Take it from Dr. Andrew G. Frantz, Associate Dean for Admissions at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons (the medical school). Dr. Frantz majored in English in college and welcomes applicants who aren't science majors.

"Medical school is all about science--and nothing but science," he says. "But college is a time to become an educated, complete human being, a time to read Shakespeare and Plato and Cervantes."

Requirements: fewer than you think Most medical schools require only four undergraduate science courses: physics, biology, and two years of chemistry (some schools also require certain math courses). The only exception might be if you have a weak science background or if you don't do well on the first science classes you take in college.

Carol Baffi-Dugan, who advises pre-meds at Tufts University, tells students, "If you absolutely love one of the sciences, go ahead and major in it, but don't choose a science major simply to enhance your medical school application. Pick something that intrigues you; that you really want to learn about, whether it's biology, history, or music."

Applications to medical school have risen in recent years but are still far below the all-time high in 1996. Getting in is tough, as only about half of all applicants are accepted. Luckily, the things to focus on in order to get in are the same things that will develop you as a person and enhance your college experience:

• Do well academically.
• Take a variety of courses that give you a broad perspective on the world. Learn a language. Spend a semester abroad.
• Take an active part in college life beyond academics, and assume a leadership role.
• Explore the real-life world of medicine through internships and paid or volunteer work in a hospital or other medical setting.
• Show that you care about people and that you want to make a difference in the world. Check out community service programs. More and more medical schools are recognizing that a desire to serve others is an essential prerequisite in becoming a good doctor.

Beyond the GPA Grades are important, says Baffi-Dugan, but the students who are getting into medical school are the ones who show motivation and self-development, not just a high grade point average. "Many medical schools are grappling with the issue of how to educate students to treat people from a great variety of cultures," she says. "Knowing a second language and having studied abroad are seen as plusses in a student's application. Understanding a different culture from having lived there makes you more open-minded to different cultures." However, experiences that expose you to people from different cultures in the U.S. can be just as important. "Our own society is so diverse now," says Baffi-Dugan, "that medical schools are really aiming for students who are well prepared to deal with our own population." So choose a major you love, take on nonacademic leadership responsibilities, show you care for others--in short, become the kind of person you would like to have as a doctor: wise and sensitive as well as a first-rate clinician.

How does this affect your college choice?

• Look for a school that is not only academically strong but that's also a good match for you in size, location, curricular and extracurricular activities, and student population. A school may have the best success rate in the country in medical school admissions, but if you are miserable there, you are less likely to do well.
• Ask about what kinds of support and advising the school offers pre-med students.
• Ask about opportunities for health-related experiences, such as research, internships, and service programs.

The bottom line? Study what you love in college. No matter what it is, you'll be keeping your medical school options open.

Article by Deborah Knight and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com