Pre-Medical and Pre-Health
Sciences Advising

Thinking of a career in the health professions? Connecticut College can help you prepare.

The College does not offer a "pre-med major." A science major is not a prerequisite for medical school, and you should not major in science simply because you believe this will increase your chances for acceptance.

Medical schools are most concerned with the overall quality and scope of your undergraduate work. The schools also recognize the desirability of including students in medical school classes who have a broad variety of interests and backgrounds. While there is some variation at the national level in the acceptance rates of applicants from different major fields of study in liberal arts programs, those majoring in certain areas of the humanities fared as well or better than science majors in gaining acceptance.

Whom do you ask for help at Connecticut College? Contact MaryLynn Fallon, Chair of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee, in the Biology department for pre-health career advising and to learn of opportunities in which you can gain experience in a healthcare setting.  Consult the Connecticut College Health Professions Handbook to learn more.

Medical schools want students with a high level of scholastic achievement and intellectual potential. This is measured by college grades, particularly science grades; recommendations from undergraduate faculty, including pre-medical advisors; MCAT scores and interview assessments.

It is also important for you to demonstrate an understanding of course content in ways other than by grades achieved. This can be demonstrated by independent research and special projects.

Medical schools look for superior personal attributes: integrity, responsibility, leadership, social maturity, curiosity, common sense, perseverance and breadth of interest and MOTIVATION. These can be shown by having an experience in a health-care setting (clinical), talking with health professionals, reading literature, performing community service and exposure to research at the undergraduate level.

Connecticut College can provide these opportunities.

Last Modified: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 16:30