Special Admission
Requirements
Experience in the Field
Some medical and/or clinical experience is
helpful but is not required. You need to know what a doctor does
before you try to become one. This does not mean a full-time job or
even a steady part-time job. Occasional volunteer activities or summer
work is good. You should shadow a physician to see what the profession
is really like.
Other volunteer activities such as church and
school groups (Pre-Med Club) are useful. Medical Schools are looking
for a well-rounded individual, not just a one-dimensional (book worm)
student.
Special Examinations & Required License
Courses needed prior to taking the Medical
College Admissions Test (MCAT) include a year of inorganic chemistry, a
year of organic chemistry, a year of physics with lab, and courses in
general biology, microbiology, cell biology, genetics and mammalian
physiology. The exam, which includes two essay questions, should be
taken about 15 months prior to the semester of matriculation. A high
score on the MCAT is essential. Upon completion of medical school
most physicians then enter a period of postgraduate training (1-4), during
which they received training in a specialty. All physicians must
pass national and/or state licensing examinations. Some will also
receive certification from professional medical associations.
For more information on the MCAT visit:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm
