What It Actually Takes to Get into Medical School | Dr. Ryan Gray at UC Davis Pre-Health Conference

Today, let's address some premed myths and talk about what it REALLY takes to get into med school. Are you "smart enough" to become a doctor? Are you hitting all the so-called checkboxes? In this talk from the UC Davis Pre-Health Conference (2019), I'll be sharing the right perspective along with the motivation you need on your premed path!

[pimpnorris]

Finishing medical school in 6 months, the key is to never quit! I was told to my face I would never go to medical school when I hit a 1.6 gpa. I’m living proof you can do it! I passed my boards first try and I got hella interviews for residencies! You can do it! Never quit!

[andrescorona]

I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of writing ability when they apply to med school. I think it’s not so much what you do, but more about how you write about it. You can have these great stats, awesome experiences but if you can’t write about it well no one will care to find out what you did. If you’re able to craft and write a cohesive and captivating story you’ll be in a great position when applying

[neuza]

Starting the premed track this fall and I'm ✨scared✨

[BeingDrBernice]

"How many women have been questioned (by men) about why they are pursuing medicine...you won't have time for family" 🙋🏾‍♀️ you're doing great work!

[rachelchen]

I almost cried when you said those who are just doing a checklist will not get in. I feel like that's me. There's so much work and I don't have that passion when I started the pre-med journey anymore. One part of me keeps saying this is not what you want and you will not become a happy doctor. But in another way, becoming a doctor is the only career path I have seriously considered in my life. I have even less interest in other careers. I can't answer the "why do you want to become a doctor" question, and I'm struggling a lot. Now I can't distinguish is it just something my family talked me into or is this what I really want.

[chloewilliams]

Every time I tell people that my plan is to go to medical school (men or women), their response is always “Oh you wanna be a nurse, that’s great!” No, I’m gonna be a DOCTOR!!!

[luci-yt]

(this goes without saying but "just go become a nurse" is a stupid suggestion in the context it's often used because nursing school is also incredibly challenging and requires lots of work!!! and nurses work so so hard)

[motivate_md]

Agreed - it's all about the intent behind actions. Awesome talk!

[thesneakygamer]

Most people I see don’t spend enough time working on their application. Just because you have the GPA and MCAT done, that doesn’t mean the application is just a formality to get into medical school. I had a few friends that had the stats but no luck getting into med schools because of this.

[franciscodejesus]

“ you don’t have to be smart to do good in medical school, just have to work really really really hard “
I’m sold! Haha

[silverwindgt]

I'm only in high school and learning all this and listening to this makes me more motivated to push for getting to medicine

[franciscofletes]

Honestly it’s all a blur. That part of the process goes by so fast. The pre med process in retrospect was so much fun. Medschool was just so tiring… not fun.. internship was painful. Residency was wonderful… finally getting to do what you love. Life as an attending is fulfilling and everything you thought medical school would be 8 years earlier… point is, it is a long process with many ups and downs but in the end it is well worth it… it’s a calling, a marathon, stay in the moment while you’re doing it, don’t look back and don’t look too far into the future.. focus on enjoying each day… it’s too long to worry about the past or be scared about what’s coming…. Before you know it 12 years will pass and you’ll be an attending…

[kennethmoore]

medicine is a lot of hard work and stress but extraordinarily rewarding. Be yourself. Good luck.

[shaniatubana]

Starting my pre med track this fall, these types of videos make me stop overthinking and take it one step at a time ☺️

[JohnDoe-jzzy]

I’m a recovering drug user. I’ve been getting straight A’s for two years trying to buffer my future application.
I always fear that my story, which is truly meaningful and special, will be immediately overlooked or rejected by med schools.
I work really hard. I just gotta keep working my hardest till I exhaust all options. Whatever that means

[Youneedalex]

We need more doctors in the US, it’s time to reform the process of becoming a doctor.

[TessieMountz]

Thank you so much for this. I went back to school to begin a second career and my advisor has been swaying me to change my major. I started listening but still feel the desire to be a pediatrician. I have great grades, I felt that maybe she knew better. As of now, I no longer will listen to anyone else but myself.

[bautistajesus]

I’m currently in nursing school and working as a medical assistant. Your video just kept popping up everywhere and decided to watch it. And now I know what I want to do after I’m done with nursing school and save some cash. Thank you for the information!

[sophlorena]

This brought me to tears. I needed this so much.

[samanthapeters]

My application got rejected. I couldn't understand why? I wrote everything I thought they wanted to hear. So now I'm on YouTube looking at what I possibly did wrong? Watching this video I've now realized what I did wrong. I wrote a checklist. It was generic. Anyone could of written it about themselves. I need to personalize my application, and write in story form.