What makes a university’s pre-med program good enough?

All things aren’t equal when it comes to a pre-med program!

First, you’ll want to check out the reputation of your school, its faculty and accreditation status. Find out if it has a strong science department with good lab facilities, and whether it offers the core classes needed for medical school.

The school won’t necessarily have to have a “pre-med” major. In fact, only about half of all students planning to attend medical school major in biological sciences. As long as you do your research, and learn which classes are essential to passing the MCAT and covering the bases for the med schools  you’re interested in, your major isn’t all that important. Believe it or not, my major was English!

A good pre-med program is as good as its reputation

Ask a counselor about the university’s track record for students in its pre-med program being accepted to medical schools. It’s a plus to have a pre-med program or club, especially if it’s active and is overseen by a designated mentor.

Finally, are there opportunities there for you to volunteer, and get involved in leadership and growth opportunities?

Hey, I know it’s only undergrad, but you’ll want to be in an environment where you aren’t just surviving, but thriving as well. Bigger universities almost always offer the features mentioned above in a pre-med program, but it’s not a given. And though a lot of smaller colleges are less steeped in the pre-med sciences, there are many with a solid reputation and commitment to preparing science/medical majors.

Choose wisely!

Just do your homework, before making that final decision!

For more help in your undergrad journey,  you may want to check out these posts:

—Does going to an Ivy League school for undergrad guarantee me acceptance in medical school?

—Choosing a medical specialty

—Choosing a medical school