Pre-Medicine

Chemistry & Physics Faculty Advisor Nathan Werner – SC 310B	Biology Faculty Advisor Matthew Weeg – SC 119
Chemistry & Physics Faculty Advisor Jessica Pullan – SC 014	Biology Faculty Advisor Mary Jo Tufte – SC 303B
Chemistry & Physics Faculty Advisor Jacob Dean – SC 020A	COS Student Success Advisors
Agriculture & Nutrition Science Faculty Advisor Matt Schmidt – GC 203E

Overview of Program

Our programs provide the curriculum, support, and guidance to ensure that students interested in Pre-Health Science careers are well positioned for acceptance into their chosen post-baccalaureate healthcare programs. Many of our students have gained admission to top schools by completing the required prerequisites while pursuing their chosen undergraduate degrees at SUU. The Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Sciences academic and faculty advisors work closely with students to chart the ideal academic program for their success. Medical schools do not require specific undergraduate majors for admission; however, most applicants major in biology or chemistry.

Admission to medical school is based on the following criteria:

1. Excellent grades in undergraduate coursework, especially in science;
2. High scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT);
3. Extracurricular activities including undergraduate research, service, and clinical experience; and
4. Interviews with medical school faculty.

Important Information

• The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for application to almost all medical schools. The test contains the following sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. The concepts found in these sections are included in introductory, two-semester courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. Courses in mathematics, including statistics, psychology and sociology are also recommended. The test is offered in the fall and spring each year and scores are submitted with the application in early fall of the year prior to planning entrance to medical school. Most students should plan to take the MCAT in the spring of their junior year in college. Most medical schools require applications compiled through either the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS).
• Hypothesis-based undergraduate research experience is highly recommended before applying to post-graduate programs.
• Some medical schools require a committee letter from the applicant’s undergraduate institution. Students should contact a pre-medicine faculty advisor for information on obtaining a committee letter in the early spring of the year prior to planning entrance to medical school.
• Mathematics through calculus, and including statistics, is strongly recommended. Students who earn advanced placement or CLEP credit for the above courses must fill the requirements by taking alternative courses.
• Students planning to attend medical school are strongly urged to contact their advisor immediately upon enrolling. Similar general considerations apply to students who plan to attend chiropractic, optometric or podiatric schools.

Something to Consider

Many students either find themselves waiting a year for graduate/professional school acceptance, or recognize that a graduate-level credential would improve their career preparation. The MBA program in the SUU Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business welcomes applicants with undergraduate degrees in any program. There are admission requirements, but they are minimal and relatively low cost. Please contact the MBA Program for more information.

Pre-Medicine Requirements

Generally, medical schools require or recommend the following courses, which may be integrated into many majors: