Pre-Health Core Studies

Eligibility

Successful applicants to this highly selective program generally have earned a bachelor's degree at least one year prior to applying, possess an excellent academic record, and have demonstrated ability in standardized testing. They typically have a clear understanding of the challenges awaiting them in their chosen health care field, gained through substantial (usually a year) volunteer work or employment in a related field.

Additionally, our program prepares students to enter advanced training programs in other health professions.

Many of our students hold graduate or professional degrees. They have been educators, musicians, social workers, psychologists, lawyers, writers, architects, business people, and graduate students from fields as diverse as classics and physics. Others join the program after a period of volunteer service, either abroad or in the United States.

Successful applicants have a B or higher average in their undergraduate work and have demonstrated abilities in standardized test-taking, i.e. SATs, GREs. Our students have been admitted to the some of the nation's most prestigious medical schools.

Course Planning Options

While variations must be made to accommodate each student's plans and academic background, sample courses of study may be helpful to prospective students: To complete the requirements in one year, students should begin their study in the summer with chemistry. The academic year to follow will include biology, organic chemistry and physics, thus preparing students for the April MCAT. A part-time program will take two years to complete. Students generally take biology and chemistry the first year, and physics and organic chemistry the second year, planning for the April MCAT. Students enrolled in the  Post-Bac Pre-Health Core Studies track often take additional courses beyond the Premedical requirements (such as biochemistry, genetics, histology, or history and sociology of science) to deepen their knowledge and preparation for medical training. Please see the Specialized Studies course listing for options. See sample schedules.