Pre-Health Professions Pre-Medical Program Overview

Course work

Schools of medicine have specific course prerequisites that vary to some degree, so it is important to check with the particular school in which you are interested. Generally, the requirements for admission include: one year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics and English (often including English composition). Some schools also require courses in mathematics (which may include calculus, statistics and/or computer science), social sciences and behavioral sciences. Most schools require  biochemistry, which you also need for the MCAT.  You should also consider taking genetics and physiology. Though many schools do not require it, these classes can help you prepare for admissions testing and for professional school. Admission tests are often taken in the spring of the Junior year, so it is best to have these classes completed by then.

AP/IB/CLEP credit

Many medical schools limit or exclude the use of AP, IB and CLEP credit towards completion of the pre-medical and pre-dental requirements. Be sure to find out if the school in which you are interested will allow your AP or CLEP credits to count for prerequisite courses.

Academic record

Your academic record includes your science GPA, overall GPA, grades in each class, and trends in performance. It is necessary to maintain a strong academic record for admissions into medical and dental schools; in fact, it is considered the most important predictor of admission. Trends are important, as well, so it is best to demonstrate upward trends in academic performance over time.

Extracurricular activities

Academic accomplishments are very important, but not enough to get into medical and dental schools. It is also important to demonstrate the validity of your interest in medicine with experience in a health-care setting. Though it is not a stated prerequisite for medical school, it is a major factor that is considered in the admissions process. It is also beneficial to have some research experience. This will help you develop important skills in the experimental process, problem-solving, and data analysis. Such experience is especially crucial if you are seeking admissions to research-oriented schools or if you are considering a medical scientist career. Additionally, it is wise to be involved in a regular extracurricular activity such as a sport, club or community service. Medical schools want to see that you can maintain a strong academic record while participating in campus or community activities. It is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate important characteristics such as service, commitment, leadership and responsibility. Note, however, that it is the level of your participation that is important rather than the number or variety of your activities.

Admissions Testing

Medical schools (allopathic, osteopathic, and podiatric) require students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This exam is typically taken in the spring of the Junior year. Scores on the MCAT are a very important consideration in the admissions process, so work hard to prepare for them.

Applications

The application process occurs in three parts: a centralized online application, secondary applications, and interviews. The centralized application services (i.e. AMCAS, AACOMAS, AACPMAS) allow you to fill out one application for multiple schools. This application will include things such as your transcript, admissions test scores, and a personal statement essay. (The essay is very important so write this well!) Those schools that are still interested in you will then invite you to complete their specific secondary applications and to send letters of recommendation. After this has been reviewed, you may be invited to an interview. Note that the application process is a significant time and financial investment, so plan ahead. If you intend to enter medical school directly after graduating from Westmont, you must begin the application process the spring of your Junior year. Moreover, it is also very important that you complete each step of your application as soon as it is reasonably possible. Many schools have a “rolling admissions” procedure, meaning they fill spaces as they receive completed applications (including test score results). Know the deadlines and plan ahead.

Recommendations

Westmont uses a committee to write a letter to the school about you. You choose the members of this committee, and Dr. Kristi Cantrell serves as the chair of the committee. The individuals you choose each write an evaluation of you, and these separate letters are used to prepare a composite letter that summarizes these evaluations. The composite letter and all of the individual letters are sent to each of the schools. It is important to have strong evaluations written by people that know you well, so it behooves you to develop a relationship with your professors.