Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-Med Students’ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What GPA do I need to get into medical school?
GPA’s vary widely. As a guide, for the UW’s SMPH’s 2008 entering class, the mean GPA was a 3.7; at MCW, the mean for 2008’s class was a 3.6.
2. Do I have to major in the sciences?
No, you should choose a major based on your academic interests and strengths. Humanities and Social Science majors are accepted to many medical schools at a slightly higher rate.
3. Why do I need clinical volunteer experience?
Medical schools want to see a proven commitment to helping others. Also, admissions committees want to know that you understand the profession and have experience working in clinical settings.
4. Why do I need to do community service?
Again, medical schools want to see that you are truly engaged in service.
5. Where do I find opportunities to volunteer?
On campus, the Morgridge Center in the Red Gym is an excellent resource for engaging in community service. The 70 Bascom page also has a list of area hospitals where UW students often volunteer in clinical settings.
6. What do the pre-health student organizations do?
The student organizations enable you to network with other students, meet with practitioners and admissions representatives, and provide opportunities for leadership and volunteerism.
7. When do I take the MCAT?
Most students take the MCAT in the spring or summer of their junior year, or after they have finished their pre-med course requirements. See the AAMC for more information about test dates for the current year.
8. Do I need to get involved in research?
There are many opportunities to undertake research in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences at UW-Madison, but it is not the first thing medical schools look for in their applicants. However, if you are interested in a MD or DO/PhD program, extensive research experience is essential.
9. Can I study abroad and still meet my pre-med requirements?
Yes, but you will need to plan carefully and either take a fifth year or do a lot of your pre-med coursework during the summer.
10. When do I apply to medical school?
Summer before your final year if you intend to go to medical school right after graduating.
11. Which schools should I apply to?
Each year, the AAMC publishes the Medical School Admissions Requirements with information about all the accredited allopathic medical schools in the US. AACOM publishes the Osteopathic Medical College Information Book with the admissions requirements for the all the osteopathic schools in the US.
Often, you have a better chance of acceptance, if you choose a state school in your state of residence. Also, be sure to choose schools that are a good fit for your background, learning style, and credentials.
12. How do I ask for letters of recommendation?
When: You will want to have a group of potential letter writers by the spring semester of your junior year, or early summer before you apply.
How: It is important to develop strong, long-term relationships with faculty. Get involved with faculty research, go to office hours. Also, give the faculty who are writing letters for you information about yourself – a resume, an unofficial transcript, and a short description of your interests and goals.
From whom: Medical schools often ask for letters from two science faculty, one non-science faculty, and one research/volunteer supervisor.
Important note: Be sure to waive your right to review the letters.
13. Do we have a pre-med committee? Do we submit “Pre-Med Advisor” letters to medical schools?
No.
14. Does it matter if I take time off between undergrad and medical school?
No. As long as you have plans to do something fruitful with the time in between undergrad and applying to medical school. Some students go to medical school after having explored another career or undertaken service work.
15. What do I do if I don’t get in to medical school?
It is wise to formulate alternative plans throughout your academic career. If you don’t get in the first time you apply, you can try to meet with the admissions office for suggestions about what you can do to make your application stronger next time, if this is available. If you feel that your science background is weak, you can also explore post-bacc programs.