Getting into medical school is challenging and requires proper preparation from early in your premedical career. Making sure you attend an undergraduate institution that offers you the chance to excel is paramount to that success.
While a school’s prestige can be important, students often get too caught up in names and rankings and do not pay attention to a college’s less tangible but critical characteristics.
Here are five key characteristics you should look for in a college for your premedical studies. Even if you are uncertain whether you ultimately want to pursue medicine after your college graduation, these characteristics are worth considering.
[Ask college admissions officers three questions about graduate school.]
1. Strong science departments: It is crucial for future medical school applicants to have a strong educational foundation in science disciplines. Medical school admissions committees will evaluate your academic background based on the number of biomedical science courses you have taken and your performance in them.
When selecting an undergraduate institution, look for one that offers you the opportunity to challenge yourself by taking courses such as biochemistry, physiology, genetics and embryology. Even if you plan to major in a nonscience field, attending an institution where you have the opportunity to take such courses in parallel to your major requirements is key.
2. A well-rounded education: You not only want a strong premedical foundation, but it’s also important that you have diversity in your education. So, when researching an institution, also look for the extent to which the university offers nonscience courses in disciplines like the humanities and arts.
A well-rounded education is not only about the courses offered at that institution but also the extracurricular opportunities available. For example, some universities offer students more programs in sports, music or the arts.
These courses and opportunities give students the chance to learn about the world from a variety of lenses and better relate to people from different walks of life, a skill that is essential to becoming a good physician. Additionally, a strong nonscience curriculum can enable you to explore other disciplines and make a more informed decision about your pursuit of medicine.
Finally, if during your undergraduate education you change your mind about your future career goals, having a strong nonscience background helps you to more easily switch majors or transition into a graduate program in other fields.
[Learn about five ways nonscience courses prepare students for medical school.]
3. Strong premedical advising: Many colleges and universities offer special advising services to premedical students. The premedical advisers at these institutions usually have lots of experience guiding premed students on coursework, clinical experience, extracurricular activities and MCAT preparation strategies. These advisers also support students with their medical school applications.
4. Proven track record: Another element to look for in an undergraduate institution is the school’s track record of getting its premedical students into medical school. How many students apply to medical school each year from the institution? What percentage get accepted?
If a school has favorable statistics in these areas, that is generally a good sign and suggests that the institution has programs and opportunities in place to ensure premedical students’ success.
5. Strong research opportunities: Research experience can be a favorable addition to your medical school application. When choosing an undergraduate institution, make sure the university offers strong research opportunities.
This does not necessarily mean attending a large academic powerhouse with many research programs and projects or a world-renowned research faculty. Some smaller colleges offer students greater opportunities to get involved in research than large research institutions where the faculty’s primary focus is to mentor graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
[Explore how to elevate medical school applications with research experience.]
One student we advised who attended a small state school found that her university’s research program afforded her more one-on-one interaction with her research mentor and the opportunity to take on her own independent project. When it came time to apply to medical school, she had a strong letter of recommendation from her research mentor and several noteworthy accomplishments, including co-authorship on a peer-reviewed publication.
Ultimately, there are many factors involved with choosing a university for your premed studies — these are just a handful of important ones. Each student’s needs are different, and you may have to factor in additional criteria to make this decision.
Also keep in mind that while an institution can help you succeed as a premedical student, the most important determinant of your success is how hard you work and how much time you put into your education.
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5 Things to Look for in a College as a Premed Student originally appeared on usnews.com
