Academics
Add Pre-med to your degree for coursework that prepares you to compete.
Health care is changing.
But you knew that. Did you know that medical school application processes are changing too?
While an exemplary academic record in pre-health sciences once was the only way to prepare for medical school, increased interest in community- and patient-centered care means that exemplary students with other degrees – Liberal Studies, Psychology, Sustainability Studies and Environmental Science, among others – may consider Pre-med.
How it works:
Housed in the Liberal Studies Department, APU’s Pre-med concentration is a group of courses you pursue in combination with your four-year degree. You’ll work closely with your academic advisers – one from your BA or BS program and the other from the Pre-med concentration for mentoring and motivation.
Your Pre-med courses do double duty: They satisfy general education requirements needed for your major while they also advance your Pre-med track.
APU’s Pre-med program meets standard pre-requisites for medical school admission. In addition to rigorous academics, Pre-med at APU offers you unique outlets to satisfy admissions criteria – including opportunities for international studies, research, and on- and off-campus community service.
Writing, a key hurdle in your medical school application, is emphasized in virtually all of your Pre-med courses. APU’s commitment to your success extends to our voluntary participation in a consortium of universities that tests for critical thinking and writing. Our students consistently do well, and we report APU’s aggregate scores publicly.
Pre-med makes for a busy schedule. In addition to coursework toward your Pre-med program and four-year degree, you’ll want to –
- Gain experience. Volunteer at places like hospitals and nursing homes. Shadow medical professionals.
- Visit the Student Doctor Network website. Return often for practical insight into preparing for medical school.
- Keep current. Read widely about medicine and allied health, especially professional research journals.
- Order the MCAT Student Manual in your sophomore year. Begin preparing for medical school admission exams.
- Complete the MCAT in the summer before your senior year.
- Work with your Pre-med adviser on mock interviews for medical school admission.
There may be semesters where you may want a credit overload if your goal is graduation within four years. Consider summer courses or an additional semester to complete your degree.
Work with your academic advisers for a personalized study plan that helps you perform well academically while meeting your goals.
