St. Olaf College | Preparation for a Career in Medicine: Nuts and Bolts of the Premedical Journey

Nuts and Bolts of the Premedical Journey – For Students

Adapted from a form used by Eastern Illinois University, with resources from the St. Olaf Center for Experiential Learning

Find out if this is what you want to do.

Shadow; interview a physician or complete an official or unofficial internship.
Read as much as you can about the medical profession; use the written, CD, and video resources in the Biomedical Studies resource space (SE part of Hustad Science Library); explore all the options in healthcare.
Volunteer in a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other service-related area; do something that is meaningful for you.
Keep a detailed record of experiences in the health care area.
Seek out research opportunities to explore your interest and aptitude.
Consider off-campus or international academic courses or activities, which will broaden your • perspective and enhance your maturity.
Develop your talents; get involved in on- and off-campus activities; balance your life; record your activities.

Investigate the requirements and procedures for medical schools of interest.

Consult the current Medical School Admission Requirements (available in the Biomedical Studies resource space in the Hustad Science Library).
Explore the websites of various medical schools of interest.
Challenge yourself with a rigorous array of courses across the curriculum; practice good time management.
Get to know your professors.
Learn to study effectively and efficiently; if you are having any difficulties, get help.

Become a competitive applicant.

Grades are important but are not the sole entrance criteria; GPA overall as well as in the sciences are considered; the GPA of a majority of accepted students in 2006 was 3.5 to 3.75.
Study and prepare for the MCAT; scores of 10 and above are more likely to be accepted to medical school.
Continue volunteer work, independent studies, campus and community involvement; keep records of your activity; “walk the talk!”
Contact Karen Renneke early in the spring (Jan/Feb) of the year you intend to apply to start the Health Professions Committee interview and evaluation (usually the Junior year). Interviews are held in April/May.
Be realistic; are your grades and MCAT scores acceptable? Keep alternate plans or careers active.

Apply to medical school.

Apply through AMCAS . Start and finish your application as early as possible – the application is usually made available around June 1 for entry in September of the following year.
Select an appropriate number of schools with a realistic perspective (four to five).
Complete supplemental applications in a timely manner (less than two weeks after receiving them).
Arrange to have the requested letters of recommendation sent and the dossier from the Health Professions Committee .
Check with the medical school to insure that your file is complete.
If invited for an interview , dress appropriately and prepare adequately; prepare questions and acquaint yourself with the school through its website before interviewing.
Provide updates on course work, change of address, e-mail address.
Be professional in all your interaction and contact with the medical school.
Wait patiently! You have done all you can.
Develop contingency plans.