Pre‑medical studies at
This
is to those interested in careers in medicine,
whether it be allopathic, dental, osteopathic, podiatric or veterinary.
Course
work: The
general requirement for admission for the medical schools is to take
one year
of mathematics (at least one semester of which must be calculus), one
year of
physics, one year of English (one semester must be composition), one
year of
general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, and one year of
biology. In
addition, we strongly recommend taking biochemistry and many will also
take two
additional biology courses (genetics and physiology). While most
schools do not
require these courses (some do require biochemistry, and veterinary
schools
require embryology), we have found that students tend to be more
successful on
the MCAT if they have taken these courses. Since the MCAT, DAT or VCAT
is
typically taken in April of the Junior year, it is most useful to take
all
these classes by then.
Choice
of major:
While this list of courses makes for a ready major in biology or
chemistry,
there is no requirement to major in one of these fields, or in the
sciences at
all. Choose a major in a field that you enjoy. Often times the medical
schools
will prefer someone who is good in science and is good in a very
different
discipline over someone who has only one strength. So choose what you
like;
this is to your advantage in two ways: you are more likely to do well
in your
field of preference, and you will have more enjoyment of your studies
here.
Activities: While courses are
important, it is also important to demonstrate an ongoing interest in
the
medical field (e.g., by assisting in a physician's office or in a
hospital).
Additionally, it is wise to be involved in some regular extracurricular
activity. This could be a sport or club, but it should be something
which
involves a significant commitment on your part (e.g., captain of team;
coordinator of club, etc.). Why? Medical schools typically like to see
that you
have outside interests, and that you can keep these commitments while
maintaining good grades. It is also frequently helpful to have
participated in
research activities while in college, especially if you are interested
in
attending one of the more research‑ active medical centers.
Scores:
The typical successful
medical school
applicant has a GPA of 3.6 and above, and MCAT scores above 9. Working
on
getting good grades will be important, as will retaining your knowledge
for the
MCAT exam.
Recommendations:
Applying: Your medical school
application includes a statement about yourself which is very
important. Write
this well! You can have friends, your advisor, and Prof. Marten read
this for
you to ensure that it is clear. Mail your application early. It should
be sent
in the summer months, ideally as soon after June 15th (the date
applications
are first accepted) as reasonable. The later it is sent in, the lower
the
chance of success, as more of the spaces will already have been
allocated.
Information: Be sure to read the AMCAS
guide to medical schools. A recent copy of this is available for
student
reading, in the Chemistry or Biology department offices. It is very
advisable
to go through this book for the general information it offers, and to
review
the requirements for the specific medical schools you are interested
in.
Beginning to read this early in your college, career will provide you
with the
information you need to be a strong medical school candidate.
Additionally, the
Chemistry and Biology offices maintain a collection of medical school
catalogs
and admissions information: Familiarize yourself with these. While