Pre-Med Students' Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SHOULD MY MAJOR BE?
Most medical schools do not require a specific major.  Therefore, you may major in almost anything.  You should consider a major which you enjoy, in which you will perform well and which may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to medical school.  Admissions committees expect variety in educational programs, so you should take courses in a wide variety of subject areas, no matter what you decide to declare as a major. 
back to faq

WHAT IS SO HARD ABOUT BEING PRE-MED?
For many freshmen, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence.  The success of your transition to college level work depends not only on ability, but also upon preparation, motivation, organization and how well you learn how to learn.  It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-medical student demands tenacity and stamina.  There will be "star" students in your classes and for the first time in your academic career, you may have to work harder than some students.  This can be discouraging.
back to faq

WHAT ARE THE MINIMAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS?
Generally, most medical schools require one year each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics designed for science majors.  All courses should have laboratory components.  At the University of Cincinnati, that translates to BIOL 101-103 (lecture) and 111-113 (lab), CHEM 101-103 and 111-113, CHEM 201-203 and 211-213 and PHYS 101-103 and 111-113.  Many schools also require one year of college-level math. Speak to a Pre-Professional Advisor about your math options.

Some schools also require or recommend upper level sciences, a year of English composition, humanities and/or social sciences.  You should consult the admissions literature for the specific requirements and recommended courses at each school in which you are interested. If you are interested in a particular school, you should learn as much about that school as you possibly can early on. 
back to faq

WHAT IS THE MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test is a standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science, critical thinking, and other areas related to the study of medicine.  Medical schools require that you take the MCAT prior to admission, as do podiatry schools.  We suggest familiarizing yourself with the MCAT as early as your freshman year so that you can plan for the test.  Understanding the test can positively affect what you learn in class, and how you choose to retain that knowledge. 

There are four parts to the test: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, Writing Sample and Biological Sciences.  Many students who love science courses seem to avoid courses that require extensive reading and writing.  As you can see, much of the MCAT focuses on reading and writing skills.  Stretch yourself in your general education courses at UC and by reading beyond class requirements.  The training will serve you well when you take the MCAT. 
back to faq

WHEN DO I TAKE THE MCAT?
Generally, you apply to medical schools before the beginning of your senior year (or a year before you plan to enter), so you should take the admissions test by the spring or summer after your junior year.  If offered during the application cycle, you may repeat the test if you are not happy with your scores AND you have a good reason to think your score will improve.  However, we encourage you to be as prepared as possible the first time you take the test. Pre-Professional Advisors can discuss preparation plans with you.
back to faq

WHAT DO MEDICAL SCHOOLS CONSIDER WHEN EVALUATING APPLICANTS?
The criteria for admission varies from school to school, but usually include academic record (GPA), MCAT, letters of recommendation, demonstrated knowledge and commitment to the profession and a personal interview. Personal characteristcs such as integrity and maturity are considered. Early in your college career you should consider exploring the medical field through volunteering, employment, shadowing, and research for credit.
back to faq

WHAT GPA DO I HAVE TO HAVE TO GET INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL?
This varies from school to school.  However, the majority of students accepted to medical school have a GPA of approximately 3.5 or higher.  It is particularly important that you perform well in your science courses. It is important for those considering professional school to be realistic about the extent to which performance meets admissions expectations.
back to faq

IS IT ALL OVER IF I HAVE A BAD QUARTER?
Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college.  Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but will make some allowances for a problem quarter, slow start or rough spot.  If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Utilize resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Assistance Center.
back to faq

SO I WILL NEED LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
Yes. Most schools require two letters from science professors that have had you in class, and one letter from a non-science professor. Some D.O. programs require a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician. Some medical schools allow you to have additional letters.
back to faq

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
Amounts and types of aid vary from school to school, as does the cost of your education. You should investigate the costs early in your undergraduate career.  Knowing that you are probably going to incur a substantial loan debt for medical school may affect the way that you borrow for your undergraduate education. Most applicants are eligible for government originated aid - apply during January of your application cycle, even if you are still waiting to find out whether or not you have been accepted. Apply for aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. For more information on financing your medical education, visit the AAMC and the AACOM.

If you are a low-income applicant you may be eligible for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program or an AACOM Fee Waiver. This will help offset costs of taking the MCAT and applying to medical school.
back to faq

HOW CAN THE PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISING CENTER (PPAC) HELP ME?
Preparing for admission to medical school requires careful long-range planning and accurate information.  The PPAC specializes in providing you with necessary information and helping you develop good planning skills.  The staff of the PPAC provides you with help through each step of the way.  Course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and links to ways to get experience in health care settings are some of the services provided.
back to faq

Resources for pre-medical students - Summer Programs list updated November, 2009

Info for students applying to health professions schools for 2010 matriculation