When you tell someone you want to be a doctor, the path ahead can seem pretty clear: major in biology, go to college, spend your weekends in a research lab, and volunteer at a hospital. That's what most pre-med students do, right? But if you're serious about getting into medical school one day, you might need to take a step back and rethink that whole plan. Standing out as a future medical school applicant isn't about following the crowd—it's about making intentional, personal choices that align with your interests and strengths.
First, let's clear something up. Pre-med isn't a major. It's a set of required courses and a goal, not a field of study. Many successful applicants to medical school major in something totally unexpected, such as Spanish, drama, or even music. They still take biology, chemistry, and physics, just like everyone else, but they stand out because their major reflects who they are and what they love. Because they enjoy what they're studying, they're more likely to earn higher grades, which matters far more than whether your major sounds "med-school-y."
This is a hard concept for many students to accept. It's tempting to think that choosing a big-name school or majoring in biology gives you a competitive edge. But admissions committees aren't impressed by the sameness. If most of your competition looks just like you on paper—same major, same volunteer work, same answers to "Why do you want to be a doctor?"—you're going to blend in, not rise to the top. However, if you've spent your summers working with underserved populations while majoring in political science and conducting research on public health policy, you'll stand out regardless of where you attend college!
So, how do you find the right college for pre-med? Forget prestige for a moment and ask better questions. Does the college offer strong pre-health advising? Is there a system in place to help students connect with research and shadowing opportunities?
Are introductory science classes enormous and graded on a curve, which can be discouraging for students trying to earn top grades? Will you be able to build relationships with your professors, who will one day write your recommendation letters?
A liberal arts college might not have a giant medical center, but it may offer better access to faculty and smaller class sizes. A large university might have more clinical opportunities, but you'll have to be more proactive about seeking them out. Neither option is universally better—it depends on your learning style, personality, and priorities. That's why "fit" matters more than "famous."
In high school, you can start laying the foundation by cultivating your curiosity, work ethic, and people skills. Explore your academic interests broadly. Join activities that help you learn leadership, communication, or teamwork. If you're able, shadow a local doctor or volunteer in a health-related setting, not because you think you're supposed to, but to see if you actually enjoy being in that world.
Once you get to college, pace yourself. Too many students overload themselves during freshman year, chasing an imaginary timeline that says they have to apply to med school by the end of junior year. That kind of pressure can backfire. It's okay, wise even, to take a little longer and apply at the end of your senior year or even take a gap year to allow more time for MCAT and application preparation.
The most successful pre-meds aren't the ones who follow the script—they're the ones who write their own. They don't just check off boxes; they pursue opportunities that align with who they are. They know how to talk about their experiences with real insight and compassion. They aren't perfect, but they're genuine.
So, as you think about college and your future in medicine, don't try to be the "ideal" pre-med college applicant. Be the most authentic, curious, and committed version of yourself. That's what medical schools will be seeking.