How to Prepare for a Future in Medicine Early in High School

By the end of your freshman year of high school, you may start to sense whether medicine truly fascinates you. If you’re already certain that becoming a physician is your long-term goal, there are generally two paths you can consider as you move beyond high school.

The first is to apply to a BS/MD program—a combined Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine pathway that offers a streamlined route from college into medical school. These programs are highly competitive and often come with stringent academic and extracurricular requirements.

The second option is to pursue a traditional undergraduate education while following a pre-med track. In this route, you’ll complete a bachelor’s degree at a college or university with strong science departments and ample resources for pre-medical advising. After earning your undergraduate degree, you’ll then apply to medical school separately.

Whether you’re aiming for a direct-admit BS/MD program or a well-rounded pre-med college track, the following guidelines will help you begin preparing for your future in medicine. You’ll find advice on course selection, research, volunteering, and test preparation, all of which are crucial to building a competitive profile—regardless of which path you choose.

High School as the Launch Pad for Your Medical Career

Your high school years will lay the groundwork for your future medical pursuits. Admissions committees and college advisors pay close attention to how you challenge yourself academically, show consistent interest in healthcare, and engage in scholarly activities like research.

Whether you’re applying directly to a BS/MD program or planning to major in a science field and follow a pre-med track, developing strong study habits, time management, and self-discipline is key. You’ll need to balance demanding coursework, standardized test prep, extracurricular activities, and personal growth opportunities.

Key Areas of Focus in High School

1. Challenging Academic Coursework:
   Opt for a rigorous course load that includes honors, AP, IB, or other advanced classes. Strong preparation in biology, chemistry, and physics is essential for both BS/MD and pre-med applicants.
2. Foundational Science Knowledge:
   Aim to complete biology, chemistry, and physics by the end of high school. This is critical whether you’re entering a direct-admit program or planning to major in a science field as a pre-med student.
3. Demonstrated Research Experience:
   Getting involved in research can distinguish you as a curious and engaged student. Both BS/MD programs and medical schools (down the line) value applicants who show intellectual initiative, critical thinking, and familiarity with scientific investigation.
4. Healthcare Exposure and Volunteering:
   Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or hospices, helps confirm your interest in medicine. Admissions committees for BS/MD programs and pre-med advisors in college alike appreciate students who have engaged with patients and understand the human side of healthcare.
5. Standardized Test Preparation:
   Excelling in standardized tests can bolster your chances at selective BS/MD programs and competitive undergraduate universities. A strong SAT/ACT score sets the stage for a successful application, regardless of your eventual pathway.
6. Time Management and Strategic Planning:
   Start planning early. Whether your aim is a direct admit BS/MD or simply setting the stage for a strong pre-med profile, having a roadmap for high school will make the journey smoother.

Sample High School Course Schedule

Use this suggested schedule as a guide, adjusting it according to your school’s offerings and your own academic readiness. Both BS/MD hopefuls and future pre-med undergraduates benefit from robust preparation in math, science, English, social sciences, and foreign languages.

9th Grade (Freshman Year)

• Science: Biology (Honors if available)
• Math: Geometry
• Social Studies: World History
• English: Introductory/American Literature
• Foreign Language: Level I
• Elective: Consider health-related clubs or introductory STEM electives

10th Grade (Sophomore Year)

• Science: Chemistry (Honors)
• Math: Algebra II/Trigonometry
• Social Studies: AP World History or another AP/Honors option
• English: World Literature
• Foreign Language: Level II
• Elective: Consider a light AP course (e.g., AP Psychology) if you’re ready
  

11th Grade (Junior Year)

• Science: AP Biology or AP Chemistry (choose one and consider taking the other senior year)
• Math: Pre-Calculus or AP Pre-Calculus
• Social Studies: AP U.S. History
• English: AP Language and Composition
• Foreign Language: Level III
• Elective: Another AP in a non-science field (e.g., AP Statistics)

12th Grade (Senior Year)

• Science: Physics (Honors or AP Physics 1/2; AP Physics C if advanced)
• Math: AP Calculus AB or BC
• Social Studies: Economics and AP Government
• English: AP Literature
• Foreign Language: Level IV or AP if offered
• Elective: Additional AP science if needed, or a research-focused course

Notes on Academics

• AP Courses: Aim for around six to eight AP classes total. Consider balancing them so you’re not taking too many reading-intensive AP courses in one year. For example, avoid stacking multiple heavy humanities APs together if it compromises your performance.
• Science Coverage: Complete biology, chemistry, and physics. Even if not all at the AP level, this foundational trio is crucial whether you apply to a direct-admit medical program or a selective undergraduate school where you’ll pursue a pre-med path.
• Math Progression: Reaching AP Calculus by your senior year is common among competitive applicants. A strong math background supports your performance in college-level science and research methods courses.

Building Research Experience

Research experience can give you a major advantage. Hands-on lab work shows that you not only excel academically but also apply knowledge creatively to solve scientific problems.

How to Find Research Opportunities:

1. Summer Research Programs: Look into programs at local universities. Choose those offering hands-on lab experience over lecture-only formats.
2. Networking and Connections: If you know anyone working at a university or lab, reach out. Personal connections can help you secure a position.
3. Cold Emailing Professors: Without personal connections, carefully identify professors whose work interests you. Read their abstracts and tailor your emails to show genuine interest and understanding.

Tips for Contacting Professors

• Emphasize Experience Over Compensation: Offer to work as a volunteer intern, showing your willingness to learn without expecting payment.
• Highlight Relevant Background: Mention any independent research projects, science fairs, or advanced coursework you’ve completed.
• Keep Emails Concise and Personalized: Professors are busy. A short, well-structured email that references their research will stand out.
• Expect Limited Responses: Persistence is key. You may have to email many professors before landing an opportunity.

Volunteering for Healthcare Exposure

Volunteering helps you understand the patient-facing side of medicine. Both BS/MD programs and future pre-med advisors want to see that you’ve spent time in healthcare environments and confronted the challenges and rewards of patient care.

• Start Early: Volunteering from freshman or sophomore year demonstrates long-term commitment.
• Explore Varied Settings: Consider hospitals, clinics, or even nursing homes. Seeing different facets of patient care broadens your understanding.
• Reflect and Document: Keep notes or a journal. Reflect on what you learn to enrich your application essays and future interviews.

Standardized Testing: Get Ahead Early

Strong test scores are important whether you apply directly to a BS/MD program or target a top-tier undergraduate institution with a pre-med track.

• Consider Early Testing: If prepared, taking the SAT or ACT by sophomore year can free up time later for other commitments.
• Focus on Strategy and Practice: Learn test-taking techniques and practice extensively. Seek tutoring or prep courses if you struggle with certain sections.
• Plan for Retakes: Starting early provides room to improve your scores before college applications are due.

Putting It All Together

Whether you’re seeking a direct path into medicine (BS/MD) or planning to enter a strong undergraduate pre-med program, the essential preparation is similar: build a solid academic foundation, engage in meaningful research and volunteering, and develop strong test-taking skills.

Freshman/Sophomore Year:
Explore various interests in science, establish strong study habits, and begin volunteering. Consider taking an early standardized test if prepared.

Junior Year:
Take on AP courses, deepen your volunteering and research experiences, and refine your standardized test scores. Start thinking about recommendation letters.

Senior Year:
Complete advanced coursework, finalize your research projects, and polish your essays. By now, you’ll be applying either directly to BS/MD programs or to a range of colleges where you can thrive as a pre-med student.

Planning, perseverance, and a genuine passion for science and patient care are critical no matter which track you choose. With careful preparation and strategic decision-making throughout high school, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate ready to excel in whichever medical pathway you follow.

Need More Guidance?
If you’re seeking personalized advice—whether it’s about course selection, research opportunities, volunteering, or test prep—consider working with dedicated admissions advisors and physician coaches at organizations like MedSchoolCoach. They can provide tailored guidance to help you achieve your goals, whether you’re aiming for a BS/MD program or preparing for a traditional pre-med college experience.

About Dr. Kachiu Lee:
Dr. Lee is an admission coach at MedSchoolCoach as a board-certified dermatologist, practicing in an academic setting as an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Brown University.

She completed a dermatology residency at Brown University and served as Chief Resident during her final year. She completed her fellowship in Photomedicine, Lasers, and Cosmetics at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Academically, she has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and lectures internationally on photomedicine and dermatology. She has several research grants supporting her work in developing cutting-edge technologies for treatment of skin cancer.

Dr. Lee also has an interest in medical education, and dedicates time to medical student and resident teaching, serving as an editor to the First Aid book series.