If you decide that you want to pursue medical or dental school, learn more about the selection criteria for admissions, timeline and much more important information in the Apply to Medical/Dental School section of this website.
Advising for medical/dental school admission is coordinated by the Career Services pre-health advisor who will assist you in addition to, not in place of, your academic advisor. Contact the pre-health advisor Anne Sullivan in order to discuss preparation for application to medical/dental schools.
NOTE: While much of the information provided at this site focuses on allopathic medicine and dentistry, information concerning other practices 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.
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 predental 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/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.
Plan ahead! Most people underestimate the time involved in this process. Start the application process 18 mos. prior to the time you wish to begin your program.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3 (or 18 mos. prior to graduation)
Year 4 (or 12 mos. prior to graduation)
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 18 2008 02:03 PM
