Getting into Medical School:
Frequently Asked Questions

What are course requirements for pre-medicine?

Minimal requirements: 1 year of general chemistry; 1 year of organic chemistry; 1 year of physics; 1 year of biology; 1 year of math including calculus 1; English composition and literature. All of these science courses must have laboratories.

Physics: BSC accepts only calculus based physics. Transfer students bringing in physics credit will be encouraged to complete the calculus sequence. Calculus based physics teaches the problem-solving, critical thinking skills needed for the MCAT.

Biology: The Biology faculty strongly recommends 3 terms of Biology (105,115,125). Medical schools may recommend additional biology courses such as cell biology, biochemistry, embryology and/or comparative anatomy, but these are not required for admission.

Medical schools may have specific requirements in addition to those listed above. Students should check the catalogue of schools to which they plan to apply to insure that all admission requirements have been met.

General Preparation:

The UAB catalog states, "GENERAL PREPARATION. The study of medicine requires a high degree of competence in communication skills and thorough preparation in mathematically based physical and biological sciences. In addition, an understanding of general psychology, other social and natural sciences, and the humanities is highly desirable. Applicants should recognize that a well-rounded general education is exceedingly more important as a preparation for the study of medicine and they should not limit themselves to scientific courses. The Committee on Admissions places more importance on the quality of the applicant's undergraduate work than on the subject matter taken. The College courses taken to satisfy all requirements for admission must be acceptable to the department offering that course toward major requirements. Courses, which either duplicate or anticipate courses in the medical curriculum are not recommended. All courses must be taken in a fully accredited institution or be acceptable to an accredited institution for degree credit."

The comments expressed in this paragraph are similar to those in other catalogs.

When should I take these courses?

Science courses should be completed by the end of the junior year. The MCAT is given in April and August of each year. Most students take the MCAT in April and if their performance is not satisfactory repeat the test in August. The August MCAT scores reach the medical schools by the end of September and students can still be considered for admission in their senior year.

Is there a special sequence to taking the courses?

Typically students are encouraged to begin either Biology or Chemistry as a first term freshman. (Placement into Chemistry is at the discretion of the Chemistry Faculty. Check with the Pre-Health Advisor or Chemistry faculty if you have questions).

Doubling up on science courses is strongly discouraged the first term. Students who perform very well in the fall term may double up in the spring term of the freshman year, although it is not necessary. Both general chemistry and organic chemistry are offered in the summer. The only biology course available in the summer is BI 105. General physics is not available at BSC in the summer. Students should work carefully with an advisor or a science faculty member in planning course schedules.

What should I major in?

Anything you want to! You should major in a subject area you find enjoyable and one in which you do well. Consideration should also be given to career options should medical school not be in your future. Medical schools do NOT favor one major over another.

What are the criteria for entering medical school?

1. MCAT.

The importance of performing well on the test cannot be over estimated. The maximum score possible is 45. The average MCAT score of students to UAB and USA varies from year to year but is normally between 28-30. Other schools differ. The test consists of 3 sections, verbal reasoning, physical sciences, and biological sciences. Each section has a maximum score of 15. In addition, there is an essay component that is given a letter grade of L to R with R being the highest score possible. Emphasis is on reading comprehension, problem solving and critical thinking.

Review for the MCAT is strongly encouraged. This can be done on your own or by using one of the available published manuals or review courses. For example, the KAPLAN Center offers a MCAT review course each spring (cost approximately $800). MCAT review manuals are also available in some bookstores. BSC does not offer a MCAT review.

2. GPA. A strong GPA both overall and in math/science is required. A 4.0 GPA is not required. The average GPA of students admitted to UAB and USA is approximately 3.5.
   
   Important: A STRONG MCAT SCORE CAN OVERCOME A SO-SO GPA. A STRONG GPA CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR A SO-SO MCAT
   
   
3. PRE-HEALTH EXPERIENCE. Medical schools look for candidates who have a realistic view of health care and that can come only from pre-health experiences. BSC offers Interim Term internships each January and the opportunity to participate in the mentor program. Both are voluntary but strongly encouraged. Additional experience should be gained from volunteer work, summer jobs, and part-time academic year jobs. Don't wait until your junior year to begin these experiences. Experiences should be in a variety of health care settings.
   
   
4. COMMUNITY SERVICE EXPERIENCES. Do some! BSC offers community service opportunities through Southern Volunteer Services, service learning, and Interim Term experiences. As with pre-health experiences, don't wait until the junior year to begin.
   
   
5. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Medical schools want people with good leadership skills and well-rounded experiences. Active participation in campus organizations is encouraged. Leadership positions are important. Don't pad your resume with memberships in many organizations in which you have been inactive. Select activities carefully and budget time wisely. The quality of the extra-curricular activities is more important than the quantity.
   
   
6. HEALTH PROFESSIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (HPAC) RECOMMENDATION. If the above mentioned activities are strong, the HPAC letter will be positive.
   
   
7. INTERVIEW. If the above mentioned activities are strong, you will be invited for an interview at the medical school. Students who have very strong credentials on paper may still be rejected if they make a poor impression on the interview committee. BSC offers simulated interviews in September and juniors and seniors are encouraged to participate. A hand-out on interviewing tips is available to rising seniors.

Where should I apply?

The association of American Medical Colleges publishes "Medical School Admission Requirements" each year. A copy is available at the Division Office, PA 224. The paperback describes general information about medical schools, curriculum, admission requirements, selection factors, financial aid information, and statistics on the previous year's class. In general, state supported (public) medical schools give preference to in-state students. You should contact medical schools in which you are interested to determine residency requirements. Private medical schools often do not exhibit geographic preferences but entry requirements are usually higher.

What are my options if I don't get in?

Students rejected on their first try often re-apply. Additional work experience in a health care area, taking additional courses, particularly at the graduate level, and retaking the MCAT may strengthen the chances of success on the second try.

Beginning a graduate school program while planning to re-apply is discouraged, unless you will have completed it prior to matriculation at the medical school.

Allied health careers are also available to students whose credentials are not acceptable for medical school or for those who do wish to enter medical school but are interested in patient care. Talk to the pre-health advisor for information on some of the allied health career options. Do not wait until your senior year to identify alternative career options.

Who can help me plan?

1. Your faculty advisor can help plan course schedules and identify specific contact persons for answers to more difficult questions.
2. The chair of HPAC can provide information on the work of the Committee and timetable for required paperwork. This information is also available in a handout that can be picked up from the Division Office, PA 224.
3. The Science faculty can provide information about particular courses and allied health career options.
4. Jane Seigel coordinates the pre-health interviews and the mentor program.

General Tips:

Don't hesitate to seek help. All members of the College community are here to help guide you through your stay at BSC.