Ultimately, deciding which path to take, and whether it’s right for you, is something only YOU can determine. There isn’t necessarily only one right path for each individual as many roads may lead to the same destination. Finding your correct path takes a lot of time, research, self reflection, and self discovery. To figure out what is best for you, it is best to get as much hands on experience as possible in your chosen field. Look into internships, shadowing, and talk to people in that profession. Get as many backgrounds, stories, and experiences from real individuals, and apply that to your own life. You will know this path is right for you if you feel motivated, passionate, and energized when working on your future. If you feel like you are burning out, uninterested, or sacrificing your own happiness - look elsewhere. Making changes are 100% okay, and are even encouraged! Life is short, and you deserve a field that brings you the most joy and fulfillment.
What is the best major for being pre-med / applying to medical school?
Surprisingly, there is no *best* major for going into the medical field. You don't need to be a science major to be a competitive applicant to medical school, but a solid foundation in the sciences is necessary to succeed in the MCAT and medical school curriculum. Many medical schools only need you to take the needed courses and prerequisites to be qualified to apply. Of course, life science courses will give you better backgrounds for going into medical school, but ultimately it comes down to your passion, work ethic, and achievements. According to the Association of American of Medical Colleges, the most common majors that go into medical school are biological sciences, "other" majors, physical sciences, social sciences, humanities, specialized health sciences, and math and statistics. This shows that any major can go into med school, as long as you meet the prereqs, have the proper backgrounds, and succeed in the MCAT!
Prerequisites for medical school?
Double check with your academic counselor and the medical school separately. Below is the UCLA College Academic Counseling Program's pre-health requirements for medical school
How do I succeed in my classes?
Go to office hours, meet your professor, talk to your TA's, talk to your peers, make study groups that meet frequently, get tutoring as soon as you fall behind, study more than you think you need to, make sure to recite (and even teach!) material. All of this combined with a good work ethic, a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining good mental health will allow you to succeed. Don't be afraid to get help, and don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions (fyi - there is no such thing as a stupid question!)
How do I find internships, research, or job opportunities?
Look everywhere - LinkedIn, Handshake, the UCLA Career Center, UCLA Student Research, career fairs, info sessions, etc are great to find new opportunities. Visiting places you are interested in volunteering, interning, or working for is also a plus - you can talk to the person in charge and make your name and face known. Look everywhere you can (blood banks, senior care facilities, minute clinics, etc). These places often need volunteers or additional help, so they are great places to start out at. Make sure to network as much as you can, and do not be afraid to ask people if they know anyone who is hiring or taking new recruits! Make sure you do your research on the company, lab, research topic / position, and anything else you can think of before applying or going to an interview. As for applying, don't be afraid to apply to anything and everything, even if you think you are not qualified enough. You never know what might happen, you could land a great opportunity! Remember, the worst that can happen is that they say no. Don't get discouraged, there are always more opportunities out there, and you will find one in time!
Are they necessary for getting into medical school?
They are strongly recommended. Some medical schools even require some form of volunteering, research, or clinical hours to be considered for admission. The best thing to do is get as much experience (especially research experience) under your belt. Not only will it make you a more competitive applicant, but it gives you a solid foundation for medical school curriculum.
How do I get letters of recommendation?
This is where your volunteering, research, intern, and job experience comes in handy. By making professional connections and getting to know your mentor, they are more likely to be willing to write you a favorable letter of recommendation. Professors can also provide letters of rec, but make sure that they know you not only as a student, but as an individual as well. A professor isn't going to write a good letter of recommendation for a student they barely know. Build these relationships by participating in class, going to office hours, and even join their research labs if applicable. As for mentors and bosses, they are also great resources for asking for letters of rec. Once they get to know you, your work ethic, and your abilities, reference letters can come easily. The most important thing to remember before asking for a letter of recommendation is this: Do I know this person well enough, and do they know me just as well? Do they know my work ethic, my character? Will this person write me a well written and favorable letter? Am I giving them enough time to write this? Here are some tips: Ask a professor who knows you well, and and in whose class you excelled in. The better of a relationship you have, the better. Feel free to request your reference letters in person, it is more formal, adds a personal touch, and shows immense respect. Make sure to be polite and professional, and emphasise why you want a letter from them specifically. Make your deadline clear, and if you need certain things to be emphasized in your letter, have a list on hand, but it is best to tell them verbally. Most important of all, thank them in person, and send them a thank you letter after they submit your letter of recommendation.