When you are researching potential undergraduate programs to prepare you for medical school, one of the first things you should look at is the number of and availability of courses. Any medical school will require a background in the sciences, and you will want to make sure your undergraduate program has a strong offering of science courses. While you do not have to specifically major in a scientific area, most schools will require at least a one course with a lab of the following: biology, general chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. Most medical school programs also look for successful completion of courses in mathematics and English. However, it is also recommended you take courses pertaining to a specialty you are considering within the medical field. For instance, if you are thinking of a specialty in gynecology and obstetrics, you may want to take a women's studies course or a course in human sexuality. Taking courses pertaining to a potential specialty show admissions committees you are not only serious about becoming a doctor, but you also want to learn about the people you will be treating.
While you must have a background in science, medical schools do not require an undergraduate major in the sciences. Most schools encourage a well-rounded education with a focus on the liberal arts. This is because medical school programs want doctors who are both interested in medicine and the people they are treating. What you study is less important than how well you do within a chosen field of study. This means you should choose an undergraduate program based on its liberal arts programs as well as the quality of its pre-med courses.
It is no secret that medical schools look heavily at grade point average when considering an applicant for admissions. This will be a heavy consideration no matter the undergraduate program you choose. That is, you will not be guaranteed a spot in a medical program simply because you went to Harvard; your grades must be excellent as well. Medical schools will consider both your science and overall grade point average. Your science grades will be more important in the consideration, but both numbers are very significant when an admissions committee considers an application. Choosing a major that interests you will help keep your grades high as you are more likely to do better in an area of interest than one that completely disinterests you. When you are considering undergraduate programs you should look at the student services a school offers. Services such as a writing center or general subject tutoring can be a great asset if you find yourself struggling with a specific class or subject.
Because medical schools are looking for students who are well-rounded, committed, and passionate, extracurricular activities can be a great asset. Some undergraduate programs offer co-ops and/or internships within the medical field, and this is definitely something you should look into when researching a potential program. If, however, a school you are interested in does not have many programs that allow you experience in the medical field, you can still volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, or hospice service. This type of volunteer work will allow you to interact with patients and to have practical experience within a medical environment.