Pre-Health Preparation

Freshman

• Meet with a pre-health professions advisor to review premedical requirements
• Begin introductory science courses if you are math-ready (have taken or are ready to take Math 110), such as General Biology (Bio 112) and General Chemistry with Lab (Chem 150)
• Be knowledgeable of drop/add course deadlines in the event you need to change your schedule
• Begin to examine/explore academic majors (while you must take science courses to qualify for medical school, keep in mind that you do not need to major in science)
• Identify sources of academic support (i.e. tutors, supplemental instruction, study skills training, study groups, counselors, professors)
• Attend study skills seminars and test-taking workshops to maximize performance in courses - right now there is nothing more important that having a high grade point average (GPA)
• Develop a balance between your academic and personal goals
• Develop the characteristics of a good physician (i.e. intellectual curiosity, respect for diversity, high moral character, compassion, integrity, honesty, humility and hard work)
• Develop professional attributes (i.e. teamwork, responsibility, reliability and time management)
• Develop and pursue interests outside of your formal education
• Begin to research the field of medicine
• Begin to investigate /explore opportunities for patient care experience, and/or general exposure to the healthcare field and medical profession (i.e. hospital, clinic, hospice, nursing home)
• Consider community service activities
• Utilize your summer wisely; volunteer or work in a medical related setting for patient care or observational experience              

Sophomore

• Visit medical schools, tour campuses, meet with Deans, Directors, and students
• Begin informally preparing for the MCAT by utilizing various study guides along with premedical course materials
• Begin to identify instructors and professionals who: 1) know you well, 2) can write positive and meaningful letters of recommendation and 3) can give you their highest recommendation
• Learn about people different from yourself to enhance appreciation for diversity
• Continue to utilize your summers wisely.  Consider additional medical experience, summer enrichment or research programs

Junior / Senior 

• Begin taking upper level and/or advanced level science courses:  Upper Level Biology; Physics with Lab; Genetics; Physiology; Anatomy or Comparative Anatomy; Biochemistry; Cell and Molecular Biology
• Complete courses required for your degree and continue to complete basic premedical courses
• To reinforce scientific knowledge, consider serving as a tutor or supplemental instruction leader
• Continue to learn about health care issues
• Continue volunteer work or employment in a medical related facility or organization
• Get involved in extracurricular activities that you enjoy and add to your personal development
• Continue involvement in community service activities
• Get involved in activities which enable you to experience cultural differences
• Check for MCAT preparation courses and/or workshops
• Obtain MCAT practice exams from paper or online study guides
• Develop an MCAT preparation planRegister to take the the MCAT at the earliest possible date
• To assist you in completing your application, request all of your college transcripts
• Carefully prepare, organize and write your personal statement.  Ask someone to proof read it for you
• Complete online AMCAS application
• Apply to medical schools consistent with your medical career goals and other needs