II. Medical School Preparation - The First Two Years

A. Academic - Find out the specific course requirements

1. "Medical School Admissions Requirement" (MSAR) published annually in April by the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges)
   a. Lists common requirements, NOTE: a science major is not required
   b. Lists other recommended sciences
   c. Lists other requirements (in general terms)
   
2. Advanced Placement (AP) credits from high school
   a. Varies by school and course
   b. Contact individual schools for their policy
   

B. Other Important Factors - Experience

1. Get exposure to medicine through volunteer work
   
2. Develop relationship with faculty, mentors, supervisors, and premedical advisor
   
3. Purchase MSAR or use in the CDC library
   a. Read Part I, Admission Information
   b. Look at differences in medical school programs
   
4. Check out the medical school information section of the CDC career library
   

C. Develop Strategy For Completing Medical School Requirements as well as Caltech Degree Requirements

1. Plan to take the MCAT in August preceding junior year if possible
   a. It is in general easier for students to find time to study during the summer
   b. Winter term of junior year frequently has a heavy course load
   c. Allows for retakes, if necessary without delaying application
   
2. Refrain from overloading on sciences, overloading in general
   a. May cause unnecessary low grades
   b. Limit Pass/No Pass grades after freshman year
   
3. Enroll in full-time, interesting, and challenging courses
   a. It is important to be serious about learning and grades from the start
   b. Take one term at a time
   c. Take advantage of special opportunities and plan how to include them in your schedule: travel, leadership, sports, service, art, or summer work at other universities and research center
   d. Don't be afraid to "do what you love"
   

D. Talk With Premedical Advisor and/or other Mentors Frequently, at least twice a year

1. Share concerns, struggles, frustrations and successes
   
2. Ask questions, develop strategies, learn about opportunities, anything that will help you succeed
   

E. Reassess Yourself Each Year

1. Your Desire and motivation
   
2. Your progress and competitiveness
   
3. Costs, both financial and personal
   
4. Other options