What Every Pre-Med Should Know

Introduction Preprofessional/Student Services Profession Profiles MD/PhD and Other Joint or Special Programs Choosing a Major Academic Requirements for Medical School Admission Preparing for the Medical College Admissions Test Admissions Tests and Requirements Extracurricular, Research, and Health Care Related Experiences The Application Process Medical School Application Costs Early Decision Program How Medical Schools Choose Students Resources

A Guide for MU Students Planning a Career in the Health Professions

A decision to pursue a career in the health professions requires careful preparation and self-evaluation. The staff of the Health Professions Advising Office in the Honors College is available to assist you.

This handbook is designed to provide helpful information for those MU students contemplating a career in:

• Allopathic or Osteopathic Medicine
• Dentistry
• Optometry
• Podiatry
• Pharmacy

While the focus is primarily on the pre-medical student, much of the information in this handbook is applicable to all of the professional programs listed above. The Honors College also has booklets designed specifically for students interested in health-professions careers other than medicine. This handbook is not designed for students pursuing careers in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, or nursing. Those students should consult with MU’s School of Health Professions at (573) 882-8013 or School of Nursing at (573) 882-0277 for information and guidance.

We hope that you find this handbook useful as you progress toward your goal of obtaining a seat in the professional school of your choice. Please keep in mind that this handbook is meant only as a guide and is not intended to provide a definitive source of information about the health professions and the process of applying to a professional school. You are encouraged to use other sources of information available at the Honors College and on the Internet. You should consult with your academic advisor as well as your health professions advisor to tailor the process to your personal needs and goals.

Preprofessional and Student Services

The health professions advisors in the Honors College provide a variety of services that include, but are not limited to the following. They provide:

• Advice on course selection (in conjunction with your academic advisor)
• Information on professional schools’ admissions tests
• Guidance in making application to professional schools
• Guidance about letters of recommendation/evaluation
• A committee composite letter of evaluation (for eligible students)
• Information on post-baccalaureate programs
• Information on summer internship opportunities
• Referrals to other university resources

Health Professions advisors are available by appointment to assist students on an individual basis. Call the Honors College at (573) 882-3893 to schedule an appointment or talk with an advisor. Students are assigned an advisor based on the first letter of their last name.

Stuart Palonsky, MU’s Chief Health Professions Advisor
Kristina Wright, Health Professions Advisor (last names A-M) - wrightkr@missouri.edu
Marivern Easton, Health Professions Advisor (last names N-Z) - eastonm@missouri.edu

Students are expected to take an active role in preparing for their professional education. We encourage you to meet with your academic and health professions advisors on a regular basis to ensure that you are fulfilling the requirements for graduation and to prepare a strong application to the professional school of your choice.

Profession Profiles

Medicine

Physicians treat and prevent human illness, disease, and injury. There are two types of physicians: the M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and the D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Medical school programs are four years in length. At the end of four years, allopathic institutions grant the M.D. degree and osteopathic institutions grant the D.O. degree. You should examine the similarities and differences in training and practice. (For more information, you are encouraged to visit http://www.aacom.org). Students accepted to allopathic medical schools in 2005 had an average GPA of 3.63. Successful applicants to osteopathic medical schools had an average GPA of 3.45 (in 2005).

Additional graduate medical education may range from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty selected. Successful completion of national boards is required for certification prior to licensure.

Dentistry

Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. A dentist is a scientist dedicated to the highest standards of health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and conditions.

Approximately 85% of dentists engage in general practice. The American Dental Association currently recognizes eight dental specialties--dental public health, endodontics, oral pathology, oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Becoming a recognized specialist usually requires from one to four years of additional training beyond the dental degree.

Dental school is four years in length for general practice. At the end of four years, a graduate earns a D.D.S., Doctor of Dental Surgery or a D.M.D., Doctor of Dental Medicine. The majority of dental schools award the D.D.S. degree; however, some award a D.M.D. degree. The education and degrees are the same. Successful dental school applicants had an average GPA of 3.63 (in 2005).

Optometry

Optometrists, or Doctors of Optometry, are independent primary healthcare providers who examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures.

Doctors of Optometry receive four years of specialized professional education and clinical training at an accredited school of Optometry after completion of their undergraduate prerequisites. Most successful applicants hold bachelor’s degrees and had average an average GPA of 3.4 (in 2005).

Pharmacy

Pharmacists are experts in the science of medications and the art of medication therapy. The principal goal of pharmaceutical care is to achieve definite outcomes from medication use which improve a patient’s quality of life. These outcomes include: 1) cure of a disease; 2) elimination or reduction of symptoms; 3) arresting or slowing a disease process; 4) prevention of disease; 5) diagnosis of disease; and 6) desired alterations in physiological processes, all with minimal risk to patients.

Pharmacists in the 21st century possess a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, and must qualify for a national licensure examination. A Pharm.D. degree requires at least four academic years of professional study, following a minimum of two years of pre-professional study for a total of six years of postsecondary course work. A non-traditional Pharm.D. program also may be designed as a post-baccalaureate pharmacy curriculum with a combined period of study usually exceeding six years. MU students may apply to a school of pharmacy after two years of pre-professional study or after completion of a bachelor’s degree. The average GPA of students accepted to pharmacy programs ranged was 3.47 (in 2005).

Podiatry

Podiatric medicine is a branch of the medical sciences devoted to the study of human movement with medical care of the foot and ankle as its primary focus. A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders resulting from injury or disease. A DPM makes independent judgements, prescribes medications, and when necessary, performs surgery.

After completing four years of podiatric medical training, the podiatrist is required by most states to complete at least one year of postgraduate residency training. Surgically-based residencies can last from 1 to 3 years. State licensing requirements generally include graduation from an accredited college of podiatric medicine, passage of National Board examinations, and oral examinations. Students accepted to podiatry school had average GPAs of 3.2 (in 2005).

MD/PhD and Other Joint or Special Programs

Many professional schools offer students enrolled in their programs the opportunity to earn both the professional degree (e.g., M.D, D.O., D.D.S, etc.) and some other graduate degree (e.g., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S. etc.) in a joint program. Many of these programs require that a student be admitted to and enrolled in two separate colleges in the same university. All of these programs are highly competitive and aimed at students who wish to pursue clinical research upon graduation (as opposed to a purely clinical career). The AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) has a comprehensive listing of combined degree programs.

If you are looking for a career that combines traditional clinical training with basic biomedical research, you may wish to consider pursuing a combined MD/PhD degree. Over 100 medical schools offer such programs. Some programs provide financial assistance (tuition assistance or stipends) for MD/PhD students through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. National pre-doctoral fellowships are also available through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. For information on MD/PhD programs and other special programs, please see your academic advisor and the health professions advisors.

Choosing a Major

Students typically choose majors in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry because many of the pre-med requirements coincide with requirements for the major. You may choose to major in any field of study, provided you also fulfill the admission requirements for all medical schools to which you apply. This requires careful planning, particularly if you are a non-science major. Many freshmen with pre-medical aspirations will later elect not to pursue a medical career. Therefore, you should choose a major based upon a strong personal interest, with an eye toward the varied career paths for which that major prepares you. Science majors are encouraged to select courses in humanistic studies and fine arts and in the social and behavioral sciences. Medical schools recognize the value of a liberal arts education as well as a candidate’s proficiency in the sciences.

University of Missouri School of Medicine 2005 Entering Class by Major

Applicants by Major 2005 Entering Class MU School of Medicine Source: University of Missouri School of Medicine

Academic Requirements for Medical School Admission

Medical schools list specific requirements for admission in the annual Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Other professional schools have similar but less elaborate information booklets. These materials are available in the Honors College.

The following courses are the basic requirements and must be completed before matriculation:

• One year of general chemistry with lab
• One year of organic chemistry with lab
• One year of physics with lab
• One year of biological sciences with lab
• One year of English (many schools will accept English 20 and a Writing Intensive course)

Required Courses for Medical School Admission

The list of recommended courses provides the general minimum requirements for the schools to which MU students usually apply. For details on particular schools, consult the MSAR in the Honors College or your health professions advisor.

Please Note: Medical schools differ on their acceptance of AP credit for science and non-science course work. Check with your advisor and/or the MSAR. Do not make assumptions!

Recommended Additional Courses for Medical School Admission

Biochemistry is required by a few schools and recommended by several. If time allows, you are encouraged to take MU's Biochemistry 4270. As previously noted, individual medical schools have special requirements. Please consult the MSAR or website of your target schools to learn about those special requirements. Some schools expect advanced biology (cell biology, physiology, and/or genetics) and/or advanced math (Washington University, for example, requires calculus I and II, MU's Math 1500 and 1700). Most schools, if not all, assume the completion of two courses in English composition. The University of Missouri's School of Medicine requires 2 semesters of English composition (English 1000 and a Writing Intensive course for MU undergraduates).

Advanced science classes should be selected carefully to develop breadth of course work and to demonstrate academic abilities. If early science grades are not distinguished, then performing at a level of excellence in one or more upper-level or graduate-level science courses reflects well on your candidacy.

Medical schools are searching for broadly-educated individuals with excellent writing and speaking skills, who have developed analytical and synthetic thinking abilities. In addition to selecting a wide array of science courses, you are encouraged to balance your academic program to include history, art, literature, philosophy, social and behavioral sciences, and communication skills.

Students are encouraged to consider course work in medical ethics (Phil 4510) and health care policy (HP 4300). Medical schools expect that applicants have made some effort to become knowledgeable about current issues in health care delivery, policy, and ethics. These topics are often discussed in the admissions interview.

Preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test)

The MCAT is a standardized, eight-hour, multiple-choice examination designed to help medical school admissions committees predict which of their applicants will perform adequately in the medical school curriculum. The MCAT assesses facility with scientific problem solving, critical thinking and writing skills, as well as understanding of science concepts and principles identified as a prerequisite to the study of medicine. The four parts of the MCAT are Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Beginning in January 2007, the MCAT will be delivered exclusively at Thomson Prometric computer-based testing sites. No longer will the MCAT be available as a paper and pencil exam. Thomson Prometric will deliver the computer-based MCAT on behalf of the AAMC multiple times per year, at hundreds of testing sites. For more information on the computer based MCAT see http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/cbt.htm. It is strongly recommended that students take the test in the Spring or early summer of their junior year. This strategy is important for two reasons: 1) Most medical schools accept students on a rolling admissions basis. Simply put, the "early bird catches the worm." Applying early in the application process is advantageous because interview slots are assigned as candidate files are processed. Medical schools will consider your file incomplete if your MCAT scores have not been reported. 2) If you are not satisfied with your score the first time you take the MCAT, you may opt to retake the exam in August. (Be sure to consult your advisor before deciding to retake the MCAT). It is best to have completed most of the science courses required for admission before taking the MCAT.

As of this printing, there is a $210 examination fee. Online registration for each testing date will open six months prior to the testing date. Thomson Prometric will reserve seats for MCAT examinees until 60 days before each testing date. Students are strongly encouraged to register for the exam as soon as registration opens. The number of seats available for taking the MCAT in our area is extremely limited.

Reviewing a preparatory manual to familiarize yourself with the test format is very helpful. Topics for the physical and biological science sections are available at http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/topics.pdf. The AAMC offers a series of four full-length MCAT Practice Tests that are comprised of items previously used in "live" administrations of the MCAT. Flowers', Barron's, and other preparation guides are available at most bookstores (or from on-line resources like Amazon.com). Both Kaplan and Princeton offer MCAT review courses. For more details about the Stanley Kaplan course in Columbia, call (573) 443-8378 or 1-800-527-8378. The number for the Princeton Review course is 1-800-273-8439. The Honors College maintains a library of full-length MCAT practice exams that may be checked out for review.

Admissions Tests and Requirements for Other Health Professions Schools

Students applying to schools of osteopathic and podiatric medicine are required to take the MCAT. Students applying to dental schools must take the DAT; students applying to schools of optometry must take the OAT; and students applying to schools of pharmacy must take the PCAT. Please refer to the Resource guide at the end of this booklet for test registration information. Many of the health professional schools require the same undergraduate course work as medical schools. However, there are some differences (e.g., several optometry programs require microbiology and statistics). The Honors College has booklets available for students planning careers in optometry, podiatry, pharmacy, and dentistry that will assist students in course planning and application preparation.

Extracurricular, Research, and Health Care Related Experiences

Prospective applicants should be aware that high grades in science classes alone are no guarantee of admission. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on the total education of physicians; therefore, student accomplishments in the liberal arts are closely scrutinized as well. Moreover, admissions committees do far more than just review undergraduate grades and MCAT scores; they make judgments about an applicant's character, knowledge of healthcare, and the depth of his or her commitment to a career in medicine. For example, admissions committees look for evidence that an applicant has gained some familiarity with the medical profession as a result of employment or volunteer work in a hospital, clinic, or physician's office. Many medical schools look for evidence of students' exposure to a wide range of people, especially people unlike themselves.

Some medical schools essentially require a research experience for all of their applicants, regardless of whether the applicant intends to pursue a combined MD/PhD program. All schools view past research experience as a reflection of a student's desire to explore a larger menu, a test of time-management skills, and a means of honing problem-solving skills. Research mentors often serve as good resources for letters of reference during the application process. MU students should contact Linda Blockus, Ph.D., Coordinator of Undergraduate Research, at 882-5979 for information about the numerous research opportunities available at MU.

Committees also like to see a record of active participation, and especially leadership, in campus or community groups. A demonstrated history of service and a broad understanding of the human condition are also screening points in the selection process. However, committee members recognize that some individuals may have been limited in their ability to participate in such activities because they have been forced to pursue part-time employment to finance their education. These applicants should not conclude that they would necessarily be at a disadvantage. A strong letter of recommendation from an employer attesting to the reliability and maturity of the applicant is likely to prove valuable.

To summarize, in addition to a review of course work, medical schools look for evidence of a student's:

• level of maturity.
• involvement in community/service activities.
• experience in healthcare settings.
• awareness of issues in healthcare delivery and medical ethics.
• human compassion and sensitivity along with evidence of activities.
• reflecting these characteristics.
• ability to think logically and solve problems.

The Application Process

Students applying to other health professions schools (dentistry, optometry, osteopathic medicine, or podiatric medicine) follow the same procedures as those outlined for pre-meds; the major difference is in the completion of appropriate application materials (AADSAS for dentistry, AACOMAS for osteopathic medicine, AACPMAS for podiatric medicine, PharmCAS for pharmacy, or individual applications to schools of optometry).

Traditionally, students begin applying to health professions schools during the summer before their senior year. The majority of medical, dental, and podiatric schools employ the services of a centralized application processing service to assist students in making the initial application. Such services collect, compute, and collate application data then forward the standardized information to the colleges selected by the applicant. Additional information about these services can be found in the Resources section of this booklet.

The Honors College will maintain a file for students applying to schools in the health professions. You are encouraged to start your file with your health professions advisor no later than spring of your junior year (approximately 16 months before expected medical school matriculation). Your advisor has a list of the information necessary to complete your file. Included in your file will be letters of recommendation received for use in your application to medical schools.

Most medical schools use a centralized application processing service for the primary application, AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) for allopathic medical schools, and AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) for osteopathic medical schools. Students can, and do, apply to both types of medical schools simultaneously. It is recommended that you complete your AMCAS/AACOMAS application and complete your file with the Honors College as early as possible to allow time for letters of recommendation to be returned and to make sure deadlines are not missed. Applications submitted near the deadline put students at a decided disadvantage at many schools. AMCAS deadlines range from October 15 to December 15. To avoid conflicts with class demands, you are encouraged to download application materials before leaving campus in the spring so you can work on these forms over the summer. AMCAS begins processing applications on or about June 1, and candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Most students are well advised to submit their application soon after recieving their MCAT scores for the first time. The AMCAS application can be found at: www.aamc.org. The AACOMAS application is available at: www.aacom.org. Students have until mid-September to complete their file at the Honors College.

NOTE: Students applying to the University of Missouri School of Medicine are asked to be sure to designate Writing Intensive courses with a "WI" when listing their courses on the AMCAS form. Medical schools do not receive copies of transcripts. They rely on how you have listed courses on the AMCAS application when verifying course requirements.

Personal Statement

All applications to professional schools require a personal statement, the purpose of which is to provide subjective information that will assist admissions committees in getting to know you as an individual. You should give careful thought to the preparation of this statement since it gives you the opportunity to discuss your motivation, objectives, professional interests, and background. It should, above all, be a statement of your relevant experiences, personal qualities, and attributes that will not only impress the admissions committees, but also provide insight into your goals and aspirations and lead to their granting you an interview. It is advisable to mention one or two experiences that show your motivation and determination — be specific.

Your personal statement should be revised until you feel it is clear and concise. Be sure that it is well written and does not contain spelling or grammatical errors. You would benefit from having at least 2 or 3 people review your statement. Your health professions advisor, academic advisor, and/or references are good people to ask. Bear in mind that the personal statement and the interview are the two areas in the application process that allow you to describe your unique qualities to admissions committees. Remember that a well-written statement can work to your advantage. You would be well advised to retain a copy of your personal statement, since references may be made to it in the interview setting. The Honors College has resources to help you write your statement.

Letters of Evaluation

Letters of Evaluation are an integral part of your application to medical school. Most medical schools require that the campus Premedical Advisory Committee prepare a composite letter of evaluation. At MU, this letter is prepared by the Honors College Health Professions Committee. You are eligible for a committee composite letter if youa re a first-time applicant and currently enrolled at MU. Please see your health professions advisor regarding the procedures for requesting letters of evaluation and establishing a file in the Honors College.

Medical School Application Costs

Applicants should be aware of (and prepared for) the fact that applying to medical schools is expensive. For example, the cost of taking the MCAT is $210. The cost of your AMCAS/AACOMAS application depends on the number of schools to which you apply. The fee for the first designated medical school is $160 and $30 for each additional school. MU applicants (unless they are applying for the Early Decision Program option) apply to an average of eight schools. In addition, many medical schools charge a supplemental fee ($40-$100) due upon return of the secondary or supplemental application. Fee waiver or reduction options are available for both the MCAT and the AMCAS. The appropriate forms can be found online at www.aamc.org. All of these fees are subject to annual increases; consult the latest test and application packets for updated fee schedules. The fees quoted here are for the 2007 Entering Class.

In addition to application and testing fees, students are responsible for all expenses (including travel) associated with interviewing.

Early Decision Program (EDP)

The EDP allows you to apply to your first choice medical school prior to the regular admissions process (i.e., EDP candidates may apply to one school only). These applications are acted upon by October 1 of the year preceding expected matriculation. Applicants considered for EDP should have superior qualifications. Medical schools will only review EDP applicants that are considered to be as good or better than the average matriculating applicant. At most schools, a candidate who does not gain admission through the EDP can be reconsidered through the regular admissions process. An EDP application sends a clear message to the school about the candidate's preference, a favorable message in the eyes of most schools.

EDP eligibility criteria are subject to annual review; therefore, you should contact the medical school of your choice in late spring or early summer to obtain the latest eligibility information. Qualified candidates who wish to matriculate at MU's School of Medicine are strongly urged to apply to the Early Decision Program. To make sure your file and letters are ready in time to take advantage of this option, you must notify the Health Professions Committee at the Honors College by the second semester of your junior year. EDP candidates must take the April MCAT and complete the application process by August 1st.

Resources

Students are encouraged to join and participate in the various pre-professional clubs found on MU's campus. Please see your Honors College health professions advisor for contact information if none is listed below. You are also encouraged to join and participate in student organizations in your academic major.

MU Pre-Medical Club http://students.missouri.edu/~premed/
MU Pre-Dental Club (contact Marivern Easton, Pre-Dental Advisor 573-882-62224)
MU Pre-Optometry Club http://students.missouri.edu/~optclub/
Minority Association of Prehealth Students (MAPS) http://students.missouri.edu/~maps/

Allopathic Medicine
American Medical Association (AMA) http://www.ama-assn.org/
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) http://www.aamc.org
— general information about MCAT, AMCAS, & Financial Aid as well as a listing of medical schools with links
American Medical Student Association (AMSA) http://www.amsa.org

Osteopathic Medicine
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) http://www.aacom.org
— general information about osteopathic medicine, application information, and osteopathic school listings
American Osteopathic Association http://www.am-osteo-assn.org

Dentistry
American Dental Association (ADA) http://www.ada.org
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) http://www.adea.org
— dental school listings, application information, DAT
Dental-Related Internet Resources http://www.dental-resources.com
PreDental.Com www.scholarware.com
— good DAT prep

Optometry
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) http://www.opted.org

Pharmacy
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) http://www.aacp.org
Pharmacy (general information) www.pharmacy.org

Podiatry
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) www.aacpm.org

Journals
American Medical News http://www.ama-assn.org/public/journals/amnews
The New England Journal of Medicine www.nejm.org
Health Affairs: The Policy Journal of the Health Sphere http://www.healthaffairs.org/
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) http://jama.ama-assn.org

Thank You

The Health Professions Advising office in the Honors College acknowledges and thanks the following schools of medicine for their helpful comments and suggestions

• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• St. Louis University School of Medicine
• Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
• University of Illinois College of Medicine.
• Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Tulane University School of Medicine
• University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine

In addition, we are grateful to the MU departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry for their assistance with this project.

This publication has been made possible by contributions from MU's Pre-med Club and the Thomas B. Harris Endowment Fund.

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