Premedicine

Suggested major: Any major is acceptable, Biology or Chemistry are popular

Medicine is a diverse profession, requiring both technical and interpersonal skills. Medical schools encourage applications not only from biology and chemistry majors but also from students in the social sciences and the humanities. Medical schools even urge science majors not to over specialize in science but to get a broad, liberal arts education thus developing the skills of intellectual inquiry and critical thinking that are essential for successful performance in medical school.

The ability to communicate well is becoming increasingly important to medical school admissions, and essay writing is currently a significant factor in one's MCAT scores. Students are therefore strongly advised to take science, interdisciplinary courses, seminars, literature, and other courses that involve writing formal papers and speaking in class.

Application to Medical School

A candidate for medical school should file applications the summer after the junior year. Most medical schools require applications to be submitted electronically through the central processing service, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) should be taken as early as the spring of the junior year. Before taking the MCAT, students should complete the science courses that it covers: a year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The MCAT evaluates reading, writing, and quantitative skills with a strong emphasis on writing ability, scientific problem-solving, and analytical thinking. A student should contact his premedical advisor in the spring semester of his junior year to begin the preparation of the materials that his advisor and the AMCAS will need. With these items a student history, essay, and letters in support of the student's candidacy from his advisor and the other referees can be thoughtfully prepared to ensure the best application possible is being submitted to the most appropriate medical schools.

Medical schools are among the most competitive programs for admission. For example, for the entering class of fall 2011, the Georgia Health Sciences University accepted about ten per cent of those that applied. Thus, in addition to a competitive GPA (>3.65) and MCAT scores (>30), it is essential that students also acquire hands on experiences with practicing physicians. This may be accomplished through shadowing or internship with a community physician, specialist, or a hospital. Undergraduates should seek opportunities to cultivate such experience and knowledge before applying. At Georgia College we have an active premedical student club that works to provide some of these opportunities.