What do I need to shoot for in terms of my science and overall GPA and MCAT scores?
Medical and other professional school admissions are increasingly competitive. You will need a minimum science GPA of 3.30 and MCAT scores of 30 or above to be solidly competitive to have your file considered by the medical school. Your overall GPA should be at least 3.5. For veterinary science programs the competition is just as intense. Average GPA's continue to rise for dental, OT, PT, optometry and pharmacy programs as well, where a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better is needed.
What if I am finding the course work very difficult?
You need to evaluate your study habits and skills. If you are not putting in enough hours studying, you will not master the material. If comprehension is an issue, rather than study habits, go to the professor's office hours. If necessary, request a tutor. Go to all help sessions and study groups. Don;t get behind - it is nearly impossible to catch up if you fall behind, so get help early.
If you are still not able to get high grades in your core requirements, we suggest that you consider stretching out the time to complete the courses. It is better to take fewer per semester and do very well than to struggle and not do well with more classes. You should be open to using your summers as a time to complete requirements, either here or at home. You must take the required classes at an accredited four-year college to have them considered adequate preparation by medical schools. NO community college courses!
Do I have to be a biology major to get into medical/professional school?
No, and in fact the acceptance rates for medical school, for example, are higher for non-biology majors. You should select a major that you will love, and do well in. The requirements for professional school are just that, required courses, NOT a major. We strongly urge students to think broadly and play to your strengths.
Should I have a minor or second major or minor?
If you are doing well in the first major and your required courses, by all means consider adding more to your academic portfolio. It is always a good idea to show professional schools that you have a broad set of interests, and that you are an accomplished scholar in another area. Again, select areas you love, and do well!
Should I do research?
You MUST do research if you are interested in medical scientist training programs, as this is one of the core areas in which you must show aptitude and proficiency. Students interested in MD/PhD programs, which are intensely competitive, should start working in a research laboratory by the summer after their freshman year. You should be engaged in a long-term project for which you are responsible, not dishwashing or tissue culture or other support activities. You should plan to spend all your summers in the lab full-time.
Students who find research interesting, but plan to be clinical caregivers should also consider the opportunity to pursue a research experience. Most medical schools require letters of recommendation from science faculty. Letters from faculty who know your work and your character well are most compelling. A research experience is an excellent opportunity to really get to know a science mentor. Remember that most of your progress will take place over the summer when you can work 60-70 hours a week in the lab. Make certain that you are prepared for this kind of commitment, and enjoy being immersed in science!
Remember that research opportunities are invaluable in all disciplines; not just science. You should look for these experiences and become involved in an effort that is interesting to you. Many humanities and social sciences students find that they can add depth to their major with a research experience, and often they decide to pursue a honors project!
What about clinical opportunities?
There are many opportunities to get experience in clinical settings. Dr. Kohl runs a course in the biology department that helps students connect with clinical care providers. Please contact him if you are interested. All the premedical societies sponsor "shadow a doctor" programs. See if you can do something with your doctor at home. Volunteer in a hospital or clinic. Be creative!
What about volunteer and community service?
You should get involved in these activities by your sophomore year, and plan to stick with at least two until you graduate. There is no right or better activity, any that you are committed to will be fine. Your supervisor or the program director should be a recommender for you, so nurture these relationships.
What about summer jobs or experiences?
Most professional schools are aware that students need to work over the summer and breaks to help defray the expenses of college. However, with some planning you can arrange jobs that will enable you to gain experience in a field. The biology department and the career center have files of internship opportunities, many of which are paid. If you need to work in an unrelated area, don't worry; just keep up your volunteer activity over the summer.
What about working during the school year?
Many students need to work part-time during the school year. If you have a job, it is imperative that you preserve time to study for your classes. Try to select a job with flexible hours so you can devote more time to your studies around exams and finals. Be aware that some jobs can lead to research experiences or letters of recommendation.
Should I join a fraternity or sorority?
This is an area where you must use your judgement, and be very honest about your study habits and abilities. If you are interested in the Greek system, you should go ahead and explore the options. As you do, consider: There is often intense pressure to become involved in social events, even during the school week. You need to have a plan, and you need to follow it in order to avoid falling behind on your studies. If living in the organization's house is too much of a temptation, consider waiting until later in your college experience. It is tragic to see a freshman with straight A's become a struggling sophomore with B's and C's. Recovering from such trouble is extremely difficult.
Can I be involved in athletics?
Again, planning is the key to success. If you know that you will be deeply committed during some parts of the academic year, consider adjusting your schedule accordingly. Be aware of the strain that time for practice and meets or games places on your ability to really master your course material. Preparing for professional school is grueling, and some students may need to cut back their involvement in athletics. Check with your professors early so they know if you will miss class, and can help you stay current with course material. Be prepared to get a tutor early if you are having difficulty, and contact SES to get advice about structuring your time effectively.
Should I plan to go overseas to study? Can I go and still complete my required courses?
Overseas experiences are very valuable, and with a little planning, students can enjoy a semester or summer program. Be aware of special opportunities such as the biology department's genetics program at Trinity College in Dublin and France for the Pre-med, which is coordinated by Professor Winn, and go to the overseas study office and browse through their information. Consult with your adviser and major/minor departments about timing. Be careful about taking required science courses overseas. They may not be equivalent to our course, and grading can be a very difficult issue with international universities. Your best bet is to fulfill electives, if you are uncertain about the ability to count the science courses offered.
Should I ask professors for recommendations now?
If you have a good relationship with a current or recent instructor, and did well in the course, please ask for a recommendation now. If you wait a year or more, your instructor's memory of you will fade, and she will not be able to write as strong a letter. Come by the college office and start a file with us. Pick up recommendation forms. SIGN THE CONFIDENTIALITY WAIVER. You will not get good letters if you do not waive your right to read them. E-mail your professor and make an appointment to see him. Write a short resume highlighting your academic, research, and clinical and volunteer experience. Take the resume and copy of your transcript so your recommender has a copy of relevant information about you. Have the completed recommendation sent to the College of Arts and Sciences office.
Should I have a back-up plan?
Every student should have a second career path in mind that would also be exciting and satisfying. It is not wise to be too narrow in the scope of your interests. You may develop new interests during your time here, and should be able to pursue them without spending extra time in school. The College office has information about many different career paths in the health professions, and we encourage students to come by and look through the files.
"It's amazing what a push in the right direction can do. My advisers in the College of Arts & Sciences have helped me take what I'm interested in and turn that into something worthwhile that I can pursue."
