  Information for Pre-Medical StudentsIf you are considering medical school, UWM will provide you with a solid foundation to help you reach your goal. Of course you must do your part by meeting the rigorous admission standards of the medical schools to which you apply. UWM students have consistently been admitted to medical schools at a rate equal to or greater than the national average. Many UWM pre-med students have gone on to attend top-ranked medical schools and have built promising careers in a number of medical specialties. It is important to note that "pre-med" is not a major but rather it is a career classification that allows the Pre-Professional Advising Office to identify students who may benefit from special advising services. While many pre-med students choose a natural science undergraduate major, medical schools do not specify or favor any particular major. Therefore, pre-med students are encouraged to select a major that is of interest to them. Pre-med students have majored in humanities (e.g. history, philosophy, English), social sciences (e.g. psychology, anthropology, and sociology) as well as the natural sciences (e.g. biological sciences, chemistry, and physics). Students also may major in an area outside the College of Letters and Science such as nursing or kinesiology. The required pre-medical science courses are integrated into the student's undergraduate program of studies. The courses most frequently required by medical schools include (but are not limited to) the following:
Due to the fact that each medical school may have specific required/recommended courses, it is very important to consult with the pre-medical advisor each semester prior to selecting your courses. In addition to course selection, the pre-medical advisor will discuss a pre-medical timeline of suggested activities. The pre-medical advising office offers a free Letters of Evaluation Credential Service to assist students in the process of applying to medical school. Letters of evaluation are a vital part of your application and should be collected while you are attending UWM. UWM offers students the option of completing a Certificate of Pre-Medical Studies. This academic program is of interest to students who are considering a medical career and who wish to enter medical school with a more in-depth understanding of the medical profession, a well-rounded liberal arts education, and greater insight into the personal attributes and skills necessary to be an effective physician. New freshmen who have done well in high school and/or scored well on the ACT or SAT and transfer students with strong GPA's are advised to investigate UWM's Honors Program. Honors courses are especially appropriate for students preparing for medical school. The Honors Program offers Introduction to Clinical Medicine, which is a small seminar course in which students work with a physician affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin. A Pre-Med Mentoring Program is jointly offered through UWM and the Medical Society of Milwaukee County. Medical specialties available through the program include:
The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) are the premiere student organizations for pre-medical students. The UWM Chapters of AMSA and SOMA offer students the opportunity to network with others interested in medicine. Regular meetings are held during the academic year, guest speakers are sponsored, and off-campus excursions are planned to visit medical schools and attend conferences. The extremely competitive nature of admission to medical school makes it essential for students to work with the pre-medical advisor from the beginning of their studies at UWM. For more information about pre-medical studies at UWM, please contact Patricia Cobb (Pre-Med Advisor) at (414) 229-3922 or email: pacobb@uwm.edu. If you would like to make an appointment to see Ms. Cobb, please call (414) 229-4654. Links to information about Medical School. |
