Medical school candidates must complete a four-year degree from an accredited college or university and fulfill the following prerequisite courses:
- English and Writing (2 semesters)
- Biology with labs (2 semesters)
- Chemistry with labs (4 semesters)
- Physics with labs (2 semesters)
- Math - Courses vary depending on the school (2 semesters)
- Behavioral Sciences- Psychology & Sociology (2 semesters) Recommended for MCAT preparation, there is a Behavioral Science section on the exam.
Course requirements can vary between schools, so be sure to consult the specific requirements of each college you're interested in. Additionally, we recommend checking the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) guide, which is updated annually, for further resources and information.
A career in healthcare requires careful preparation. Developing an individual development plan helps students outline their coursework, leadership roles, clinical and non-clinical activities, and research experience. These elements are essential for creating a competitive application portfolio.
| Attend Pre-Health Information Sessions |
Students are encouraged to visit the Pre-Health Advising Office and attend the Pre-Health Information Sessions/Workshops (101, 201, and 301) during their first year at UM. These sessions will provide valuable insights into your chosen track and help you open a pre-health file. Once your file is created, you will gain access to the pre-health Blackboard page.
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| Academic Performance |
Develop effective study habits and skills to ensure strong academic performance. Students need to showcase their academic ability through a high science GPA and a solid cumulative GPA.
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| Clinical & Shadowing Experience |
Gaining firsthand experience in a clinical setting is crucial for confirming your decision to pursue a healthcare career. Shadowing healthcare professionals and interacting with or serving patients will provide you with valuable insights into the field.
Ideally, you should shadow at least three professionals, spending a minimum of 40 hours with each. Joining a pre-health student organization is an excellent way to connect with local physicians for shadowing opportunities, find observerships at nearby hospitals, and engage in community service or volunteer activities. Choose experiences that you enjoy and are passionate about. Be sure to document your experiences in a journal or resume for future use in your applications.
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| Summer Enrichment Program |
Several medical schools offer summer enrichment programs designed to enhance applicants' preparation. These programs often include academic coursework relevant to medical school curricula and may provide test preparation, research, and clinical opportunities. Many also offer a pathway to direct admission to their medical college for participants who successfully complete the program.
Students from underrepresented groups should explore the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) at www.shpep.org for additional resources and opportunities. |
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Research Experience
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Engaging in research provides valuable hands-on experience with the methodologies and roles of research in medicine, even if you plan to focus on clinical practice. If you are considering a joint Ph.D./M.D. program, significant research experience during your undergraduate years is essential.
At UM, you have access to numerous research opportunities across the Coral Gables campus, RSMAS, and the medical campus. The Office of Undergraduate Research can help match you with a suitable mentor and project. For more information, visit their website at www.ugr.miami.edu.
UConnect, a student organization dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, is also an excellent resource for finding research opportunities. Additionally, you may reach out directly to professors to inquire about volunteering in their labs.
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Extra-curricular Involvement
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Professional schools value the quality of your involvement in activities, both on- and off-campus, more than the number of organizations you join. Admissions committees seek applicants who demonstrate compassion, commitment, leadership, responsibility, and overall well-roundedness. Stepping out of your comfort zone is an effective way to develop strong interpersonal skills.
Pre-health students may benefit from participating in service groups, cultural and academic clubs, employment, and athletics. For details on pre-health clubs, visit the Pre-Health Student Clubs tab on our website or the Student Activities Center Engage website at https://miami.campuslabs.com/engage/.
The UM Butler Center for Service & Leadership offers a variety of volunteer and advocacy-based programs and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit their website at https://serveandlead.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
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| Cultivating Evaluation Letters |
Building and maintaining strong relationships with faculty members, instructors, supervisors, and health professionals is crucial throughout your academic career. As you engage in activities both on- and off-campus, keep these principles in mind:
- Be authentic and sincere.
- Exhibit strong moral character and integrity.
- Show genuine interest in your coursework, activities, discussions, and assignments.
- Ask questions and make use of office hours.
- Stay connected and keep them informed about your progress and achievements related to your professional goals.
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Choosing a Major
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Select a subject you are passionate about and ensure you fulfill both your pre-health course requirements and your major degree requirements.
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First-Year
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Attend a Pre-Health 101 Information Session to ease your transition into campus life, adjust to the campus climate, and familiarize yourself with available resources. Meet with a Pre-Health Advisor to get personalized guidance. Develop effective study skills and habits to maintain strong academic performance. Explore Pre-Health student organizations, which often provide opportunities for volunteer and community service. Additionally, the Butler Center for Service & Leadership offers a wide range of service and leadership opportunities.
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Sophomore Year
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Attend a Pre-Health 201 Information Session or Workshop to further your preparation. Engage in research, community service, volunteer work, and clinical experiences to build a well-rounded background. Cultivate strong relationships with your professors and mentors to create valuable connections for future letters of evaluation.
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Junior Year
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Attend a Pre-Health 301 Information Session or Workshop to evaluate your preparedness for the application cycle.
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MCAT
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Most candidates take the MCAT during the winter break of their junior year or between the spring and summer of their junior year. However, if you choose to take a gap year, you may sit for the exam during your senior year.
MCAT scores are typically valid for up to 3 years. We recommend consulting the Medical School Admissions Requirements for each school’s specific application policies and procedures.
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Letters of Recommendations (Junior-Senior Year)
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Request letters of recommendation 2-3 months before June, when the AMCAS application portal opens for submission.
For a Committee Letter Packet, you will need to submit 6 letters of recommendation. For more information on the specific types of letters required, please consult the student guide.
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Preparation is Key (December - January)
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Research and compile a list of schools you are interested in, including the median MCAT scores and GPAs that match your own statistics.
Draft ideas for your personal statement and create a comprehensive list of all your activities, such as shadowing, research, volunteering, community service, leadership roles, and internships. Be sure to record detailed information for each activity, including the contact person’s name and contact information for future reference.
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Committee Letter Interview (February 1 - May)
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Students seeking a committee letter packet from the Office of Pre-Health Advising and Mentoring should schedule and complete their interviews before May. Interviews will not be scheduled or conducted after this deadline. For detailed information on the process and requirements, please consult the student guide.
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Complete Application (April-May)
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Create an account on the respective application portal(s):
AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) -used by medical doctor schools
AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service- used for Doctor of Osteopathy medical schools
TMDSAS (Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service) used for schools in Texas
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Submit Primary Applications (June-July)
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After completing your application in full, submit your primary application to initiate the verification process, which may take 3-4 weeks.
Following submission, be sure to follow the Letter Request Procedures detailed in the student guidebook.
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Secondary Applications (July- August)
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Some schools will send secondary applications once your primary application is verified. Aim to complete and submit your secondary applications within 2 weeks of receiving them.
* Be sure to set up notifications and regularly check your email for any additional requests or updates from the application portals.
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Finalize Your Applications (September-October)
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This is the ideal time to finalize your application by submitting your primary and secondary applications, letters of recommendation, and MCAT scores. Most schools will start sending interview invitations and conducting interviews around this period.
Be aware that August 1st is the last day to submit your request to the Office of Pre-Health Advising to be added to the queue for a committee letter packet.
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Interviews and Acceptances (November-December)
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Prepare thoroughly for your interviews and inform your professors in advance if you will miss any classes due to medical school interviews. Discuss possible options for makeup assignments or exams with them, keeping in mind that these arrangements are at the professor's discretion.
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Consider Final Acceptances (Senior Spring Semester)
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Evaluate all admission offers and explore financial aid options and opportunities. Narrow your choices down to your top three programs.
Be sure to adhere to all important deadlines.
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Matriculation
(April- May)
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Your next step in your medical career starts now. Complete the "Plan to Enroll" or "Commit to Enroll" section on your application portal(s) and finalize any required paperwork and deposits.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone!
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