Follow these tips to get into med school, dental school, veterinary school or other health professions programs you are interested in. Looking at medical school? Doctors and pre-med students share their stories and advice on how to get into medical school.
Maintain a high GPA
In order to be successful you need a competitive grade point average. Professional schools consider both your cumulative and Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Math) GPAs, the courses most directly related to your career path. If you are struggling in any classes, get help right away. Don't wait! Michigan Tech has a ton of student academic resources. Check out the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success to get started.
Be Involved, Get Experience
Academics are important but professional schools also place weight on co-curricular activities, especially healthcare experience. Take advantage of job-shadowing opportunities. Demonstrate your commitment to helping others by volunteering. Take part in a research project and build your reasoning and critical thinking skills. Or get involved by joining one of Michigan Tech’s pre-health student organizations
Score High on your Admissions Test
Obtaining a high score on your admissions test (MCAT, GRE, DAT, PCAT etc.) is one of the most important factors. You must plan ahead and give yourself enough time to prepare for the test.
Build Relationships and Connections for Strong Letters of Recommendation
Get to know your professors well. Meet and interact with campus, community, and professional leaders in the field. Applicants for pre-health professional programs need excellent letters of recommendation from faculty, as well as other professionals. If your professors do not know you, it will be hard for them to speak to your qualities in a letter that puts you ahead of the competition.
Spend a Lot of Time on Your Personal Statement/Admissions Essay
Your personal statement sets you apart from other candidates. Make it unique, honest, and powerful. This is your chance to tell your story and show the admissions staff why they should interview you! Revise this essay often and take advantage of writing resources available at Michigan Tech’s Multiliteracies Center.
Meet with your Pre-Health Advisor and Academic Advisor Often
Our staff is dedicated to helping students navigate the steps involved in the application process. Meet with your academic advisor and your pre-health advisor regularly for the best chance of success.
Sign-Up for Tech’s ‘Pre-Health Professions’ Email Group
Our email group sends out announcements about news and upcoming pre-health events on and off campus.
Attend as Many Campus Events as Possible
Michigan Tech hosts many events for pre-health students: medical school visits, Medical Career Week, graduate program interview workshops and more. These event will help you learn, give you a chance to ask questions, and make connections.
Stay on Top of Program Pre-requisites
Specific pre-requisites vary depending on the pre-health program and the school you are interested in. Decide early on which schools you want to apply to and make sure to check the requirements yearly, because requirements can change.
Continuously Re-evaluate Your Career Decision
No matter what pre-health professional program you chose, it's a life-long commitment. Admissions committees want to see that you did not make this choice lightly. Think about your choice often and use your experiences to reflect on what motivates you and why you are passionate to work in the field you have chosen.
Prepare for Your Interview
If you progress to the interview process, you need to step up your game and be well prepared. Michigan Tech provides opportunities to practice during mock interview sessions. Practice on your own, too, and research the common questions asked by admissions committees!
Work on your non-academic skills
Strong communication (both intrapersonal and interpersonal), ethical responsibility, resiliency and cultural competence are all imperative skills in the healthcare industry. In addition, building leadership skills and teamwork are also essential
