Pre-Medical Program

The admission requirements at allopathic and osteopathic medical schools are determined by each medical school, but there are five, two-semester courses that are required at almost all medical schools. Since a medical school can add additional courses to its requirements, it is essential that a student investigates the specific requirements at the medical schools where he or she wishes to apply.

Courses Required At Most Medical Schools: (two semesters each)

• General biology with lab (Bio 240 & 260)
• General chemistry with lab (Chem 111/113 & 121/114)
• Organic chemistry with lab (Chem 221/255 & 231/256)
• Physics with lab (Phys 121/141 & 122/142 or Phys 105/107 & 106/108)
• English (Eng 113 and either 231 or 232)

These courses should be completed during the first three years so the student is appropriately prepared for the Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT), which is typically taken in the spring after the junior year. The MCAT covers these basic science classes and English.

Recommended Courses or Courses Required At Some Schools:

• Biochemistry  (Chem 311 & 314)
• Psychology (Psy 100 & 230)
• Mathematics (Calculus and/or Statistics)
• An additional upper-level course in biology (Genetics)

A student should select a major area of study that is of interest and that will provide a foundation of knowledge necessary for the pursuit of several career alternatives. Medical schools are most concerned with the overall quality and scope of undergraduate work and not with the specific academic major. While many students who are pursuing a career in medicine are interested in the sciences and major in one of the sciences, others with interests in the social sciences, humanities, or the arts, may major in one of those areas. Medical schools seek students with diverse and broad academic backgrounds.

Specific admissions requirement for each medical school can be found in the book "Medical School Admissions Requirements". This book can be ordered on-line at http://www.aamc.org/students. It is also available on closed reserve in VanWylen Library at the reserves desk under Health Professions.

Students should also be aware that medical school admission committees want to see that a student has learned about the medical profession through first-hand, medically related experience. This experience could include a job or volunteer work in a hospital, clinic, or nursing home. It should also include job shadowing one or more physicians. Medical school admission committees also look at a student's experiences for evidence that the student is committed to serving others and that the student is able to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

Useful Web Links to Medical School Information

Allopathic Medicine (M.D.)

• Association of American Medical Colleges- Links to all medical schools. Information on the application process and on the MCAT.
• American Medical Association "On Becoming a MD" General Information
• University of Michigan Medical School
• Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
• Wayne State University School of Medicine

Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
• Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine

Links to General Information

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for all types of careers.
• The Student Doctor Network is a rich source of information on all phases of preparing for medical school and surviving medical school, especially interview feedback for medical and dental interviews. Maintained by medical students.
• Explore Health Careers-a large data base of links to other resources including information on many different careers, internships, and interviews.

For academic advising or questions related to the Pre-Medical Program at Hope College, please contact Professor William Mungall (mungall@hope.edu).