Qualifications

Qualifications

Are you a real go-getter? An unstoppable studying machine? A grade-A perfectionist who won't quit for any reason?

Then you just might make it through those sixteen years of training. All you have to do is get super grades and never, ever, ever slack off. Ever.

You can shorten the time it takes to earn your undergraduate degree by taking AP science classes in high school. Following that, those wanting to enter medical school after college generally major in biology, physics, chemistry, or specialized pre-health sciences.

Most medical schools require a 3.6 or higher GPA. In addition, medical students need stellar scores on their MCATs (Medical College Admissions Test scores).

During medical school, you can rotate through different specialties to see what you like. After medical school, students are required to spend one year in a residency program before moving on to a neurosurgeon residency program. Residency programs give you a chance to see what it's like for a life full of ten-to-twelve-hour workdays, night calls, and weekend calls.

It's sure not a breeze, but when you finally get to that operating table, you'll be glad to have sixteen years' worth of practice behind you.