Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I have to major in Biology or another science?
A. No, professional school admissions committees look for students with well-rounded academic backgrounds and who have completed the pre-requisites for their program. Completing a major is an opportunity to learn deeply about something you love – health professions schools want you to be a student who was passionate about your studies, so pursue the major that interests you most! If you don’t major in a science, though, we generally recommend some extra coursework to better prepare for the rigorous study of human science in professional school. We have sent many, many students on to medical school and other health professional programs from various science majors (especially biology, biochemistry, neuroscience), STEM fields (like math or engineering), or from majors across the liberal arts (recent examples include anthropology, political science, philosophy).
Q. Can I go abroad?
A. Yes! And please try to do so if you can. Talk to the committee about specific sites that might allow you to do things like complete a hospital-based internship or take courses related to health. Please note, though, that most health professions programs will not accept pre-requisite courses from international institutions.
Q. What if my grades aren’t as good as I wish they were?
A. You have several options. If the problem is one or two semesters where there is a reason for it (a parent was ill, you were training for the Olympics, etc.) you can explain that in your personal statement. If your science grades are particularly low, it is a good idea to go to a post-baccalaureate program after graduation and show what you can do now that you are serious about it. There are also many, many wonderful options in the health care field besides being a physician. Talk to a member of the committee to help you explore these.
Q. I am sure I want to go to medical school after graduation. What do I need to do?
A. First, register with the Health Professions Advisory Committee. You will get lots of information on how to go through the process and also about on-campus workshops, speakers, etc. To register, fill out the information form linked to the main HPAC website. You will work with your HPAC advisor to craft your own path through college, possible gap years, and into medical school.
Q. I thought I wanted to go to medical school, but now I am not sure. Are there other options?
A. There are many other options! And options that bring great professional and personal satisfaction and involve working with patients! These include being a dentist, optometrist, nurse, physician’s assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, psychologist, or pubic health specialist. Talk to a committee member to learn more.
Q. Besides completing the pre-med required courses and taking the MCAT, what else should I do?
A. Getting some practical experience can really help round out your application. Every student finds their own path. This can be doing research in a lab on campus, doing significant volunteer work at a local hospital or clinic, or completing Health Fellows, or it might include athletics or extracurricular activities that don’t have anything to do with medicine. Talk to your HPAC advisor for more ideas.
