CM’s Top 10 Universities for Pre-Med Students
As exciting (and scandalous) as Grey’s Anatomy may be, becoming a doctor is no walk in the park. But before you even begin thinking about what medical school you want to go to, you’ll have to survive undergrad first. While pre-med isn’t exactly a major, many universities offer a track that’ll prepare you for med school. Pre-med clubs, shadowing opportunities and special programs should be considered when you’re deciding how you want to begin your medical career. College Magazine took some of the load off your shoulders (you guys have a lot of work ahead of you) and ranked the top universities for pre-med students.
1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Ninety percent of UNC’s students who apply to medical school get in…let that sink in for a second. One of this university’s gems is their 9-week Medical Education Development (MED) summer program. This rigorous program allows students to shadow physicians and participate in lectures and seminars for professional development. MED also mirrors a first-year medical student curriculum—it’s like getting a little taste of med school. Although there is no specific pre-med track at UNC, these students still receive a lot of guidance. “I think that the way all pre-med students, regardless of their declared majors, are accommodated and assisted throughout the process is [unique],” said Danielle Jamieson, a psychology and Hispanic linguistics senior.
If you're apply to schools with a focus on pre-med, you're one step ahead of the game. Take another step by choosing a major that will further prepare you to excel on the MCAT. While you don't necessarily need to major in the sciences to apply to med school, you will be tested on biology, chemistry, physics, sociology and psychology on the MCAT. In other words, it's helpful. But you can just as easily take these courses while majoring in something else. Be sure to major in your passion first while keeping in mind basic course requirements for med school. Below are some of the basics that top medical schools list. Keep in mind these change depending on which school you apply for and you can get more information at the AAMC’s Medical School Admissions Requirements site.
- Biology General
- (Inorganic) Chemistry and Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- General Physics
- Mathematics
- English
- Behavioral & Social Sciences
When you're ready to take the MCAT, get the books that will get you there. Test prep doesn't have to be painful if you get a head start. Get the books, set your study plan and dive in.
How to be Pre-Med
Kaplan MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review
Kaplan MCAT Flashcards & App
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