Checklist for Admission

Middle and High School

Prepare to do well in college, grades are not as important as taking the courses in high school that will get your ready for good college performance.
Work with your career counselor and key teachers on preparation
Shadow local physicians
A track record of volunteer work, Excellence in Boy or Girl Scouts, or community service helps

Choose a college that fits you well, not only academically, but personally.

Avoid credit card debt, especially gambling debt. You cannot get the loans that you need with a bad credit history of any kind
Avoid getting surprised by a bad semester or two. Anticipate what you can handle. Even though some high schools, some college years, and even some later courses may be easy for you, everyone hits the wall and has to make some special efforts in a course to do well and avoid the grades that will draw attention to lack of academic ability. GPA is a critical component. Want to be above 3.7, perhaps less if special circumstances.
Continue a track record of service and working with people
Develop a relationship with key college advisors, they will be writing letters for you.
Develop the polish needed to make sure your application looks good. Remember med school is about problem solving with people.
Practice the MCAT test or take a course, learn test taking skills during high school and college. Need 9s to be considered, perhaps less with special qualifications.
Practice interviewing skills, mainly to make sure that you are not as nervous and can explain any areas that they might question.
Drug or alcohol history would be hard to explain.

Some Obstacles You Might Anticipate

Anatomy - Realizing that someone donated their body to help you and others, as well as getting involved in learning help
Blood and trauma - again getting involved is best. Standing there watching bad scenes is not possible for anyone. Helping people is what medicine is about and making a difference in lives is what makes it possible to get thru.
Heavy workload/decreased time for activities outside of medical school - just a fact
Debt - nearly all can get loans or scholarships. Those choosing primary care may have a more challenging time, but there are special financing programs for those serving in underserved and rural areas.
Urban living - for those from rural areas or other cultures, this can be quite a factor

Avoiding Medical School Problems

Academic problems arise from a variety of reasons. One is poor preparation. Sometimes personal situations arise. You should discuss these with faculty and counselors. Once you are in medical school, they want you to graduate. All have extra resources just for the asking. Hiding things can only hurt.
Debt - be careful with your money, it is nearly impossible to do medical school and work
Choices - it is not possible to do what you did in high school and college and with family and friends and survive. You have to make choices to allow the time to do well.

Education - the entire pipeline

Education - the entire pipeline