Taking the required courses and doing well on the MCAT are not guarantees of admission to medical school. Medical school admission committees want to see applicants who have an understanding of and even practical experience in medicine. You may consider volunteering in a hospital or a clinic as an extracurricular activity.

But be creative as well. Leadership experience and a demonstrated commitment to experiences that may seem to be unrelated to medicine set you apart from the crowd and also reflect a broad capacity for public service. These things also show that you are a well-rounded and well-adjusted individual.

After graduating from medical school, you spend between three to seven years in what's called a residency. This is paid on-the-job training where you get more in-depth exposure and experience working in the medical specialty you have chosen (pediatric oncology, for example).

You need a license to practice. During your residency, you train for certification in that field (your chosen medical specialty) and take the United States Medical Licensing Exams (USMLEs).

Medical school is expensive, but there are many financial aid options, including scholarships and federally funded loans to help lighten the burden.

You may find that taking courses in Latin or Greek may help you learn medical terminology.