Becoming a doctor is a demanding but deeply rewarding journey that requires commitment, a strong academic foundation, and a genuine passion for helping others. By excelling in your coursework, gaining healthcare experience, and maintaining your focus, you can successfully prepare for medical school. Though the process can be challenging, it ultimately leads to one of the most impactful careers.
The steps below will help you navigate the path to medical school. If you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to the Pre-Health Advisors for guidance.
If you’re a current student, consider joining the Pacer Pre-Health Organization on campus. This group provides valuable resources such as volunteer opportunities, professional panels, mock exams, campus visits, and more, to help you achieve your professional goals. Contact your Pre-Health Advisors to join.
Pre-Health Advisors:
- Mary Katherine (MK) Mills, Ph.D. – [email protected]
- Susan Glenn, Ph.D. – [email protected]
Step 1: Choose Your Programs
Identify 3-4 medical programs you’re interested in applying to. Use these to determine required courses and the number of shadowing or patient care hours you’ll need.
Step 2: Identify Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses vary by program, so review the requirements for your chosen schools. Below are commonly required courses:
- Introductory Biology: BIOL A121 and BIOL A122
- General Chemistry: CHEM A111 and CHEM A112
- Organic Chemistry: CHEM A331 and CHEM A331L (prerequisite: CHEM A111/112)
- Biochemistry: BIOL A241 (prerequisite: CHEM A331/331L)
- Microbiology: BIOL A330 (prerequisite: CHEM A111)
- Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL A243 and BIOL A244 (BIOL A244 corequisite: CHEM A101 or CHEM A111)
- Physics: PHYS A201
Step 3: Identify Hour Requirements
Most programs require volunteer, shadowing, or patient care hours. Requirements vary, but general guidelines include:
- Shadowing (observation): 100 hours
- Patient Care (direct interaction): 100–150 hours
Start planning early to ensure you can balance these experiences with your coursework and summers.
Step 4: Focus on Your GPA and Gain Experience
- Maintain a strong GPA while accumulating your required hours gradually.
- You won’t need to take the MCAT until your junior year, so prioritize coursework and healthcare experience.
Step 5: Prepare for the MCAT
- Begin studying for the MCAT in the fall of your junior year. Plan to take the exam in the winter or spring.
Step 6: Start Your Application
- You can begin your application as early as the spring of your junior year. This includes:
- Writing a personal statement
- Securing letters of recommendation
- Navigating the AMCAS system
Step 7: Submit Your Application
- Submit your application through AMCAS.
Step 8: Prepare for Interviews
- After submitting your application, you may receive follow-up essay requests or interview invitations. Be prepared to discuss your experiences and goals in detail.
Step 9: Acceptance or Reapplication
- Option 1: Acceptance – Congratulations! Take a moment to celebrate and prepare for matriculation.
- Option 2: Non-Acceptance – Don’t be discouraged. Many applicants aren’t accepted on their first attempt. Reflect on areas to improve and prepare to reapply.