What It Actually Takes to Get into Medical School | Dr. Ryan Gray at UC Davis Pre-Health Conference

Today, let's address some premed myths and talk about what it REALLY takes to get into med school. Are you "smart enough" to become a doctor? Are you hitting all the so-called checkboxes? In this talk from the UC Davis Pre-Health Conference (2019), I'll be sharing the right perspective along with the motivation you need on your premed path!
Along with watching this video, be sure to follow me on Instagram as I mentioned in the talk: / medicalschoolhq . And be sure to check out all my podcasts at premedpodcasts.com.

[@pimpnorris2097]

Finishing medical school in 6 months, the key is to never quit! I was told to my face I would never go to medical school when I hit a 1.6 gpa. I’m living proof you can do it! I passed my boards first try and I got hella interviews for residencies! You can do it! Never quit!

[@tyleramaker2825]

You had a 1.6? Not judging, just amazed cuz I have a 2.0 gpa rn in my first semester of sophomore year at a state university. If you don't mind my asking, how far into your undergrad did you have a 1.6? And did you supplement with graduate courses or did you bust your ass the rest of undergrad?

[@pimpnorris2097]

Tyler Amaker I’ll write soon, I’m headed to a residency interview at northwestern this AN

[@pimpnorris2097]

Am*

[@tyleramaker2825]

@@pimpnorris2097 Holy shit no worries man YOU GOT THIS!

[@tyleramaker2825]

Hey not sure if you're busy but whenever you have a moment I'd really like to hear about how you brought your gpa up. Sorry if I seem abrasive but I'm sitting at a 2.0 rn going into finals weeks my first semester in sophomore year of college and I would love to know how you beat the odds.

[@andrescorona7044]

I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of writing ability when they apply to med school. I think it’s not so much what you do, but more about how you write about it. You can have these great stats, awesome experiences but if you can’t write about it well no one will care to find out what you did. If you’re able to craft and write a cohesive and captivating story you’ll be in a great position when applying

[@BeingDrBernice]

"How many women have been questioned (by men) about why they are pursuing medicine...you won't have time for family" 🙋🏾‍♀️ you're doing great work!

[@christianondo9637]

Bernice MD, MPP *to be* I don’t really see your point. I mean I’m no doctor but it’s definitely hard to start a family when you work so many hours and can be called in for an emergency at any time

[@nws6146]

cringe

[@sharpasnails7601]

Christian Geils The problem is that people assume that women should prioritize family over their career. Saying something like that is condescending. What that basically implies is, “you’re a woman and your role is to have a family, so your goals to become a doctor don’t matter”. Never question a woman’s career goals. If they want to become a doctor, give them positivity. Don’t knock them down.

[@sharpasnails7601]

Lee-Anne I’m a med student, so I am well aware of that. We’re capable of making our own decisions and are smart enough to weigh our options. There are students in my class with babies who are juggling med school and raising a family. They made that decision because they felt that it was best for them and their kids. Others feel differently. Also, to assume that kids will turn out “bad” due to parents working long hours is also unfair. There are plenty of doctors who have raised and continue to raise wonderful kids. We’re talking about some of the most educated people here who have studied human development in detail. I would say it’s fair to assume that doctors for the most part know what it takes to raise a successful kid who knows the value of education and won’t make dumb decisions. There are obviously exceptions, but it’s definitely not the norm. They make time for their families. It’s absolutely possible (there are even panels and workshops about how to do it in med school featuring parents who are physicians).

[@sunnybunny714]

Christian Geils men also start families.

[@lucilar6560]

(this goes without saying but "just go become a nurse" is a stupid suggestion in the context it's often used because nursing school is also incredibly challenging and requires lots of work!!! and nurses work so so hard)

[@tobimilkeu8737]

indeed. ppl be stereotyping nurses as if they just played to get their degrees and all but hell nah. nurses also had it rough. *nurses, doctors, healthcare worker are great.*

[@acmedina5907]

I am a Nursing pre-med and I can attest to this.

[@GR-uc1gq]

In my second semester and I agree but it's extremely doable to everyone who puts in the effort

[@TheeKingLeevo]

@@acmedina5907 So you were a nurse and now you're going to med school?

[@acmedina5907]

@@TheeKingLeevo Yes, I’m working as a nurse now just waiting to get accepted to med school, but so far, all I have gotten are rejections. :(

[@chloewilliams7778]

Every time I tell people that my plan is to go to medical school (men or women), their response is always “Oh you wanna be a nurse, that’s great!” No, I’m gonna be a DOCTOR!!!

[@aestheticallypleasingaesth8941]

It’s so much that I can HEAR your frustration 😂😂😂

[@Dee-us3jg]

Lol!! I get the opposite.. I'm in school to become an NP and I hear my family say "she's going to be a doctor!!" Nooooooo I'm going to be a nurse practitioner, I work under a doctor lol

[@traceyevans2757]

I’m the opposite lol I AM a nurse but when I was in nursing school my friends and family were all like “he’s in medical school” and I’m like “NOT YET IM NOT”

[@rachelchen6067]

I almost cried when you said those who are just doing a checklist will not get in. I feel like that's me. There's so much work and I don't have that passion when I started the pre-med journey anymore. One part of me keeps saying this is not what you want and you will not become a happy doctor. But in another way, becoming a doctor is the only career path I have seriously considered in my life. I have even less interest in other careers. I can't answer the "why do you want to become a doctor" question, and I'm struggling a lot. Now I can't distinguish is it just something my family talked me into or is this what I really want.

[@wynsday]

take a break from living and breathing pre-med. it gets exhausting, i know. i started doing things i genuinely loved doing instead of what i thought medical schools would like to see. you’ll find YOURSELF doing the things you love. doing the things i enjoyed, completely non-medical related, helped bring me back to my passion for medicine. living and breathing pre-med can lead to feeling numb about medicine. it’s easy to get lost in it but you’ll figure it out when you just relax for a moment. :)

[@rachelchen6067]

@@wynsday Thank you for your kind words!! They are SO TRUE. I dropped out of some activities this quarter. I feel much better both physically and mentally. Now I understand that sometimes we just need to pay the submerged cost to get rid of the extra burden in order to keep going.

[@kabauny]

"Now I can't distinguish is it just something my family talked me into or is this what I really want" Been there! I felt that way when I got rejected the first time. It was my lowest point of my life. I felt like I failed my immigrant parents. For me, I couldn't distinguish my inability to accept failure or my actual interest for medicine that made me apply again. To this day, I couldn't tell you, but I am glad I did. I realized, the whole application process was to convince myself and show others that I have what it takes to endure this arduous journey. Along the way, I did what I love, rekindled my passion, and even discovered new reasons to love this field. Hang in there. I know it doesn't mean much from a stranger on the internet, but you can do it.

[@rachelchen6067]

@@kabauny Hi! I'm also from an immigrant background:) It feels very reassuring when I hear someone was at my point before and they are doing well. Thank you for leaving such a warm comment. I like how you said that the application process isn't just proving to the medical school admission people that we are great, but also proving it to ourselves. I feel much less uncertain now because I just decided to do it instead of thinking about whether I should do it. Hopefully, everything goes smoothly for you. Someone who can be so sincere to a stranger should have good luck!

[@mahdia2215]

I feel this exact same way!!!

[@neuza8349]

Starting the premed track this fall and I'm ✨scared✨

[@Ahn-mu3db]

Im starting this fall too as a premed! We got this! 😊

[@wreckemz]

You can do it!

[@arushibansal5253]

I'm going to medical school this year!! ✨😭

[@leeevertt2728]

ME TOO WHERE AM I GONNA B IN 4 YEARS

[@ChristenasBlock]

It’s 2 yrs now. How has it been. I’m just starting my premed.

[@thesneakygamer4343]

Most people I see don’t spend enough time working on their application. Just because you have the GPA and MCAT done, that doesn’t mean the application is just a formality to get into medical school. I had a few friends that had the stats but no luck getting into med schools because of this.

[@samanthapeters8314]

My application got rejected. I couldn't understand why? I wrote everything I thought they wanted to hear. So now I'm on KZbin looking at what I possibly did wrong? Watching this video I've now realized what I did wrong. I wrote a checklist. It was generic. Anyone could of written it about themselves. I need to personalize my application, and write in story form.

[@JohnDoe-jz9zy]

I’m a recovering drug user. I’ve been getting straight A’s for two years trying to buffer my future application. I always fear that my story, which is truly meaningful and special, will be immediately overlooked or rejected by med schools. I work really hard. I just gotta keep working my hardest till I exhaust all options. Whatever that means

[@hadassahanuoluwaadedigba7517]

That's awesome , I pray you make it!

[@cherie..cherry]

Good luck!

[@bobkazak9499]

I'm in the exact same position. What did you use and for how long? If you don't mind me asking...

[@KirstieandPhilno1fan]

Same boat & I too worry it'll stop me.

[@Youneedalex]

We need more doctors in the US, it’s time to reform the process of becoming a doctor.

[@pimpnorris2097]

Alex Lawson seriously! 1.1million doctors and about 900,000 practicing. That’s for an entire population of 325 million Americans 361 patients per doctor. There’s a big shortage in areas as well

[@Youneedalex]

@@pimpnorris2097 rural spaces get hit the hardest because most people love the city life, everything is convenient in cities. Even though rural areas offer more pay, most healthcare providers just love the city. I live in NYC and I want to become an NP, PA, or CRNA(in 12th-grade currently) and move out to rural states, preferably Montana because of their no sales tax.

[@rubynibs]

The process isn't the problem; the crazy cost of insurance for doctors is.

[@jonnyrose1288]

reform it how? make it easier? This is peoples lives

[@smellypatel5272]

You don't want to make the process of becoming a doctor easier, trust me. Increasing the number of residency spots will help, but we also need to pay doctors more. As it is, insurance, pharma, and admins aregreedy and eat up the money. No one wants to go through the hell of med school and residency just to earn marginally more than a career in something easier and faster like computer science, law, nursing or even some trade jobs

[@franciscofletes1948]

Honestly it’s all a blur. That part of the process goes by so fast. The pre med process in retrospect was so much fun. Medschool was just so tiring… not fun.. internship was painful. Residency was wonderful… finally getting to do what you love. Life as an attending is fulfilling and everything you thought medical school would be 8 years earlier… point is, it is a long process with many ups and downs but in the end it is well worth it… it’s a calling, a marathon, stay in the moment while you’re doing it, don’t look back and don’t look too far into the future.. focus on enjoying each day… it’s too long to worry about the past or be scared about what’s coming…. Before you know it 12 years will pass and you’ll be an attending…

[@motivatemd1461]

Agreed - it's all about the intent behind actions. Awesome talk!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

yes!

[@kennethmoore3783]

medicine is a lot of hard work and stress but extraordinarily rewarding. Be yourself. Good luck.

[@sophlorena5321]

This brought me to tears. I needed this so much.

[@derekduncan264]

Many People, Physician and Non-Physician, have given me great insight, hope, and inspiration since the thought of going to medical school crossed my mind years ago. That being said, NOBODY has had more of an impact on me than Dr. Gray. I had retired the idea of being able to be a Physician, but after many hours with Dr. Gray on these videos, I am about to start PreMed and give it my all. (I am 30, no college degree, VERY out of the norm). THANK YOU DR. GRAY! Seriously a life-changer.

[@YRuhere.]

Love this for any career, especially at the beginning. Passion, love for it, and never give up on your dream.

[@shaniatubana1113]

Starting my pre med track this fall, these types of videos make me stop overthinking and take it one step at a time ☺️

[@samuelsmithmed214]

I know you say it's not a checklist, but try applying without any of those things and have your application get dissected and psychoanalyzed by ADCOMs as to why you didn't do certain activities. I'd say it's a checklist with room for your own enjoyment like: High GPA/MCAT, Research (something you find interesting or like), volunteering (something you like to do), and clinical experience/shadowing (in a field you're interested in). I do like the "no plan B" advise though, it would be hard to say somebody should go into medical school not completely dedicated or all in for it.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

if you listen for the context-I talk about needing to do shadowing and clinical experiences to prove to yourself this is what you want (which will also help you tell your story to the adcoms). I talk about needing a "good enough" MCAT/GPA to get through filters and on the desk of a reviewer.

[@baochulee1124]

I don’t think that’s what Dr. gray is saying at all. Yes, It is a list of all the things you need to do in order to be the best candidate for Med school. So if you go about the list as just a “checklist”, doing things just because it’s listed on the list, then you won’t get into Med school. But if you go about the list meaningfully, with deeper reasons than just to check it off your list, then you’d be a better candidate.

[@boxlad7583]

audience is so dead, man dropped a joke and nobody reacts

[@waterymelon9640]

Elias Yazigi I think that the way the speaker is mic’d up, the audience sounds aren’t picked up as much.

[@marknzuri9119]

2 Bs or not 2Bs lol dead

[@chadhenrickson7677]

Elias Yazigi if they’re premed they’re probably all burned out from adderall and long nights of studying.

[@silverwindgt4472]

I'm only in high school and learning all this and listening to this makes me more motivated to push for getting to medicine

[@arturo7926]

Stay focused. Don't rush this, PLEASE

[@BoxOfCurryos]

you got a long road ahead of you, make sure you play the game right and be prepared to deviate from the plan. You can’t shoot 3’s consistently from the other hoop

[@PeeedaPan]

all that really matters is that you have a good GPA and a high MCAT score. As long as a you write a decent personal statement and you can show empathy in your interview, then you will get in somewhere. Your personal statement and having a great life story will get you into better places. Volunteering is unfortunately a requirement. I say unfortunately, because many pre med volunteering opportunities are BS.

[@isaiahharris3955]

You’re right. Everything I’ve read and the statistics mostly point to having a good gpa and good mcat score. Everything you said is true....I love my volunteering experience though. I work with people that just got out of prison, usually on parole, and help them get jobs, housing, etc and get out of the halfway house. Now I grew up around ppl going in and out of jail so I’m comfortable being around someone considered a felon. Probably not the case for most premeds but point is that there is meaningful opportunities out there if you look hard. I spent a summer looking until I found the opportunity that I knew was perfect. And to the other guy, I’m lower income with a daughter, girlfriend, and a job. Gotta pay bills and all lol there’s time, don’t let having to work be an excuse

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

It's not true that "all that really matters" is stats. You have to know why you want to be a doctor and you need to have clinical experience and shadowing to back that up. CAN someone get in with "just" stellar stats, sure-but I talk to students all the time with great stats and zero acceptances because they lack experience. Listen to Episode 171 of The Premed Years-and interview with a former Dean of Admissions of UC Irvine. In her words - #1 reason for rejection is lack of clinical experience. I hear it time and time again from adcoms.

[@sharpasnails7601]

Medical School Headquarters ^^^THIS.

[@rubynibs]

@Guillermo Lower-income household individuals get bumped up the line, due to their lower-income status. If you spent your afternoons in high school working to help your family, that's going to get you closer to medical school than volunteering will.

[@medcatmcat]

This is just not true. Take a look at this table: www.aamc.org/system/files/2020-10/2020_FACTS_Table_A-23.pdf

[@alex1243.]

Just graduated from UC Davis last year& I’m nervous about applying to med school & the journey but it’s what I want to do! :)

[@furahaj645]

“ it’s so much easier to go to your plain B” I know, I’m a senior in high and thought about my plain b and was soo shocked how easy it was, but after watching this I’m gaining my confidence back😛

[@franciscodejesus98]

“ you don’t have to be smart to do good in medical school, just have to work really really really hard “ I’m sold! Haha

[@ChristolynTaylor]

This is so inspiring! I love it! Thank you so much!

[@icadoriogorgeousiano9454]

having a 4.0 GPA and 528 MCAT isn't enough to get into med school. You also need to develop your acting skills to such a high degree that you can convince during the interview that your passion for medicine burns hotter and brighter than a thousand suns. You need to convince during the interview that you would give up your first born and cut off your left nut (or left tit) to be a doctor even if you had to work for free for the rest of your life and eat at soup kitchens.

[@Navs126]

Killed me 🤣🤣

[@morganoconnor8425]

OMG thank you so much Ryan. This was wonderful to hear.

[@mikeo.4203]

Love the last bit of this video. Very well said.

[@stephaniecouch1825]

Thank you so much for this. I went back to school to begin a second career and my advisor has been swaying me to change my major. I started listening but still feel the desire to be a pediatrician. I have great grades, I felt that maybe she knew better. As of now, I no longer will listen to anyone else but myself.

[@Nami328]

Advisors ruin so many lives imo

[@brookewatson7526]

I'm still researching and debating on if I want to go back to school for pre med. I have a theatre performance degree and I wanted to be a police officer for the last few years. I still think it would be neat to do but I'm considering being a psychiatrist instead. I recently got out of an abusive relationship. He was a cop and a USMC vet who suffered from PTSD after fighting in Afghanistan twice. His PTSD manifested as anger and he let it go untreated. He eventually pointed his duty weapon at me and later held me hostage in our house. I strongly believe that this whole thing could have been avoided if he got the help he so desperately needed. He knew he needed help but he refused to get it. Now, he's a felon and the courts are forcing him to get treatment. It's unfortunate that this happened but I'm glad he's getting treatment so it doesn't happen again. I would love to work with veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD. No one deserved to go through what I went through, no one deserves to live with the pain he is currently dealing with, and no one deserves to feel like getting treatment is shameful.

[@mikeE997]

I agree with up to the Q and A part. I highly disagree with the MCAT part tho. I think if a student thinks they can improve their score, than do it. For example, I bombed a section of my first MCAT and I knew exactly what I needed to do to get a better score. I think if you are reapplying, retaking, depending on the situation, might be a good idea. With that said, you should not try your first attempt until you are ready

[@muneco1310]

Mike Taylor A friend of mine graduated from SJSU and didn’t get a good score until her 3rd MCAT. She got accepted into UC Davis Med School after that

[@johnkevin1104]

Oh!! I was at the conference but didn't know about you until now

[@alejandrobencosme4593]

Thank you for putting all these valuable information out there! I am new to your chanel and would like to know, in your experience, what is the minimum GPA to get admitted into med school, given Mcat and all other requirements are good?

[@bautistajesus002]

I’m currently in nursing school and working as a medical assistant. Your video just kept popping up everywhere and decided to watch it. And now I know what I want to do after I’m done with nursing school and save some cash. Thank you for the information!

[@mick4563]

I'm so glad there are lots of people in nursing school considering medical school. I'm in the same boat as you are! Have you graduated already?

[@ChristyeLynn]

I thought I was bad at math and like a B student and I thought you had to have straight As and be fantastic at math and take like 8 classes and do all this stuff and then I actually looked at it as a confident and secure adult and it seemed doable. I’ve been a CNA / tech for years. Shoot, being an adult adulting and providing for myself financially and struggling and dealing with heavy-lifting and bodily fluids and having people die in my hands and watching people die and getting attacked by my patients and working multiple jobs and trying to do school and life happens. Just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it’s impossible. What I thought was hard / impossible time and time again, I’ve gotten past it. I’ve been a single parent of 9 foster kids. I’ve been attacked by patients and ended up injured like hair ripped out, black eyes, and a dislocated hip. I’ve been raped, beaten, and totally abused. I’ve gone days without eating because I couldn’t afford it. I worked 5 part-time jobs while getting my CNA and 3 jobs while getting my med aide. It took me 3 tries to get my CNA because I had to get my gallbladder removed and I had a screw come loose in my face from a jaw surgery I’d had 10 years prior. I failed the same math class 7 times and aced it on the 8th try. I have burn scars from child abuse. I have realized I have grit. Med school feels totally doable now. In my 30s, it’s a different mindset. I didn’t have the maturity and responsibility or the confidence and life experience in my 20s. I initially thought I was too old, but I can handle med school. It’s totally doable.

[@waniaiftikhar635]

Never wanted to become a doctor. Forced myself to study because of familial pressure, actually resented medicine as it furthered the status quo's infrastructure in my society. I do not know how, I have fallen in love with a profession I initially disliked because my father considered them saints whilst I could see many pursued the career for fame and money. I do not judge them.. But I couldn't do something when my heart was not up for it. Do not know how things will work out now. I'll put my life on line for it if chance demand so.

[@annierod]

Awesome videos. Keep posting them please 🙏.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

thanks!

[@emilym2675]

I needed this so much. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

you're welcome :)

[@raulcalma-deal8792]

Literally same, The thought of giving up flew by my mind but not it’s gone entirely. I’m so excited

[@JamesJoyce12]

it is really... really.... helpful if you can self-identify - you get a 10% bump in GPA and 18% in MCAT's

[@claus1225]

If I could do all over again, I would just focus on my GPA and MCAT and graduate at a top 50 or top 100 college/uni. I am pretty sure I can get into a DO school. There is a huge difference among huge public school, private school and community colleges in terms of grades despersion. At the end of day, the adcom is not even going to look at where exactly you spent your 4 or 5 years.

[@VanRock.]

Truly amazing

[@sophieinscrubs6217]

thanks for this!

[@LegendaryBurnout]

How do I find doctors to shadow 🥺

[@xxtriple0glol889]

Can you make a video about what you think the future holds for medicine. Maybe surgery.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

it will be the same as today, with more fun toys :)

[@mearbear3182]

How difficult was it to obtain a scholarship from the military?

[@fairytayls1377]

I know it’s a stretch... but can I argue having frequent doctor visits for personal reasons as clinical experience?? Long story short, on average I have had 12-14 doctor visits per year for the past 5 years due to surgeries, hospitalization/treatments, check-ups, etc (I have physicians for 7 different specialties due to a condition I was born with). I have a solid argument in mind as to what I learned and gained from each one! I also have really good stats, non-clinical volunteer hours, research, rec letters (including one from one of these physicians), and have a good story and strong reason for wanting to be a physician even aside from my own condition. I know I can tie everything in my application together well and make it convey something, but will this be enough without true clinical hours (since starting college, I got a nice amount of both shadowing and clinical volunteer hours in high school)??? I even have proof that my clinical position was set up back in March and then cancelled due to COVID!

[@guirlantaaltena903]

What the website to estimate application costs & related expenses??

[@caseyfarrell5760]

It’s soooo funny you say that because literally i go to the University of florida and my advisor said the exact same thing to me.

[@jhuang3941]

Do you take any student for the med school application?

[@dmlinares]

How good would do an electrical engineer with a Master of Science degree in EE, with research experience.

[@alfredtovar6451]

what do med schools want to hear in an interview

[@999Patriots]

Bribery. The Aunt Becky method.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

haha

[@markjtvelasquez]

Hi Dr. Gray! As someone who is applying for medical school first time around, my favorite series of yours would have to be Application Renovation. I refer members in my Pre-Med organization all your videos and books, and I’ve met students who have been featured on your channel who have been accepted. I’d love to meet with you to share my PS and activity descriptions. - Mark Velasquez

[@JasonKrastein]

Best of luck in this cycle. Don't forget to apply as early as possible without sacrificing your best work. Have you check out Med School HQ secondaries to get ahead?

[@markjtvelasquez]

@@JasonKrastein hey Jason! Yes, I was able to get verified first week and submitted most of my secondaries. Pre-writing a few more and just waiting for my Casper scores to be sent in.

[@JasonKrastein]

@@markjtvelasquez That's awesome good for you. Beyond now its a waiting game. You pretty much won't hear back until the fall for interviews. I would recommend practicing interviews and getting proper equipment (i.e, ring light, mic, etc). Have any video/lighting questions?

[@markjtvelasquez]

@@JasonKrastein Atm, I have a studio light and RGB’s I’m playing around with for interview prep and my content. I will let you know if I do have any questions.

[@JasonKrastein]

@@markjtvelasquez Smart smart. I would recommend getting a mic because good audio will make virtual interviews key. You can DM me on insta if you have any questions.

[@emeliaaddi9460]

Please how do I get in touch with Dr Ryan

[@fredastaire6156]

Hey Ryan! I was wondering when you'd start a KZbin channel, lol! (Subscribed)

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

thanks!

[@Plzcheese]

Aw I missed him speaking at campus! I seem to be missing cool people coming to campus by a year. No more or less. 🤷‍♂️

[@ev1836]

Plzcheese

[@Plzcheese]

@@ev1836 yes?

[@joannaelhaj3571]

What was the name of the podcast where we can learn about health care?

[@j10001]

24:00 Congressional Dish podcast?

[@taytanbereket1469]

Can u do one about majors!

[@ahslodhran]

good one

[@diegomonsterenergy862]

My biggest issue is that I KNOW I want to be part of the medical field, I want to help others, but I'm running out of time and I'm going into college in a couple years, and I don't know specifically what job I want to do, there are so many options but I cant bring myself to decide. And a lot of them I can't see myself a part of. Has anyone else gone through this? How did you decide what path you went down? Is it possible to just go in blind and decide where to go through college?

[@NT-us7fp]

shadow and get clinical experience!

[@mustang8206]

Do some job shadowing. Trust me you will learn in college that people change their minds all time time. Pre med was actually my third major as I learned what I really wanted to do

[@ashsunset5104]

The what system?

[@luciaconlon608]

I have 0 shadowing hours. If you had to guess, will my 500 hrs of ED scribing help soften the blow of my lack of shadowing?

[@sunshine-qw5md]

you need to shadow

[@thejuliacarter]

Lucia, ED scribing is essentially shadowing. As a scribe, you have to be FOLLOWING the doctors and residents and charting their every word. This is shadowing x100. I would kill two birds with one stone and consider it as both/separate experiences on your application.

[@jeffcollins9995]

Dedicated

[@akashxoxo386]

It’s almost unfair how tough it is to get into medical school. Most students that apply the first time just get rejected and they quit becoming a doctor. The US needs to ease the burden of admission to medical school, like seriously. Also it’s darn expensive. You be taking out loans all the time

[@tattedtelemed3036]

I disagree. It's difficult for a reason, and it's not for everyone. It's a challenging profession. If you don't have the gut and the grit, you should not be responsible for the health decisions of others.

[@shawnellemartineaux6212]

Watching this while in my final year of law school. Intend to attend medical school in my late twenties/early thirties. Fingers crossed.

[@mlsandyjr]

Went to medical school at 40 practiced law for 10 years. It's so very very different.

[@shawnellemartineaux6212]

@@mlsandyjr in what ways?

[@lebumjames1373]

So you wasted all of law school just to go to med school? How does that work?

[@shawnellemartineaux6212]

@@lebumjames1373 LOL no. There are fields involving both professions, which is where I'm going since I love both. Plus, I'm doing it debt free. Lawyer money will pay for med school. Got called to the bar last November.

[@Rose-mg5eq]

I died when you said two Bs or not two Bs hahaha

[@paulhetherington3854]

If he, just recovered from -- surgery OK then! If not, a SEC-8 i.e. Title-18 -- matches USCMJ -- Military. I slipped, and fell! As a MD! Now I'm-- MD / Lawyer. Whaat laws-- are applicable? All American Indian.

[@enochbrown8178]

Overall, very good talk. However, there are a few things that you had better have on your checklist if you want to get into medical school: 1) excellent grades - make sure to check the average GPA of students accepted into the medical school you're interested in and at least match it 2) your MCAT score had better be top notch - so make sure that you use available resources (even if you have to pay) to study for the MCAT 3) do research - especially in the specialty you eventually want to match in (for residency) 4) shadow physicians 5) have some extracurriculars that highlight your leadership abilities. If you don't have these on your checklist and don't fulfill them, then you are a fool.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

I disagree with almost all of this. If only students applied to schools where you're at or above GPA, not many students would be applying to medical school. A "good enough" MCAT score is important to pass filters and show your competence to pass big tests. You absolutely DO NOT NEED research to get into most med schools-especially in the specialty you're interested in. 75% of students change their specialty thoughts after starting medical school. Yes-you need shadowing to prove to yourself you like the life of a physician outside of what you've seen on Gray's Anatomy. Leadership is a great thing, but not a must.

[@enochbrown8178]

@@MedicalSchoolHQ OK, folks, no matter what this man says, just remember - as you're falling down the rabbit hole - that you were warned. You certainly don't want a "good enough MCAT" or anything like it. Put your best efforts into getting the very best MCAT score you can. Don't leave anything to doubt, so to speak. Second, do research in the field that you're interested in, so that you get an edge over your competition. Your field of interest may change, but the research credential you obtain will be a blessing to you. You'll have to trust me on this one. That isn't to say that you should do research to an insane degree, only that research will give you a huge edge over your competition, all other things being equal. Finally, showing leadership ability is a great asset to a physician and will be seen as such by admission committees. If you believe anything else, then you will live or die (in terms of your future prospects) by your decision. God bless.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

Enoch Brown Enoch Brown I think you’re confusing my messaging. Because I say “good enough” doesn’t mean I don’t want students to crush the MCAT. The message is for those who continually struggle with the MCAT to know that they can still get into a medical school. Will it be Harvard? Probably not. I do agree that leadership is an asset. I actually deferred a year starting med school because I was managing a gym and the leadership opportunity was amazing. My message isn’t that you can be useless and get into medical school, it’s that you don’t have to be the perfect applicant that you and others make it out to be.

[@kaitlynkilpatrick36]

I got a 497 on my MCAT, got a 3.1 (no grade forgiveness) GPA at UCF while playing rugby and working almost 30 hrs a week. I graduated after changing my major because i couldnt pass biochem and was defeated mentally and emotionally. I remember hearing about a special master's program with a linkage and i knew that if i applied to med school and by the grace of God got in, i would flame out anyways. I applied only to that program and got it. All i needed was a 3.3 gpa and a good interview. Managed to get a 3.5 gpa at the end and got into med school and currently have a 4.0 after finishing a 10 week anatomy course. I had no research, only shadowed one doc, and was part of no pre med clubs. 🤷 i also got a B on a test in which a quarter of the class failed in a class where there are only two tests. I know my experience doesn't speak for all but there is some individuality involved in getting in.

[@jnoakes8144]

@@kaitlynkilpatrick36 So just to be clear you said you did a masters program and then got into med school after that where you raised your GPA to a 3.5

[@richardboakye..8760]

Why did the airforce say that you couldn't practice orthopedics?

[@leew9oy]

because when the Air force owns you, you do what you are told to do

[@justinyung8747]

Military residency programs are very limited and due to this, also very competitive.

[@icadoriogorgeousiano9454]

An old Jewish custom is to reject someone who wants to convert to Judaism three times. If they still have the passion and unquenchable desire to become Jewish after three rejections then and only then can they begin their studies to become jewish. You must show the admissions board that life is not worth living if you cannot become a doctor.

[@VITALMYK]

Currently a freshman and have taken general chemistry my first semester and recieved a C. I feel like my chances of getting into Med-School are now gone.

[@wtrgg1107]

Some people may struggle in general chem, but really excel at organic chem. Both courses can be challenging. Do not be afraid of retaking it. Just think over what you struggled with, either staying on top of course work or figuring out how you currently study just doesn't work in harder classes. Find out what you can improve and take it again. Don't give up.

[@arthurhusein4661]

Don't give up! I made a C my first semester of organic chemistry and then I made a C in my first physiology class. But I still made it into medical school after slowly taking the time to build my application and become the person I needed to be to prove I deserve a spot. I also didn't get in the first time I applied. William is right. Find out what you can improve! It is far from over. It's only your first semester of general chemistry. Don't hesitate to ask for help and go to all the tutorials you can. If you make that a habit in undergrad, it won't be a struggle when you have to do it in medical school. Because everyone has to do that in medical school, trust me! Try not to feel pressured to take 18+ hours a semester either. Finish school at your own pace and focus on becoming the best student you can be. This is a 12-15 year marathon if you count residency, so set your pace and stick to it!

[@scottzickefoose1433]

They aren’t

[@LyraTyrell]

As someone in the 4th year of med school. ZERO basic chemistry skills are required lol. Biochem is important but even that is forgotten by the end of first year. I wouldnt retake the class, but do your best to improve in Chem 2. Upward trend is more important than actual grade. Shows that you can identify a problem, and make a change to fix it. Admissions committees love that!

[@mikeE997]

Absolutely not. Keep at it. Honestly, take that C as an excellent opportunity to grow and learn. If you have an upward trend, after hard work and persevering, you will have highly favorable grades

[@HrugvediPatil-ds5cm]

Hi guys Does anyone here starting their pre -med journey from 2024? Would like to connect....

[@matthewdinola7105]

anyone realize this man's public speaking tactics are to the letter

[@kevinzheng2898]

I’m scared about medical school interviews

[@uppity892]

You can do it!

[@jiwanj]

Can you get into med school with an online bachelor's?

[@omara229]

james jones Going to be frank with you, it will be extremely tough.

[@jiwanj]

@@omara229 Why so? I'm in community college and have been considering online bs programs because they're cheaper and quicker in some cases. I have been afraid it would x me out of a chance at med school though. Just looking for specifics.

[@omara229]

james jones The thing about community colleges is the reputation, if you go to an amazing one like the few I. Illinois you have a chance.

[@jujube3736]

Usually state school med programs might not care but more “elite” schools won’t accept online class credit

[@griffinsmith2109]

A lot of med schools require that you have lab experience, so unless you took lab classes on campus it’s going to be very hard

[@lw8447]

College and med school essays = excuse section. Poor me blah blah blah .. Great vid enjoyed it.

[@HoosierCanuk]

They're kind of the opposite...

[@adriansherman59]

affirmative action?

[@paulhetherington3854]

Pre-- pare -- indeed experienced, Expeditions. Swedish -- Shit! out of luck -- lied past tensor

[@nicolettesiringo4656]

Dr. Gray do you have a service where we can just pay you to calm us down through this process/waiting game? Lolll

[@katecupino918]

2 B’s or not 2 B’s... that is the question 🤣

[@leejesson3368]

🌁🗽

[@gerardtyson2274]

Doesn’t seem like medical school or postgraduate is a worthwhile investment for the vast majority. Better to get done with school in 4 years with a degree in computer science / engineering / financial economics and earn a good living right out of undergraduate. Rather than spend another 4-10 years losing even more time, money, health, and happiness in medical school and postgraduate.

[@lanaraes7699]

"I wanted to cut people" ...ha ... ha....

[@tattedtelemed3036]

If you're worried about how your personal system of beliefs and conservative approach to women's health will determine your acceptance into med school....... medicine is not for you. That guy jabbing on about personal politics is cringe.

[@TheBrianp1]

On politics and abortion. So, lie your face off if you have the wrong position. I guess lie your face off during all the other questions of the interview. Sadly it's not bad advice for getting into medical school or anything else in life I guess.

[@samanthapeters8314]

There's different levels of nursing. At highest levels nurses can earn more than doctors, and have similar knowledge. They learn chemistry, pharmacology, human anatomy, biology, advanced maths, diseases, mental disorders, performing medical procedures, etc. I personally knew a doctor that had worked in a hospital for 20yrs. He said he had never used a needle, and never used a stethoscope. Because the nurses did the physical work. He joked that he writes the prescriptions, the nurses do the work, and the surgeons operate. The funny thing is the doctor walks around with a stethoscope.

[@JohnDoeDC]

Or maybe there is another side of the story - you are just intellectually not capable to become a physician and if you super struggle with concepts of science you'll be a mediocre physician or even incompetent and dangerous.

[@thomaspecha8756]

Very well said

[@sergiootero5904]

John Doe coming in hot!

[@fredastaire6156]

This comment deserves more of a spotlight! People need to hear this. The unrealistic expectation to sacrifice 8+ years of one's life, not to mention 250K+ debt, to struggle for the rest of your life because you "have a dream" to become a doctor but have an extremely difficult time with the basic concepts (be it premed grades, MCAT, etc.). It is a VERY lofty goal, and the gut-wrenching truth is that there are some people that are just not cut out for it...and that is ok. Fulfillment in life is not solely dependent on whether one becomes a physician or not.

[@thomaspecha8756]

@@fredastaire6156 Could not agree with you more! The prevailing current of opinion is "Always follow your dream"--which, as @John Doe points out rightly, could lead to unhappiness for both yourself and those in your care.

[@shivanishastri4285]

Well true, but they should have a chance to reinvent themselves. We were all young and not fully guided at some point. People should be given a chance to try again. Only if they truly cannot understand it, then they should quit and pursue something else.

[@doublethebenjamin8185]

23:00 - I'm pro life but really I'm pro choice. I don't think that was a good example of being empathetic, the example he gave was ,more like someone caving in on their values to try to be more agreeable.

[@fadilahkhan9416]

there isn't a really good way to be empathetic and pro-life. The whole point is that you're not empathetic.

[@isaiahparis]

@@fadilahkhan9416 Dang. I’m empathetic and pro-life. I guess I should just deny my thousands of days of feeling empathy then.

[@angel1202003]

@@isaiahparis you should really focus on not creating false arguments to try to make someone else look like theyre saying nonsense. being pro life, especially as a man, is seen as un empathetic. for the reason that you believe a child should be born no matter the circumstances, and cannot see into a woman's perspective as to why they wouldn't want the kid. you don't want them to have a choice to terminate and you don't agree with their choice. you believe abortion should be outlawed and that r/pe isn't even a legitatmate eason to terminate a pregnancy (and no amount of emotion or traumatic backstory could even budge you to see differently). that has nothing to do with the self proclaimed fact that you've experienced empathy before lol and feel free to say that you don't, but that is the basic foundation of the pro life" stance

[@angel1202003]

there's no values to cave in on, he's pro choice but recognizes his futility as one person and that he can't control others. so he's inadvertently pro choice. cause its their choice at the end of the day. not hating someone because they do someone you wouldn't is peak empathy...

[@user-lu6yg3vk9z]

It takes money. If you got money you will get in.

[@squidwrtt5911]

nope

[@josephquinto5812]

Too bad that’s not actually the case

[@squidwrtt5911]

@@josephquinto5812 *Harvard Undergrad: THAT'LL BE 8 MILLION PLEASE*

[@sharpasnails7601]

Lol. If only...

[@user-lu6yg3vk9z]

Bryan W Actually yeah it’s true.

[@kallonmei4882]

While I agree with Dr. Gray that a lot of this is persistence, getting second opinions, the reality is that he's advising people full time to get into medical school when two things are facts 1) He didn't enjoy practicing as a physician himself (and thus stopped) and 2) He was unable to become an orthopedic surgeon because he both miscalculated the number of air force spots allocable to them (3 as of 2013) and demonstrates a degree of poor planning on his part. I give you Dr. Gray credit on pursuing consulting, but for all those listening, consider seeking additional advice.

[@MedicalSchoolHQ]

First, let's talk facts. I loved practicing and was planning on staying in the Air Force and complete the Aerospace Medicine Residency. I stopped practicing because I was diagnosed with demyelinating lesions in my spinal cord and was permanently grounded and couldn't fly again in the Air Force. I decided not to pursue additional residency training because if what I had was MS, the stress of residency may have made it a lot worse. Together with my wife, who is a Neurologist, we decided that I would go full-time into helping others in this journey. The majority of what I work on is free and/or low cost (books) for students and my consulting helps support me to do that. I pay myself very little so that I can continue to build out the resources for all students, regardless of SES, to use and help them get into medical school. I'm sorry you've been misinformed on my life.

[@HoosierCanuk]

Even if he didn't enjoy medical school he could advise others on it. That wasn't the brightest post four years ago. Still isn't.

[@melindadoes]

this guy kinda weird lol

[@ebenromero2041]

I think you have useful insight on the application process for medical school, but I'm disappointed by how you subtly promote your own political views and discourage people who have a different view than you. You're very deceptive and narcissistic for thinking that you can lie to people and that no one will see through you.

[@leejesson3368]

🌁🗽

[@leejesson3368]

🌁🗽