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Information for the Pre-Medical Student

Undergraduate course requirements are determined by the medical schools. The Health Science emphasis of the Human Biology major with the recommended additional upper-level courses fulfills these requirements. Entrance requirements, for example, at the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School are met by taking the following courses:

Minimum Required Courses for Premedical Students

Biology

Chemistry

Note: Although Biochemistry is not required by many medical schools, it is highly recommended to be considered for admission.

Physics

Mathematics:  Minimum of three of the following:

*Statistics is required for all Human Biology majors.

English: (6 credits)

Important guidelines:

Students who have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) repeatedly report that Human Physiology (Human Biology 402) , Genetics (Biology 303), and Principles of Microbiology (Biology 302) are HELPFUL COURSES for achieving better scores on the MCAT. It is strongly recommended, if possible, that these courses be taken BEFORE taking the MCAT.

Additionally, UW-Green Bay graduates in medical school report that Biochemistry (Chemistry 330), Neurobiology (Human Biology 413), Comparative Anatomy (Biology 340), Microscopic Anatomy (Human Biology 306), Immunology (Hum Biology 422), and Developmental Biology (Biology 410) are helpful courses in preparation for the first year of medical school.

Sample Freshman and Sophomore Year Premedical Program

Freshman I

Freshman II

Sophomore I

Sophomore II

Medical Schools Outside of Wisconsin

Other medical schools have slightly different requirements than the two Wisconsin medical schools. Prior to your junior year, check the American Association of Medical Colleges web site (www.aamc.org) for exact requirements.

Grades and Admission Standards for Medical School

Your grade point average (G.P.A.) and your MCAT scores are the major factors in medical school admissions criteria. A rough guideline for G.P.A. is 3.6 or better, plus MCAT scores of 9 or better, to have reasonable assurance of acceptance. A G.P.A. of 3.4-3.6 is borderline and would necessitate high MCAT scores and excellent letters of recommendation. Frequently science and math grades are considered more important by admissions committees. Letters of recommendation are very important. Select your references carefully. It is important to have faculty members who know you and your abilities well. Experience in the medical field and extracurricular activities are also considered in the application process.

Medical School Entrance Exam (MCAT)

All applicants to medical school are required to take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) of the Association of American Medical Colleges (www.aamc.org) and to submit their results to the Admission Committees of their medical school(s). This exam generally is taken during April of your junior year if admission is desired in the Fall following graduation. The MCAT can be retaken if a higher score is desired. It is possible to take (or retake) the MCAT as late as August prior to the beginning of your senior year.

The MCAT is given at many colleges each April and August. Generally, your application and fee for scheduling the MCAT must be submitted approximately 5 weeks before the exam is scheduled. Consult the official MCAT announcement for exact dates and mailing deadlines.  There are Medical College Admissions Test Preparation books available at the bookstore and at UW-Green Bay Career Services  (SS 1916). Also the MCAT program sells a MCAT Student Manual with practice exam questions.

Application Procedures

You should apply to the American Medical College Application Service, the clearinghouse for medical school applications, as early as possible prior to your senior year (www.aamc.org).  They begin accepting applications sometime in June.  Secondary applications will then be received directly from the medical school(s) that you have designated on your AMCAS application.

If you are interested in osteopathic schools of medicine, you should apply to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (www.aacom.org) as early as possible prior to your senior year.  Secondary applications will then be received directly from the medical school(s) that you have designated on your AACOM application.

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