There are various pathways through the Sewanee curriculum to meet the academic requirements to apply to medical school. Many students want to matriculate directly from undergraduate to graduate studies, while others choose to take a longer route (see GAP/BRIDGE YEARS). There are also many things to consider besides the curricular requirement in order to be a successful pre-medical student. 

Pre-Medical Course Requirements

In the past AAMC and medical schools have suggested relatively similar course requirements. However, with the introduction of the MCAT2015 and with the changes to the medical school curriculum, many schools are updating their required and recommended courses to better match these new expectations. Some are now requiring or recommending statistics and biochemistry, while others are eliminating course requirements altogether and instead are requiring specific competencies that can be achieve through various classes (which do tend to be the standard science courses you are expected to take for MCAT). Be aware that some medical schools are still considering changes and thus requirements might change from year to year.

Success in Pre-Medicine: Plan of Study

The PATH to SUCCESS: The Curriculum and Beyond

There are various pathways through the Sewanee curriculum to meet the academic requirements to apply to medical school. Many students want to matriculate directly from undergraduate to graduate studies, while others choose to take a longer route (see GAP/BRIDGE YEARS). There are also many things to consider besides the curricular requirement in order to be a successful pre-medical student.

MCAT Preparation

PREPARING FOR THE MCAT 
The MCAT exam has four test sections (learn more here):

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The new MCAT re-designed in 2015 represents a new way of thinking in terms of standardized exams (sample exam questions). There is a greater emphasis on critical thinking skills and scenarios that represent current medical research. Students will be expected to analyze and draw conclusions from data represented in graphs and tables. Thus, a strong laboratory and research background will greatly aid pre-medical students in topics of science literacy and data analysis; along with a good understanding of basic statistics.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Licensed physicians in the United States are either Doctors of Medicine (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). While the majority of physicians are MDs, the number of DOs is growing.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (PDM)

Podiatrists treat the lower extremity, meaning the foot and ankle. All podiatrists are trained in surgery, although the degree to which they practice surgery varies. The terms podiatrist, podiatric surgeon, and podiatric physician all refer to individuals who have earned Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs).

Gap Year Opportunities

The Association of American Medical Colleges has recommendations about making the most out of your gap year. Medical school applicants' average age at matriculation is 24 years (AMCAS), thus the trend toward students taking bridge year(s) is becoming more common. These additional years allow students to gain valuable experiences, leadership skills, and potentially improved GPAs and test scores.

Tutoring

Succeeding in the pre-health curriculum
The pre-health curriculum consists of a diverse array of coursework, much in the STEM fields. These courses are often extremely rigorous in order to provide students with the background skills and knowledge they need to succeed in health care fields.