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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| I would like to thank both our speakers and the students for joining us this afternoon. We will be getting started in just a few minutes. First we will have the speakers introduce themselves, then begin by having them answer some of questions QB has prepared based on students' interests. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| My name is Sarah and I will be the QuestBridge moderator for this discussion on medicine. |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Hi. This is Pat Goldsmith, Dean of Admission at Scripps College, and I'm ably assisted by Jodi Olsen, our fabulous premed adviser. |
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Pomona (Art)
| Hi, my name is Art Rodriguez and I am the Senior Associate Dean of Admissions at Pomona. I've been at the college for 6 years and have enjoyed working with students. I'm excited to be here today and offer you information about Pomona and answer your questions about your interest in medicine. |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| Hi all, my name is Alex and I am an admissions counselor at Swarthmore. |
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| Art, Pat, and Alex will be answering questions students have indicated an interest in. In the mean time, feel free to submit questions to the moderator. |
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| Sarah and I will be taking your questions and forwarding them to the speakers. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| How will attending your school help me succeed in medicine? |
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Pomona (Art)
| Attending anyone of our small liberal arts colleges will help you in the medical school admissions process. Partly, this has to do with our small educational environment and students getting to know faculty members quite well. Also, since you are in small classes you work closely with other students and that is helpful to you because medical schools want students who can work in groups.
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| Are the pre-med classes competitive? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| This is Scripps. Our science classes are not competitive. Many of our faculty don't grade on a curve, they use a standard scale. In addition, our classes tend to be collaborative. The courses are rigorous and challenging, but tutoring one on one and in groups is always available. Faculty office hours are extensive as well. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| How important are extracurricular activities when applying for medical school? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Extracurriculars are always important. First, students should become involved in service and health care oriented volunteerships and internships along with early exposure to research with our faculty. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| What are the pre-med requirements like? Is it difficult to finish your major and your pre-med requirements in four years? Do most pre-med students finish in four years? |
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Pomona (Art)
| At Pomona (and Scripps and Swarthmore) you'll be able to complete your pre-med requiremnts within four years. There are a variety of courses you'll need to take: biology, chemistry, calculus, physics, but that shouldn't be a problem to complete the courses in four years and complete your major (even if you are not a science major!). Also, many students have managed to complete their courses and still take time to study abroad for a semester. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| What if I decide not to go to medical school? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| There are so many wonderful options, whether in health care or a completely different field. Jodi Olsen advises for other health fields along with our Career Planning Office, which can guide you into other areas. Some graduates of Scripps who have elected not to attend medical school have pursued dental school, vet school, graduate nursing, midwifery and the like, research, PhD programs, Physician Assistant programs... the list and options go on and on. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| We are now opening the floor for questions from students. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| What kind of advising is there for pre-med students? |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| We have a Health Sciences advisor on campus who is eager to meet students. She meets with students one on one if needed to advise them on what classes to take, how to prepare for MCATs, how to assemble applications, and so forth.
Of course, she is also just there if students wish to talk period. |
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ElizabethDawson
| Hi Art, Pat, and Alex, do your respective biological sciences departments have any joint programs established with local medical schools? |
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Pomona (Art)
| Hi Elizabeth: our program doesn't have any relationship with any established medical program or school, but that doesn't stop students from applying to local medical programs or ones out of state. |
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jennifer_tran
| Do the pre-med classes emphasize classroom learning or experimental research? |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| At Swat, it's definitely a mixture. All science courses at Swarthmore have a laboratory attached to them, so that students can experience the knowledge they are gaining through discussion or class lecture in a more hands on manner.
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isabelle
| Hi, my name is Isabelle, and I was wondering if there are any shortcuts to medical school--or is the 8 year path my only choice? |
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Pomona (Art)
| There are some colleges that have combined undergraduate and medical school programs that will reduce the number of years you are in school, but that number is limited at many small colleges. In most cases students who apply to medical school will expect to be studying for at leat 8 years. |
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drlisacuddy
| What kind of classes should I take to get into medicine? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Every medical school wants to see a year of biology with lab, a year of general chemsitry with lab, a year of organic chem with lab, a year of physics with lab, a year of math generally, and a year of English composition. Schools might also ask for biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, statistics, computer science and some social sciences. That said, you can major in anything you like, and DO WELL, as long as you complete these premed requirements, and still be very successful in gaining admission to some of the country's top medical schools. At Scripps, some of our most successful candidates have majored in linguistics, music, studio art - surprising fields! |
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isabelle
| Hi Alex, could you tell me the benefits that Swarthmore has to offer, and how it stands compared to other schools? |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| Sure, Isabelle. I think that an advantage is that Swarthmore does not have a pre-med major, but instead has a pre-med program. This is great because it allow students plenty of flexibility. You can take the courses that will make you competitive for medical school, and then major in what ever you wish. So I know plenty of religion majors at Swat that go to med school, dance majors, english majors, poly sci majors, and so forth |
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azharmerchant
| Does interning at medical facilities during the summer make an impact on acceptence to pre-med programs? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Yes, it's a terribly important part of your preparation. For one thing, it's important to know that you like the field. And to follow, then evaluators also know that you are taking the field seriously. |
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azharmerchant
| Does interning at medical facilities during the summer make an impact on acceptance to pre-med programs? |
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Pomona (Art)
| If you apply to Pomona, you don't apply to a pre-med so we aren't looking for specific pre-med experience. However, when you apply to medical school that will be important to them that you have some prior medical experience. |
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drlisacuddy
| Do pre-med classes start during freshman year? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Yes, absolutely. Depending on your math background, you should count at least a year of general chemistry in your first year. Optimally, you should also take biology in your first year. |
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drlisacuddy
| Do pre-med classes start during freshman year? |
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Pomona (Art)
| It really depends on your background and the type of courses you've previously taken in high school. For example, if you haven't taken calc, you'll probably want to start that during your first-year to get some of the courses out of the way. Also, we usually suggest to students that they should start their chemistry sequence early since there are prerequisite courses. |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| ... and of course small classes all taught by professors. These folks really get to know you and get to know your work and are able to mentor you and write great recommendations in the future. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| Can pre-med students study abroad? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Premed students can study abroad, but they really need to plan early in order to schedule the appropriate premed and have the time to go abroad. |
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jennifer_tran
| Are there local hospitals around Scripps, Pomona, and Swarthmore for volunteering during the school year? |
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Pomona (Art)
| Yes, there are local hospitals for you to intern in near Pomona and Scripps. Many students during the year will find additional research opportunities to take advantage of, whether you are doing research with a professor, or with a group of students. |
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drlisacuddy
| I'm confused. Is pre-med one class or a whole group of classes? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Good question! "Premed" isn't a major, it's a career goal. Medical schools require the courses we listed earlier to be admitted to medical school, and you must take these courses in order to take and do well on the Medical School Admission Test (MCAT). So yes, "Premed" is a series of courses, not just one course, or one major. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| How high were the GPAs of the students who applied and were accepted to medical school? |
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Pomona (Art)
| Most students admitted had grades in the A/B range. However in addition to a student's GPA, schools will also factor your performance on the MCAT. But most importantly medical schools will be looking at your required courses and the types of co-curricular activities you are involved in. |
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ElizabethDawson
| Alex, with the hands-on learning component via the lab requirement of science courses, does Swarthmore have any associations with medical schools? |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| Not any specific associations, but a number of our students are successful in getting in to medical school, on average 87% of those who apply. (I think the national average is 49%). A number of med schools out there know Swat's reputation and so they come to expect students from us. For instance, the largest med school representation for Swat is at schools like Harvard, Hopkins, Yale, Darmouth, Vanderbilt, and so forth |
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| Do most students go straight into medical school, or do people take some time off in between undergrad and medical school? |
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Pomona (Art)
| There are some students at Pomona who will go directly to medical school or take some time in between. It really depends on what you want. Some students are looking for a break before they go back to school...again. But again, it's almost a preference. |
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| If people take time off in between their undergraduate and medical school, what do they do in that time? |
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Pomona (Art)
| Some students might finish up their pre-med requirements if they didn't finish them up in college. Some students might try some lab research. Other students might take time off to travel, explore internships, etc. Really, the options are limitless. |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| To add to what Art said, the average age of people starting medical school is 24, and the vast majority of Swarthmore applicants take some time off. Taking time off allows many applicants the chance to do interesting things, like research, teaching, travel or community service, that makes them even more impressive to medical school admissions committees. It also allows your senior year grades to be included in your AMCAS GPA.
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| Is there any type of support network for premed students? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| At Scripps, we have extensive support for premed students. First, we have a very active Premed Club, that tour local medical schools, perform service projects at local non-profit clinics, and have social functions in support of science students. The premed adviser is located in the science center, so she's immediately accessible to students for any problems they may have. As we mentioned earlier, we provide extensive group and individual tutoring, and lots of faculty interaction. |
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Pomona (Art)
| There are several support systems at Pomona. One is our pre-med advisor. She works with students during thir college years (and after) providing information on applying to med school. There is also a student organization for students considering medical school in the future. And, often students find support from faculty members and peers. |
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isabelle
| Regarding AP courses offered in high school, which one is more beneficial to take, AP Chem or AP Bio. |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Our premed adviser recommends that AP Math, specifically Calculus, is probably the most important AP course to take. Proficiency in calculus and trig is important to success in physics courses. AP Chem is also good, because it gives you a chance at it before you have to take it for a grade considered by medical schools. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| What percentage of the students who applied got into medical school? |
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Pomona (Art)
| At Pomona we see anywhere between 85-90% of our students admitted to medical school. Every year the number changes depending on the number for students actually applying. What is important for you to know, is that we will allow any student apply to medical school who wants to. |
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drlisacuddy
| Do AP scores at your respective colleges count towards credits in one class, such as Biology? And if so, do I still need to take a biology class to fulfill the one year Biology w/ lab requirement for med? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| At Scripps, you might receive "graduation credit" for AP science courses, but credits are granted toward the major. Many medical schools prefer to have students re-take their AP courses at their undergraduate institution. |
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jennifer_tran
| Similar to the AP Bio/Chem question: Does IB Bio/Chem have the same standing as the respective AP classes? |
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Pomona (Art)
| The IB curriculum is considered equal to the AP program. So there is no disadvantage to you. |
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jlab
| What would you say are the advantages of your schools over Harvard, Hopkins, etc. for Medicine. Wouldn't these schools seek med students from their undergrad schools first? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Because Scripps is a small college, each and every one of our students receives enormous amounts of personal attention from faculty. Class sizes are small; science classes range from 25-40 students. Intro courses at larger institutions might have upward of 100 students in a class. Labs are also taught by faculty members, not TAs - so more experienced people are teaching you day by day. Letters of recommendation are critical to admission to medical school; because of the contact you have with faculty at small colleges, your recommendations are bound to be more complete, and probably more supportive. Research opportunities also abound in institutions where undergraduates are the focus of the institution. |
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jlab
| What would you say are the advantages of your schools over Harvard, Hopkins, etc. for Medicine. Wouldn't these schools seek med students from their undergrad schools first? |
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Pomona (Art)
| Not necessarily. One of the biggest advantages of attending a small school is that you get to know the faculty...this is of course advantageous when you apply to med school because the faculty can truly write about your abilities. Also, because many of the students are involved in undergraduate research, you'll have hands-on experience that you may not be able to have at a larger place like Harvard or Hopkins. You have to realize that medical schools understand the type of learning environment you are coming from, one that offers seminar style courses. They know that your analytical and critical thinking skills are sharp and that's what they want in their classes. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| We're going to go ahead and open the room now to any general questions you may have about the college admissions process, financial aid, etc. |
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| For medical school, how important are the recommendations? Is it better to get recommendations from someone really famous, or from someone who may not be as famous but who has been a great professor and knows me better? |
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Pomona (Art)
| It's most important to get rec letters from faculty who know you well...that's what medical schools want. They know how you work, how you handle difficult situations and they know how you think. |
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QB Moderator (Annie)
| besides getting good grades, what will i need to qualify for medical school? how important are the extracurricular activities, the essay, and the recommendations? |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| You should pursue anything that interests you. Medical schools are interested in students who have been active contributors on campus, and who have a range of interests. You should choose a few things to do meaningfully and well, rather than dabble in a long list of activities. Community service is an important way to demonstrate your concern and compassion for others.
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Scripps (Pat)
| Grades are certainly the most important part of your application to medical school, along with the result of your MCATs. Extracurriculars are what will distinguish you from other applicants, and hopefully secure you interviews at medical schools. |
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ElizabethDawson
| In addition to science courses, do the pre-med requirements include courses on ethics, and the humanities? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| Courses like ethics and humanities aren't required by medical schools, although some schools recommend them. Primarily it's important to do well in your premed courses, and then find something you love to do for your major. |
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Pomona (Art)
| Most medical schools ask that you take a range of humanities and social science courses. They are looking for well-rounded students, particularly ones that can interact in different situations or with different individuals. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| Since we are nearing the end of our discussion session, I would like to ask the students to submit any other questions they may have as soon as possible |
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drlisacuddy
| Are there some special required classes for certain disciplines of medicine? |
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Pomona (Art)
| During your undergraduate years, not really. If you are interested in a certain field, it helps to be familiar with the field, but you'll have time in medical school to get a better sense of the disciplines you might focus on. |
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drlisacuddy
| How important is the interview in a college admissions decision? |
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Scripps (Pat)
| That really depends on the college. Some colleges use interviews solely as an information sessions, and others use them as more evaluative tools. At a small school like Scripps, we find it helpful to connect with applicants personally, so we can have some sense of how well they might enjoy our community. |
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Pomona (Art)
| We ask that students interview because it's a great way for us to get to know you. Every school is different, however, so you should ask each school you are applying to. |
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Anonymous
| If I apply to Swarthmore, can I major in Chemistry without taking Biochem and Biology courses? |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| Not that I know of, but there are chem courses that will have pre-reqs in math and physics |
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Pomona (Art)
| At Pomona, we do not offer a pre-med major, but we do offer a pre-med program. The pre-med program is designed to help you better understand the field of medicine and the options that are out there for you. In applying to medical school, our pre-med advisor and the advising committee will help you through the process and as a result, you'll be in good hands. It's important to remember that you don't have to be a science major to go to medical school but that you should get your requirements down. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| If students have questions that we were not able to address during this discussion, I will be staying in the room past 4pm to answer those. |
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drlisacuddy
| What SAT II tests do you recommend we take? |
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Pomona (Art)
| These vary based on your own interests. We require two at Pomona and all we ask is that they are not in the same field. For example, you shouldn't take two math, history or language SAT II. Provide us with a range. |
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Swarthmore (Alex)
| If any of you have additional questions, feel free to get in touch with me by email at hcook1@swarthmore.edu or by phone at 1.800.667.3110. It was great talking to you all!!
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Scripps (Pat)
| You might think you need to attend a major research institution in order to pursue medical school, but that's simply not the case. Last year, 100% of Scripps premed students were accepted to medical school, including places like Washington University St. Louis and UCSF. Our close faculty student connection, opportunities for undergraduate research, internship opportunities, all give students a leg up in the competitive world of medical school admission. If you would like specific information about our health career advising, please contact jolson@scrippscollege.edu. |
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Pomona (Art)
| If you have any additional questions about medical school or college admissions, you can email me at art.rodriguez@pomona.edu. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| Okay, well I hope all of you are able to take down our speakers' contact information so you can ask them more questions later on. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| We will be posting the transcript of this chat session in the Resources section of our webpage for you to review. |
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QB Moderator (Sarah)
| Thank you for participating. |
