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The key to medical school admissions sucess is planning based on
correct information. Research the schools in which you are interested. What are
their admissions requirements? And, keep in close contact with your pre-med
advisor. Are you taking the proper classes now?
By knowing all of the information before hand, you will avoid the extra
scrambling and aggravation upon finding out that you do not meet all of the
necessary prerequisites.
Required Coursework
Most schools agree on the basic elements for pre-medical education.
Minimum course requirements for most U.S. medical schools include one year of
each:
- Biology
- General (inorganic) chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
- Related lab work for each science course
In addition, many schools require English and math courses.
KAPLAN QUICK TIP: The best sources for admissions requirements for
specific medical schools are the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR)
and the College Information Booklet.
Selecting a Major
While science majors are certainly more common, medical schools stress
their interest in well-rounded students with broad-based undergraduate
backgrounds. In fact, regardless of your major, your undergraduate transcript
is a vital part of the admissions decision.
If you are not majoring in a science, your work in both science and
non-science courses will be evaluated. However, with fewer coures on which to
judge your science ability, your grades in the core science subjects will take
on greater importance.
Bottom line? Don't choose a major becuase you think it will get you accepted
to medical school. Choose a major in a subject in which you are really
interested. You will probably get better grades.
The MCAT*
For nearly all schools, the MCAT* carries significant weight in the
admissions process. Administered by the Association of American Medical
Colleges, the MCAT* is a relatively objective way by which admissions committees
can compare you with other applicants. Medical schools use MCAT* scores to
assess whether you have the foundation upon which to build a successful medical
career.
Health Care Experience
According to a recent survey of medical schools, knowledge of health
care issues and commitment to health care were among the top five variables
considered very important to student selection (the other four were med school
interview ratings, GPA, MCAT* scores, and letters of recommendation).
You should consider being active in health care activities as much as
possible as a premed student. If nothing else, these experiences will help you
articulate in your personal statements and interviews why you want to pursue a
career in medicine.
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*Test names and other trademarks are the property of the respective trademark holders.
Copyright © 2004 by Kaplan, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
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