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August 26, 2002
A: FROM MENTOR MARSHA SEGEBARTH. (FOR BIO. CLICK
HERE.)
Ashley, I do not know that there is ONE college rated
the best for students who want to become doctors. I believe
you should be more concerned with getting a good foundation
so that you can ensure admission into a good medical school.
Medical schools - of which there are many - are looking for
students who have successfully completed an undergraduate
program at an accredited college or university in one of many
different majors. You don't necessarily have to major in pre-med
in order to be admitted to medical school. However, you should
have a solid foundation in the sciences in order to be competitive.
Additionally, you need to demonstrate that you are capable
of 'juggling' many roles. If you have been actively involved
in athletics, student government, clubs, sorority, etc. while
maintaining a strong academic status the admissions committee
will look at that. They also want to know that you understand
what you are getting into. Therefore, if you have volunteered
at a hospital, shadowed physicians, or done some undergraduate
medically-related research this will also help you. So, when
you are considering colleges, look for one that first of all
fits your interests and personality. If you choose a large
university because they have a medical school associated with
it but are completely overwhelmed by its size, you will likely
do less well than if you choose one not directly tied to a
med school but which will allow you to get a firmer undergraduate
base. Then, consider which majors they offer that will hopefully
lead into a medical school admission. My daughter chose a
smaller, private undergraduate college and then applied to
a large university dental school. She is now a 2nd. yr. student
and believes her undergraduate experience gave her a wonderful
background. She was a biology major. On the other hand, my
son went to a large undergraduate university and continued
there through medical school. He is now in his residency program
at Vanderbilt and believes he had the best education! It truly
depends on the student.
Good luck! Marsha Segebarth, Ph.D., Biology Dept., University
of Southern Indiana
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