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.
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