Most medical schools require one year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and physics. All courses must have laboratory components. At Marquette, these requirements are met by completing:
Other recommendations:
You should consult , published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, for the specific requirements for each school. The Department of Biomedical Sciences has copies. Please ask your adviser to view one. If you are interested in a particular school, you should learn as much as possible about that school as early as you can.
Medical schools look very closely at your college transcript, especially at your science course work. They prefer to see course work taken at the college level, even if you show proficiency in that area of study through AP or IB credit. It's best to weigh your options with your adviser and pre-health adviser before making any decisions about accepting these credits.
The Medical College Admission Test is a standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science and other areas related to the study of medicine. We strongly urge looking at the AAMC as early as your freshman year to plan a thorough review of materials encompassed by the test. Understanding what topics and skills the test measures might affect the way you study/learn in your course work.
The four sections of the test are:
You are strongly urged to take the MCAT in the spring before the year of application to medical school (usually in April of the junior year). We recommend discussing this with your adviser and working out a plan to ease your work load during the MCAT.
A number of factors may be considered by medical school admission committees. Factors differ by school but will probably include academic credentials, MCAT scores, a personal interview and letters of recommendation, as well as demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the profession. Some schools interview only those applicants meeting certain initial requirements such as residency, GPA and MCAT standards.
In addition to high levels of academic achievement, medical schools look for many traits in applicants. These include motivation, evidence of a commitment to serve others, responsibility, maturity, leadership, breadth of interest, good judgment and the ability to manage multiple tasks. These attributes may well be developed in activities beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate actively but not to substitute activities for academic excellence. There are many volunteer opportunities available at Marquette. Community activities related to social concerns or health issues might be of particular interest to those who profess an interest in a health care career. When you apply to medical school, you will be asked about achievements during your undergraduate years, and that question will relate to attainments inside and outside the classroom.
Yes. Letters of recommendation, which indicate personal knowledge of your abilities, are extremely important. Most medical schools require at least three academic letters (usually two from science professors and one from a non-science professor). In addition, some schools also request one or two non-academic letters. The College of Health Sciences Office of Pre-health Studies provides a Letters of Recommendation Service. Ask the pre-health professions adviser for more information.
Amounts and types of financial aid vary widely from school to school. You should investigate the costs of medical school during your undergraduate career, as well as the types of loans and scholarships typically available.
