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If you already know you want to become a doctor, the best time to start preparing for med school is your freshman year of high school.
Starting early gives you a major advantage. It allows you to build a strong academic foundation, explore your interests, and gain meaningful experience without cramming everything into your junior and senior years. It makes your timeline more relaxed and less stressful.
This guide breaks down exactly how to prepare for med school while you’re still in high school. I’ll cover how to plan your coursework, choose the right AP classes, gain research and clinical experience, and position yourself for BS/MD programs.
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Plan Your Course Schedule Strategically
To prepare for med school, your goal should be to align your academic choices with long-term pre-med requirements while still leaving room to explore your interests.
A well-structured schedule helps you build stronger math, science, and critical thinking skills and balance coursework with extracurriculars like volunteering or research.
It also helps you avoid overwhelming semesters. Time management is one of the most important skills you can develop early on. Mapping out your classes from freshman through senior year allows you to anticipate heavier workloads and adjust accordingly.
Below are three sample course schedules you can use as a starting point. Keep in mind that every high school is different, so treat these as flexible templates rather than strict requirements.
Sample Schedule 1
| 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
| Biology | Chemistry Honors | AP Biology | Physics Honors |
| Geometry | Algebra 2/Trigonometry | Pre-Calculus | AP Calculus AB/BC |
| World History | AP US History | Economics | AP Government & Politics |
| English I | English II | AP English Language | AP English Literature |
| French I | French II | French III | French IV |
| Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective (AP Psych) |
Sample Schedule 2
| 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
| Biology | Chemistry Honors | AP Biology | AP Chemistry |
| Algebra 2/Trigonometry | Pre-Calculus | AP Calculus AB/BC | AP Statistics |
| World History | AP US History | AP Gov & Politics | Economics |
| English I | English II | AP English Language | AP English Literature |
| French II | French III | French IV | Physics Honors |
| Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective (AP Psych) |
Sample Schedule 3
| 9th Grade | 10th Grade | 11th Grade | 12th Grade |
| Biology Honors | Chemistry Honors | AP Biology | AP Chemistry |
| Pre-Calculus | AP Calculus AB/BC | AP Statistics | Multivariable Calculus |
| Psychology | World History | AP US History | Economics |
| English I | English II | AP English Language | AP English Literature |
| Spanish II | Spanish III | Spanish IV | AP Physics (1 or C) |
| Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective (AP Psych) |
Should You Take AP Classes?
Advanced Placement (AP) courses can earn you college credit, which is especially valuable for future pre-medical students. But the goal shouldn’t be to take as many of them as possible. You should challenge yourself while maintaining a strong GPA.
Most competitive students take six to eight AP courses total, typically spread across their junior and senior years. Many high schools allow AP classes earlier, in your sophomore year. If that’s available to you, it can be a great way to spread out your workload.
Most importantly, avoid overloading your schedule. A slightly lighter course load with a higher GPA is far more valuable for college and BS/MD admissions than a packed schedule with declining grades.
Best AP Courses for Future Pre-Meds
Certain AP classes are especially helpful for students planning a pre-med track. These courses build core knowledge for college-level science and are often considered the best AP classes for the medical field:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics (1 or C)
- AP Calculus AB or BC
- AP Statistics
These subjects build the core knowledge you’ll need for college-level pre-med coursework and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Non-science APs in the humanities, like US History or English, are worthwhile too, and can sometimes substitute for gen-ed requirements in college.
That said, a more competitive school of medicine may not accept AP credits to fulfill core science prerequisites. That’s okay. The real value of these APs is the rigor they signal on your transcript and the preparation they provide.
Avoid stacking AP Biology, AP US History, and AP English Language in the same year. All three are reading- and theory-heavy. It’s better to swap one for a more applied course like AP Calculus. Finally, don’t jump into advanced science APs before you’re ready. Taking AP Chemistry without a solid foundation can hurt your GPA more than help your application.
Our Pre-Med Coach program offers guidance from a College and Physician Advisor to help you plan your academics, extracurriculars, and pre-med path from high school through college.
Gain Research Experience
Research in high school isn’t required for college, but it gives you a major advantage, especially for BS/MD programs. These programs highly value students who show genuine curiosity and persistence in science. I recommend 100-200 hours, likely through a hands-on internship at a lab.
University lab research programs tend to be the most impressive, but getting a spot as a high school student can be challenging. If that’s not an option, leading an independent research project at your own school is still a strong and valuable experience.
How to Find Research Opportunities
While you’re still in high school, there are two ways to find research opportunities in a reputable lab:
- If you know anyone who works at a university lab, make your interest known. Personal connections are the most reliable shortcut to getting research experience.
- If you don’t have any personal connections, emailing professors is your best option. Identify specialties you’re interested in (e.g., neuroscience, immunology) and research which professors work in that area. Focus your outreach rather than sending mass emails.
Once you’ve identified professors to contact, build a spreadsheet to track your research. For each professor, ask yourself:
- What exactly is this professor researching?
- Why is it critical to understand what they’re studying?
- How do my experiences and interests align with theirs?
Sample Email for Contacting Professors About Research Internships
Crafting a strong email is crucial, as it’s often the only thing professors use to decide whether to accept you as an intern. You can use an email template to contact professors about your interest in research opportunities, as long as you customize the message slightly for each recipient.
Use the sample email template below to get a good idea of what to include, plus how to structure it.
Dear Professor/Dr. ______,
My name is _____, and I am emailing to inquire about an internship for the summer of (year). I am currently a (grade level) at (high school), and for a few years now, it has been my passion to further pursue (subject) once I leave high school. Just to be clear, I am completely willing to work without pay. I’m looking to further my insights about (subject), and I believe your mentorship will be critical in helping me do so.
After reading through some of your publications, it seems your lab is focused on studying (lab objective). Your article (article name) particularly captured my attention. I would like to learn more about (topic of interest). I am currently working on an independent research project involving (subject of research), and I would like to continue to understand (ask any topic-related questions).
Being that you are an expert in this field of research, it would be an honor to have you as a mentor to help me understand and answer these, and many other, questions.
I have attached my resume and my current independent research proposal for your perusal. I genuinely believe that your assistance will be of great help to me, so I truly hope you consider me for an internship.
Thank you very much in advance for your time. Hope to hear from you soon,
(Name)
Emailing Best Practices & Timing Tips
When reaching out to professors for high school research opportunities, a thoughtful, well-timed email can make all the difference. Here are a few more tips:
- Send emails at the right time. The best times to reach out for research internships are September through October, after summer students leave and new spots open, or December through February, when summer internship applications are starting.
- Emphasize interest, not pay. Professors prefer students who are motivated to learn, so focus on your curiosity and willingness to contribute rather than compensation.
- Show initiative. Even if the research is complex, read at least the abstracts and conclusions of things the professor has published. Mentioning something specific about the project demonstrates that you’re engaged and willing to put in extra effort.
- Keep it short and sweet. Aim for around 250 words. Professors are busy. Between all the grants they’re writing and the projects they’re supervising, they don’t have much time to read lengthy or detailed emails.
Don’t Get Discouraged
Most professors won’t respond, and that’s completely normal. When I went through this process, I sent around 200 emails and heard back positively from only two. Some professors replied to say they’d love to have me, but their lab was full, or I was too young. Most didn’t respond at all.
Don’t let that discourage you. Here’s how to handle the two most common responses:
- “You’re too young.” Thank them and ask if you can follow up in a year. Many universities require lab workers to be at least 16, so if you’re not there yet, be patient. A warm, gracious reply now sets you up well for that follow-up email later.
- “The lab is full.” Thank them and ask if you can check back in a few months. Labs turn over regularly, and a polite follow-up could land you a spot when one opens up.
The students who get research experience aren’t always the most qualified. They’re often just the most persistent.
Read Next: Pre-Med Vs. BS/MD Quiz – Which College Path is Right for Me?
Start Volunteering or Shadowing
Volunteering isn’t required for admission to a traditional undergraduate program, but it’s a big advantage, especially in health-related settings. For BS/MD programs, admissions officers are looking for students who have shown a commitment to medicine over several years.
Common volunteering opportunities that demonstrate this include:
- Local hospitals
- Hospice/nursing homes
- Private practices
- Non-profits focused on public health or serving underserved communities
These experiences aren’t just resume boosters. They give you a real glimpse into what a career in medicine involves and help you decide if it’s truly the right path.
From personal experience, volunteering at a children’s hospice was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of high school. It taught me to confront one of the hardest realities of being a doctor: dealing with death. It also deepened my appreciation for life and reinforced my desire to improve people’s health every day.
Choose Extracurriculars Wisely
Pick extracurricular activities that genuinely interest you, not just what looks good on paper. Admissions committees, especially for pre-med and BS/MD programs, notice students who show sustained commitment and leadership in meaningful activities.
Focus on a few areas where you can make a real impact. Science clubs, volunteer organizations, student government, summer programs, and cultural clubs are all great options. What matters most is sustained commitment and leadership.
Look for opportunities to spearhead initiatives or take on leadership roles within the activities you care about. That will stand out far more than a long list of short-term commitments. The goal is to build a profile that reflects your curiosity, perseverance, and dedication. Those are the same qualities that will define you as a physician.
Learn More: The Pre-Med Journey – Definitions to Become a Doctor
Take the SAT or ACT
Standardized tests remain an important part of the college admissions process, especially for students applying to competitive pre-med or BS/MD programs. You only need to take one of these tests, but each has its strengths.
Choose the SAT if:
- You prefer a little more time to answer questions.
- You’re stronger in algebra and reading comprehension.
- You’re weaker with science-related graph reading.
Choose the ACT if:
- You work well under tight time limits.
- You like shorter, more direct questions.
- You’re strong in geometry, trigonometry, and graph interpretation.
I recommend taking the test in your sophomore year or the beginning of junior year to give yourself time to retake it in case you’re unhappy with your score. Aim for test scores in the top 10%: 1450+ out of 1600 for the SAT and 32+ out of 36 for the ACT.
The key to mastering standardized tests is learning effective strategies, building strong study habits, and practicing consistently.
Start Working on Your College Applications
Start working on your college applications and essays in the summer before your high school senior year. It’s helpful to decide on your major during this process.
Note: Pre-med is not a major. In fact, you don’t need to major in a science at all to go to medical school, as long as you complete the required prerequisites. That said, you may be able to follow a pre-med track to ensure you get the right prerequisites.
Choose your safe schools, reach schools, and backup schools based on your grades, goals, cost, location, and other factors that are important to you.
I recommend making a spreadsheet that includes application deadlines, unique requirements, and how much you want to attend each school.
College Essays
Once you’ve narrowed down your schools, start brainstorming and drafting your college essays. Starting early gives you time to revise, get feedback, and make your essays as strong as possible before deadlines.
Essays give you a chance to tell your story, showcase your genuine interest in medicine, and explain your personal growth. Reflect on experiences like volunteering, research, leadership in extracurriculars, or challenges you’ve overcome.
Here are my top tips for writing undergraduate pre-med essays:
- Start with the largest prompts, since they’ll take the most time.
- Work on multiple prompts at the same time (big and small) to avoid getting stuck.
- Use essay templates for inspiration, but customize each essay for the school and avoid copying.
- For BS/MD applicants, you’ll write nearly twice as many essays as traditional applicants, so start even earlier, ideally before the summer after junior year.
Get Prepared for Interviews
Not all colleges require college interviews. Major institutions are more likely to have them, and any direct medical programs will certainly have them.
College interviews typically occur from November to March, with non-early decision applicants primarily interviewing in January and February. For BS/MD programs, the interview schedule will likely be similar.
Here are a few tips for interview prep:
- Prepare for travel. Many BS/MD programs require interviews on the medical school or university campus, sometimes involving overnight stays. Research nearby hotels or motels, and plan some time to explore the town when you’re not on campus.
- Dress professionally and comfortably. Stick with neutral colors like gray, black, white, brown, or blue. Women can wear a dress or dress pants. Men should wear a suit jacket with a button-up shirt.
- Come with questions. Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers, such as, “Where do you hope to see your alumni 10 years after graduation?”
- Practice honest answers to common questions. They’re almost certainly going to ask you what your strengths and hobbies are, and perhaps what makes you unique. Browse trending topics in the medical field just in case.
- Make eye contact. Avoid shifting nervously. Sit confidently, be engaged, and remember the interviewers are human too.
- Avoid filler words. Don’t stress out about getting this one perfect, but practice not letting yourself say words like “um,” “er,” and “like” in the months leading up to your interview. Practice pausing briefly to gather your thoughts instead of filling every silence.
FAQs
Most students begin preparing for the MCAT during their sophomore or junior year of college, after completing core pre-med courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. The MCAT is scored on a scale of 472-528, with each of the four sections contributing equally to your total score.
While you don’t need to study for the MCAT in high school, building strong study habits and a solid foundation in science early on will make preparation much easier later.
A GPA of 3.5 or above is ideal to get into a premed program, depending on the institution. A standout college essay, letter of recommendation, or resume, including volunteer work, can strengthen your application if your high school GPA is on the low side.
Once you’re pursuing your bachelor’s degree, maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or higher is generally considered competitive for medical school applications. Top programs often see even higher averages. Medical schools will also evaluate your BCPM GPA. A strong BCPM GPA shows that you can handle the rigorous academic demands of pre-med science classes.
BS/MD programs are competitive by design. While in undergrad, you’ll be doing the same work as other pre-med students, but you’ll need to maintain very high scores to qualify for your granted conditional acceptance to medical school.
In other words, you’ll be just as busy as your classmates preparing to apply to medical school, but with a bit more pressure to achieve high scores and grades. (Some BS/MD programs waive the MCAT requirement for med school to make up for this rigorous expectation, though this is less common than it used to be.)
In undergraduate and medical school admissions, some schools offer early decision or early action application programs.
Generally speaking, early decision is when you make an ethically-binding “contract” with a school that, if they offer you a spot early, you’ll accept it, not applying anywhere else. If there’s no offer, they’ll typically release you from this ethical contract early enough to apply elsewhere.
Early action is not binding, but it is also less advantageous. It’s simply about applying early and getting a decision early. There’s no downside, really.
Note: Some schools use “early action” to refer to the binding ethical contract that typically is reserved for the term “early decision.”
Several healthcare careers don’t require medical school but still fall under the broader pre-health path. Roles such as an EMT, nurse, or physician assistant allow you to work directly with patients without completing an MD.
If you’re unsure about committing to medical school, exploring these options and talking with pre-med advisors can help you better understand your interests and choose the right path.
Get Multi-Year Support With Pre-Med Coach
Applying to college with medical school in mind can feel overwhelming, but if you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most students.
MedSchoolCoach doesn’t just offer free guides. We also have advisors who have successfully gone from high school through medical school and can help you plan. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional pre-med path or a BS/MD program, having a clear strategy early on makes all the difference.
Set yourself up for long-term success with expert guidance along the way.
Kachiu Lee, MD
Dr. Lee specializes in BS/MD admissions. She was accepted into seven combined bachelor-medical degree programs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University and proceeded to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. After completing a dermatology residency at Brown University, Dr. Lee pursued a 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.
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