college.

[@abrarshafat7284]

Can you pls tell the procedure to apply for MD degree at Harvard Medical College from Asia having MBBS as undergraduate degree

[@allenchen3706]

I’ve always been a fan of planning ahead months, if not years before important things like this because I know the only way for me to catch up with those geniuses is to spend more time and effort on the subject, yet whenever I try to share my plans with people around me, I was always told “thinking too much”, absolutely no constructive advices were given through out the whole high school years. Maybe internet is my only hope now😢

[@user-gj7pr8jw7q]

HST is a very amaaaazing program ❤

[@ayushkatoch3273]

I love you You are the BEST SIR YOU CHANGED MY LIFE !!! SUBSCRIBED YOU

[@Shemmassian]

You're so welcome, Ayush! Glad you're here :)

[@msquared7275]

I heard harvard does not offer mbbs ..If I have to join harvard I should finish my mbbs in india and then do my md there right?

[@melisacelik5748]

Thank you for the video! I have a question I go to school in Germany so we don’t have these courses we have them but in different not like the system in the USA. Would it be for me a disadvantage that I didn‘t chose those courses?

[@pravanlandry8009]

Hi Dr. Shirag Shemmassian, At 3:47 in the video you say that it is required to take one year of mathematics. Given that I earned a 5 in AP BC Calculus, would I still be required to take one year of mathematics?

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Pravan! Excellent question. There's a mixed bag here; some medical schools accept APs but most, by and large, do not. You'd be 100% secure if you took a year of mathematics during your university years. For example, Michael, a member of our team who goes to UCLA Medical School took two quarters of calculus and one quarter of statistics to satisfy this requirement.

[@pravanlandry8009]

@@Shemmassian Okay thank you so much! To be safe I'll make sure to do at least a year then.

[@bimeshkoirala]

I wish i knew all this when i was back in high school.

[@bhavya8298]

Getting into a medical college in India is so damn tough not just because of the level of paper but also because of the massive amount of candidates appearing. I am even fighting with them, lol!

[@Shemmassian]

And we're sharing the strategies to ensure you're on top of the pack. Keep working hard and let us know if we can support you in any way. :)

[@kunal1009]

well best of luck for neet 2020 ! I too am competing 😉

[@kunal1009]

@mingo Which state are you from?

[@Mein_KampfyChair]

Probably because like, every Indian wants to be a doctor. I bet parents always push their kids to go to medical school even if that's not what the kid wants

[@hades3909]

Oooooff…as an international student going to attend college for bachelors in biology in USA my main goal is Med school. With med school comes the Huge tuition and other expenses. That is something I am unable to pay. That is why I want to try my best and get in an Ivy League for a chance at scholarship. But it seems that I will have to bleed myself and push real hard starting day 1 of my college. I will try my best to get a perfect GPA and a great MCAT score. Also, the experiences. I come from a single parent family with 3 siblings so it’s super hard to even go to college. Wish me luck guys 🙏🏻

[@khadija-tunnabeeha5568]

What do you recommend I do the summer before I attend college if I plan to be a pre-med student?

[@ahemlol]

Thank you, This was really helpful, But I have a question, I have foreshadowed a band doctor and learned so much about Ayurveda. I am indian so I got quality learning. But I am reconsidering the thought of put it in my extra curricular list. I want to be a doctor with allopathic and Ayurvedic study to help people the most. But I am trying to figure out, being interested in Ayurveda will offence?(still wondering if it's right word) them or it might help me a bit to stand out. This confusion is because I have read some news about banning of ayurvedic products in Europe. Plz Help me try to figure it out...

[@nadjouacotto4189]

Hi dr. Shirag, Is it impossible to get into HMS for speciality if I get my general practicioner degree in Indonesia? Thank you!

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Nadjoua! You can complete residency in the US with a foreign medical degree. Of course, it's tougher to match to US residencies as an IMG.

[@Grace-lp8jv]

Thank you for the video

[@Shemmassian]

Thanks for watching, Grace!

[@j10001]

Great video! @8:36 You mention a database of all secondary essay prompts would be in the description box, but I did not see it there. Can you please tell us where to find that?

[@Shemmassian]

Thanks, James! You can find the secondary prompts here: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-secondary-essay-prompts

[@j10001]

@@Shemmassian Wow, having these all in one place is so helpful. This list, plus the other information in your videos, has opened my eyes to what an enormous effort med-school applications will be! Thank you so much. I am beginning to see why people hire admission consultants to shepherd them through the complexity of it all.

[@Shemmassian]

@@j10001 We're here to help demystify the process! Let us know if there's anything we can do to support you on your journey. :)

[@faridshahid1833]

If I’m going through the research route, do I need second author or even first order publications? If so, how many? Also, do adcoms at top med schools judge how innovative/ interesting the research is when making decisions about who to admit? For example, is it better to be further back on an innovative paper’s name list or first author of a not as amazing paper?

[@Shemmassian]

These are all great questions but will be subjective based on the Admissions Committee of that particular school. A first author publication won't guarantee an admission; it's more about your application holistically. Do you have the grades/MCAT score? Did you spend your time on extracurriculars you were passionate about and were you accomplished in them? Of course, having first/second author publications can serve as empirical evidence that you're accomplished, but they're not necessary.

[@timothyswag3594]

No one cares if you're second or first author on a publication. Just having research experience (doing lab work, presentations and hopefully having a publication or two) will put you miles ahead of most candidates. If you feel it an absolute must to get into some top program with top-notch research experience on your resume, I suppose you could do a PhD first. Perhaps even a master's degree.

[@khaiszeb8663]

@@Shemmassian i am doing HSSC can i apply for harvard

[@user-yx3fu8ic2j]

i am an international student and the medical schools i've looked up to all require at least 1 academic year at an institution in the us or canada for int. students to be eligible to apply. does it count if i go to the us or canada for a year with an exchange program? thank you

[@Shemmassian]

Yes, you'll want to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for every program you apply to

[@ravish459]

Dude can i tell you something?you’re awesome..thanks man...i hope 1 day i get into harvard

[@Shemmassian]

Dude can I tell you something? You're awesome, too! Please share the video with one friend you think would benefit! That would help us a lot. :)

[@ravish459]

Shemmassian Academic Consulting i sent this to everyone in my class 😂 thank you

[@artimisparsian4742]

I have a question. If I don't have more than 2 recommendation what should I do. I passed MCAT, TOEFL and GRE but the only my problem is I have only 2 recommendation letters and it blocked me to continue my education in medical school. could you please guide me what should I do. Thanks.

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Artimis! Thanks for leaving a comment. You'll definitely have to gather those LOR's and here's our guide on doing just that: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-letter-of-recommendation

[@destinylentz7436]

Im in South Africa and my goal is to become a doctor. I want to study at either Harvard, standforred, Cambridge, kings college london, Yale, Brown or our proventiol university UKZN. I am working smart, hard and overtime to beable to be accepted to study at one of those medical schools so I'll be fully prepared to save lives. All I need is a strategy.

[@betsy9226]

Are you at medical school in your country right now?

[@anarodriguezz8860]

I love to team up to do a guide for DACA/Undocumented students that want to go into Medical School 😊

[@Shemmassian]

Hey Ana, thanks for this suggestion!

[@hiddenfigures6600]

What exam do I have to take if I want to go to HMS....and I am from Harvard.......and what about my academic qualifications

[@soyellechero2112]

How good is nyu, michigan, and ucla for med school bc theres mo way im getting into any ivy league school

[@Shemmassian]

NYU is ranked #2, Michigan #15 and UCLA #6, so really they're just as hard to get into as Harvard. NYU is more difficult to get into than the other Ivy Leagues, actually. Regardless, the fundamentals of medical school admissions stay the same! Maximize your odds in general and you'll have the best shot of getting into any of these top institutions. Here's a guide to support you: howmed@

[@clydeconstante6261]

How can students overseas, that want to apply to hms be accepted, or what is the steps for admission for international students?

[@sepidech7520]

Hello I'm not American nor living in America .but, I really like to get onto HMS Plus, MCAT is not available in my country . 😢 Do you have any suggestions for me?

[@masabasynjim3996]

It will be extremely helpful if a video can be made for international applicants ..

[@Shemmassian]

Thanks, Masaba! It's on the list :)

[@Hunter-ty6xr]

Thank you Dr. Shemmassian for this helpful information! I have some questions I wanted to ask: do high school grades matter (I got a 3.5)? My college grades are higher ( 3.7 so far), but I still have 3+ years before I graduate to improve my GPA. (I took a 3 year break between high school and college and I’m glad I did) Also, what would be the best hospital job (CNA, transcriptionist or otherwise) so I can gain experience early? Lastly how would I go about working at a research facility to gain research experience early, is there any more information you have on this? Thank you

[@Shemmassian]

Hi! Thanks for leaving a comment. :) High school grades won't matter. Keep up the great grades in college! There is no best hospital job so I'd go with the one that gives you the most clinical experience and is accommodating for your student schedule. You can find more information about research and other extracurriculars on our guide here: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/how-to-choose-extracurricular-activities-medical-school

[@emperormouse5487]

Hopefully I can help as well. I am a matriculating med student about to start at my in-state M.D. school this summer. High school grades do not matter. 3.7+ is a great GPA and will be more than satisfactory for most schools. Top 20 schools may have higher average than that, but a 3.7 will put you in the running for every school in the country. Elaborate on the gap you took between high school and college in your application. You’re glad you took a gap...explain why. As for hospital jobs, I’d say anything is fine. Schools want to see you have real clinical experience so any of those jobs you listed would be great. For research opportunities, find a field that interests you (I did Neuroscience research) reach out to school faculty members in that field and ask if they have any projects that they’d be willing to take on an undergraduate assistant. Additional advice: your GPA and MCAT are the only the keys to opening the door. Your LORs, extracurriculars, Personal Statement, Secondary essays, letters of interest/intent, campus tours, interview, are what’s going to carry you. IMO they are just as important as your GPA and MCAT.

[@doesntmatter340]

How do we get into harvard if we're from another country?? Like you just gave the statistics of 2023 CLASS..how early are we supposed to apply??

[@LavKarri]

how to get in : walk through the gate, or err.... wait until midnight and climb the perimeter wall.

[@Shemmassian]

The gate will certainly suffice..

[@j10001]

You can definitely get in as a patient

[@LavKarri]

@@j10001 Seems like you're familiar with that route.

[@riazahmad-xg6wh]

I am from India and can't afford the fees ..is there any other way for me to study at HMS (DREAM SCHOOL)

[@giornogiovanna1446]

No

[@ahlam2468]

If you pass the exams and stuff and u are worth studying in a dream university, the university will provide a scholarship for u

[@iqrayaps]

Harvard provides great financial aid

[@jeonjeonjeon3366]

Same . I am too from India. I planned to take SAT

[@_nichi_2270]

Take sat scholarship exam 💖

[@nikkiperkins881]

Will admissions consider the application of a non traditional student who already has a career in healthcare, but is not an MD? Say a dentist, podiatrist, or something similar ? Those are people who already went to graduate school and did not drop out but are now interested not necessarily a career change but a specialty change?

[@analiaksoy1710]

Hi Dr. Shemmassian, I am currently a gr 11 student in toronto,canada and I am planning to apply Honours Integrated Sciences program at Mcmaster university and then HMS. Since the undergraduate program is a research-based program, do you think I still need to involve in a different type of research or would not being involved be a problem?

[@Shemmassian]

Hi Anali! Thanks for your comment; if you're able to understand the scientific method, how research can translate to the clinic, how medicine informs research and contribute to a project through your program, I wouldn't see why you'd need to double-up on another external project unless you were interested.

[@analiaksoy1710]

@@ShemmassianI think I would be able to learn and understand since the things you highlighted are the program's main focus areas. Thank you so much for your time and response. Stay safe.

[@pavana_]

Do you have any advice for highschool students regarding what we should be doing throughout highschool in order to prepare/have a higher chance of getting in?

[@Shemmassian]

Yes! Other than your grades, here is a comprehensive guide on extracurriculars. www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/extracurricular-activities

[@timothyswag3594]

It literally doesn't matter what you do in high school as long as you don't get in trouble with the law. Sure, you could volunteer and shadow physicians, but you have ample time to do that in undergrad. If you start volunteering, keep doing it consistently throughout college. Otherwise, people will think you are insincere in wanting to help people.

[@pavana_]

@@timothyswag3594 Thanks for your advice!!

[@humzas1449]

I chose biochemistry for my major (i am currently a senior in high school) but its in the college of agriculture. Is that okay even tho i want to do med and not agriculture

[@Shemmassian]

Yes! As long as you complete the prerequisite courses, you're fine to apply to medical school. You can find them here: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/medical-school-requirements

[@timothyswag3594]

Some schools might prefer pre-reqs being taken within certain departments (e.g, I've seen programs require Statistics being taken in the Math department rather than in Psychology, for example.) You will have to be careful about this and do some research/contact admissions at programs you want to apply to.

[@daveyjones3016]

Humza S I would recommend you choose an easy major for college. You don’t need a stem major to go to medical school. Choosing an easy low credit major will give you time to crush any and all of your science classes. Either way at the end of the day aim for the highest grades you can.

[@karthiklagisetti78]

Sir can u plz tell me, I'm a PharmD graduate student. I interested to be more in clinical side. So Can I apply for med school without MCAT ?

[@ArdawanKurdi]

Hello bro i'm from Kurdistan , i finished high school with very good marks , but here need more marks to apply in Med university . Is there anyway to study at med colleges abroad to be a surgeon ?

[@riddhigupta5155]

I would love to go to Hms! I want to get into cardiology. I’m only in grade 10 right now, so I don’t know if it’s too soon, but I’m surely interested. I wanted to know, is it necessary for me to take physics in grade 11 & 12. I’ll be doing the international baccalaureate diploma programme (IBDP) next year. I’ve chosen Biology, chemistry and psychology as my higher level subjects as of now

[@Shemmassian]

Hi! Never too early to start. :) It's not necessary, but can help you with your eventual undergraduate Physics course. I also encourage you to check out our comprehensive guide here: howmed@

[@Isabel-bq2sc]

Me too but I’m in 7th grade 😂

[@arianna5566]

This is literally my EXACT situation. I’m doing the IB program next year too, and those are the classes I choose.

[@riddhigupta5155]

hey arianna, how’s it going? so far im finding the IB super tough! hbu

[@juliangarces6431]

Same but I’m in grade 9

[@romitdesarkar6283]

How does the US "medical school" work? As in can I complete my MBBS ug from elsewhere and then enter here for PG? Like become a MS or MD... What will be the requirements then?

[@Shemmassian]

Hi! You can see Harvard's specific international requirements here: meded.hms.harvard.edu/admissions-selection-factors

[@mujtabaalam5907]

In general, if you want to practice in the US with an international MBBS, you will apply straight to residency, which will mean your MBBS wil have to be from an ECFMG-recognized institution (and you'll need to fill out a form to prove that), you will need to pass the USMLE exams, and you should try your hardest to get a US hands-on clinical experience like a rotation or a clerkship (not allowed if you've graduated).

[@unkown2044]

How about where you go for undergrad? If you get a 3.9 + 515 MCAT but its from a lower ranked school does it matter?

[@Shemmassian]

Hey Anish! Thanks for leaving a comment; we wrote a guide on this here: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/does-undergrad-matter-for-med-school

[@areej-wb2ny]

Do I have to take these courses before applying ?? Although I'm an international student and if so these courses should I take them in the US ? Thanks in advance 💜

[@Shemmassian]

Yes! You'll need to have taken then before you matriculate and Harvard requires that the majority of them be taken in the US. :)

[@omermalka2787]

Hey Dr. Shirag shemmassian, you said that first of all Harvard requires a bachelor's degree in math, Physics, Biology and chemistry and only after that do they decide if they accept you? Or Do you know that you were accepted before starting your degree? Thank you.

[@Shemmassian]

Hey Omer! Thanks for the time you spent drafting this inquiry! I don't quite fully understand your question but I'll try my best to anticipate what you're looking for here. Harvard Medical School will require you to have Bachelor's Degree. Now it doesn't have to be in math, physics, biology, etc. In fact, it can be in Philosophy! You will have to complete the prerequisite courses I mentioned in the video, however. You also don't have to COMPLETE your degree before applying to medical school. Many students who go "straight through" without a gap year apply during their junior year, are accepted during their senior year and then subsequently finish their degrees before they start medical school the Fall semester after. Hope that helped!

[@omermalka2787]

Thank you for your response. I was trying to ask if a medical school will not accept me what can i do with the degree? Can i know that i accepted to HMS only after i COMPLETE the degree?

[@Shemmassian]

@@omermalka2787 Hey Omar, if you apply straight through, there will be a couple of months where you technically haven't completed the degree but are accepted to HMS. Still, you'll have to complete your degree to matriculate to school!

[@hangantrann]

I'm an international student and I have a question about HMS's scholarship,how can I get them? please answer me,tysm

[@Shemmassian]

Hello! Typically, medical schools, including HMS, offer scholarships to their top applicants. There isn't anything to do beyond submitting a great application and getting accepted to be considered for a scholarship.

[@abhishekchatterjee7184]

Tough road ahead.

[@Coolguy-mk7hg]

I made it my goal to get accepted to Harvard medical school/MIT program but I'm a physics and computational mathematics major and I don't think anymore credit hours on my part is possible. So I have to use my summers for those other classes but that leaves me with no time to do things like shadow and etc. I have no idea how some of these students manage all these things. It seems almost impossible. Any tips ?

[@Shemmassian]

Feel free to take additional gap years to get time to shadow and get clinical experience! Everyone goes at their own pace!

[@shroomamiii]

Hi, does where you go in undergrad matter when you apply to medical school? What if the undergrad is not as prestigious? Does it hinder your chances?

[@Shemmassian]

Great question! We wrote an entire guide answering just this question. :) www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/does-undergrad-matter-for-med-school

[@timothyswag3594]

Generally undergrad doesn't matter for medical school, but it wouldn't hurt going to a well-connected school.

[@reneeliverson8413]

I'm 16 years now, currently in class 10. I really want to attend Harvard Medical school but I dont know if they will actually accept my application. Do you think I stand a chance?

[@melinda7525]

can you go to Harvard and take the classes you said in the video and then after two years apply for HMS even though you were already at Harvard?

[@Shemmassian]

Yes! Harvard undergraduates can apply into HMS.

[@mnazzal5048]

I don't get it, so i have to take these courses after undergrad or what? I'm sorry if this question is stupid to some people but I'm not American and I don't know how things are done in America.

[@Shemmassian]

No worries! Not a stupid question at all. You'll typically take these courses during undergrad! Here are HMS's selection factors for international students harvardmedint@

[@itsrick3953]

Thank you Harvard is my dream I want to be a surgeon

[@Shemmassian]

Keep working at it!

[@itsrick3953]

@@Shemmassian thank you so much

[@Shemmassian]

@@itsrick3953 You're welcome!

[@geebanizami2528]

Sir, if someone has done graduation in herbal medicine, in Asia we call it Unani medicines, we have both syllabi accomplished.. Allopathy and our own pathy,, are there any chances for research etc after graduation in herbal medicines

[@bjorksui8644]

hello I'm from Asia, how could I get to Harvard as an international student? Is it okay to study Pre-Med courses in other countries? How about the finances? Things aren't really clear for me right now. Btw, thanks for making this vid, it made a big difference in me :>

[@Shemmassian]

Of course, thanks for leaving a comment! It is okay to study in other countries, but many US schools have requirements for your prerequisite coursework to take place in the States for at least a year. Here are Harvard's requirements: harvardmedint@

[@samahani1509]

Hello Dr .I am an IGCSE student . So I just wanted to know what are all the requirements needed to be accepted in medical school ? Thanks in Advance

[@ramenyoun501]

Just look it up on Google, for your A levels you should have all the sciences and preferably maths as well.

[@invicta7546]

Im an international student from south africa with a bsc in biochemistry and a bsc in physiology. I know most us medical schools won't take me even though i finished my biochemistry with cum laude(which is a distinction) but if i study a masters at a us university/college will it make it easier? If I also take prereq classes during that time like phsyc and soc that i havent done. Im just curious as my parents are moving to the USA and i would rather study med there than in south africa. Because in south africa you study med with a 6 year degre and 2 year community work. And then you specialize. So if i do a masters in biochem will it help me? I already know about the MCAT as well and as a person who studied biochem and physiology i feel fairly competent about it.

[@drarzeena6774]

Plz make vedio on mbbs in harvard and fee structure and financial aid

[@katoyigarobert446]

How can I join Harvard medical school too with my low grades.

[@rightmindset64]

sir, what are the steps to get financial aids at Harvard college for undergraduate course

[@parithakur8263]

Can you do a video on how to go to Oxford medical uni plz

[@Shemmassian]

We'll put that on the list!

[@josephineopoku8928]

Hello, I'm Ghana how can I take my undergraduate course at harvard medical school

[@Shemmassian]

Hi! Here are two resources for international students: college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/international-applicants college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply/visiting-undergraduate-students

[@itszainab1373]

Thanks💖Do you help international student with filling application,personal statement..?

[@Shemmassian]

We do! Please visit our website to learn more about our services: www.shemmassianconsulting.com/medical-school-admissions

[@betsy9226]

Hi doc, I´m curious about something: one requirement says: "If you are currently enrolled in any medical school or were enrolled previously, you are ineligible to apply to Harvard Medical School", but then another requirement says: "HMS welcomes applications from non-traditional students, such as those who have an established career, have a partner, spouse, or family, or have been out of school for two years or longer." So, if I went to med school 6 years ago at my country, but I dropped out at the second year (for good reasons, because I won a scolarship in another country and another career) that means I can not apply to Harvard?

[@liv0003]

they don't consider positively applicants who have already entered a medical school and drop out , different situation is those who come completely from another career, for example an engineer who decides to enter medicine and change career, this is fine for them.

[@drgeetikasingh8629]

We are ready to pay fees as well . need a counselor for 8th class student on how to get into hawardmed school

[@giannafrangos8228]

Hi, i'm 15 and i'm in 9th grade . I live in Cyprus and I want to apply for a good medical school when i graduate high school but i don't know if it's possible as i live in Europe and things are really different here. So is it possible for me to get into a good medical school even if i live in Europe?

[@Shemmassian]

Yes, certainly. It'll be difficult if you don't complete coursework in the United States, but if you do come over sometime for your undergraduate experience, there's nothing inherent about your being from Cyprus that will limit you!

[@giannafrangos8228]

Shemmassian Academic Consulting thank you for the reply 🙂

[@Shemmassian]

@@giannafrangos8228Thank you for your time!

[@suhanimahajan109]

what subjects are required for doing cardiology

[@studyaccount4258]

Nice uncle.I AM FROM BANGLADESH

[@123mprs]

Hey, at the moment i'm a med student in Colombia (3th year) and i would really love to transfer to a med school in USA, but besides the STEP1, I don't really know how to apply or what should I do. It would be amazing if you could provide some information about this. Thank You !

[@Shemmassian]

Hi! From what I understand, it's difficult to transfer into a medical school, but you can apply to a US residency as an international medical graduate. See information on that here! www.aafp.org/medical-school-residency/residency/apply/img.html

[@123mprs]

@@Shemmassian Thank You!!

[@ijteachingmathematicalscie2583]

I want to be a successful cardiologist. What Harvard Medical School has to say about this? Can I be a cardiologist from Harvard? I am in 11th grade now.

[@nishatkhalid596]

I am international student and doing undergraduate in biochemistry and i want to get into these univeristies ...can i get into these uni with gpa 3.5

[@punitha4792]

H4 or F1 students are eligible for Pre-Med Under-Graduate courses?

[@piyumalfernando9272]

Does Harvard medical school provide full scholarships for international students ??

[@gabrielayiannaros8635]

I am from South Africa but it has always been my dream to go to Harvard med school, but because of the money exchange it is way too expensive, do you know if Harvard offers any financial aid and also what grades we have to get. (I dont think we do SAT in South Africa)

[@gabrielayiannaros8635]

@Shahzaib Gill thank you so much

[@mallikas594]

Hi there! I just got out of high school and have some time to kill. Do you know of any online resources I can check out that are well-reputed? Thank you!

[@Shemmassian]

Yeah! Please check out our comprehensive, year-by-year guide. howmed@

[@mallikas594]

Shemmassian Academic Consulting Alright! Thank you so much

[@timothyswag3594]

You need to have coursework under your belt before you even get any idea of whether or not you will be a competitive applicant to medical schools in the US. Look up the general pre-reqs for medical school. You will need to get a bachelor's degree. Look into financial aid in order to figure out how you will pay for college. Maybe go shadow a doctor.

[@mujtabaalam5907]

Have you already chosen a particular college?

[@mallikas594]

@@timothyswag3594 Thanks for this! I'll be going to university in fall if everything works out to get my bachelor's in science. I have the finances figured out as of now, so I'm just looking for online courses that could give me an edge.