Considering Pre-Health

Pre-health (pre-med and pre-dental) advising

The Career Services Pre Health Advisor, who will assist you in addition to, not in place of, your academic advisor, coordinates advising for medical and dental school admission. Contact the Pre Health Advisor Faith Rushford  to discuss preparation for application to medical or dental school.

Join the Career Services Health mailing list for email announcements on relevant opportunities, programs, updates and deadlines from the Pre Health Advisor

NOTE: While much of the information provided at this site focuses on allopathic medicine and dentistry, information concerning other health science professions such as osteopathic medicine, podiatry and optometry is available at Career Services. In many cases, the admission requirements for programs in these other disciplines are very similar. Go to our Health Career Field Information page to learn about a wide variety of options..

Choice of major

Does UVM have pre-med or pre-dental majors? UVM, along with most colleges and universities in the United States, does not have a pre-medical major. You can be a premed or pre-dental student, preparing for medical or dental school respectively, and have a major in almost any subject area.

Should I major in science? About 50% of all medical school applicants major in one of the biological or physical sciences. A science major is not, by any means, a prerequisite for medical or dental school, and students are discouraged from majoring in science if they are doing so for the sole purpose of increasing their chances for admission. Medical and dental schools are primarily concerned with the overall quality and scope of undergraduate work.

The selection of a major should also be made with alternative careers in mind. Follow your true interests and work toward a goal of achieving the academic standing necessary for admission to medical or dental school, which is very competitive. It is practical and appropriate for students to consider short- or long-term contingency plans and career alternatives. Let us help you explore other health-related careers.

Timetable for pre-health students

Plan ahead! Most people underestimate the time involved in this process. Start the application process 18 months prior to the time you wish to begin your program. 

Should I apply at the end of my junior year? While the traditional approach was to apply at the end of junior year for a seamless transition from college to medical or dental school, many applicants now apply after graduation, sometimes several years later. The average age of a first-year medical student is now about 24-25. You may benefit from taking the full four years of college to enhance your academic record, accommodate study abroad (optional), and develop the experiential background necessary for a competitive candidacy.  There are many timelines and profiles that can lead to a successful application.

Year 1

• Begin required pre-health courses; consult with an advisor
• Plan how to complete required courses before application
• Explore extra-curricular or service opportunities for professional development
• Assess your motivation for a career in medicine

Year 2

• Continue taking pre-health courses
• Volunteer in a medical or community setting
• Choose major according to interests and academic strengths
• Meet with the pre-health advisor
• Get to know your professors (think: references!)
• Assess your motivation for a career in medicine

Year 3 (or 18 months prior to matriculation)

• Complete pre-health course requirements
• Open a premedical file at Career Services in January
• Prepare for and take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
• Prepare for and take the DAT (Dental Admission Test)
• Research and visit schools of interest
• Interview with the Premedical Committee
• File AMCAS application for allopathic medical schools
• File AACOMAS application for osteopathic medical schools
• File AADSAS application for dental schools
• Volunteer in a medical or community setting

Year 4 (or 12 months prior to matriculation)

• Have letters of recommendation sent by Career Services
• Prepare for and attend interviews at medical or dental schools
• Continue to strengthen candidacy through academic performance and professional development opportunities (medical, service, research, extra-curricular)

Pre-health required courses

The minimum requirements for admission to medical and dental schools are listed in the Apply to Medical/Dental School section of this website.

Last modified August 28 2012 02:26 PM