Frequently Asked Questions
Course Selection
What Math courses do I need for med school?
Two semesters of Calculus are recommended by most schools, but AP credit can fulfill all or part of the math requirement for many. The Med School Admissions Guide book in Michele Taylor's office has all the requirements listed or you can find them at www.aamc.org under each school. If you have AP credit for BC calculus from Haverford, you don't have to take any more Math. Some students take 114 to be certain, and a good grade and solid background in calculus helps in Physics and other science courses and in particular if you're interested in a research career. A very few schools such as Harvard ask for 2 semesters of college math.
Can I use AP credit to fulfill Chem, Bio or Physics requirements?
No- only to allow you to take higher level courses. In particular, if you skip Inorganic Chemistry here and go directly into Organic, you will need 2 more courses in Chemistry in college. One may be Bio 300 superlab- which is essentially a Biochemistry course and helps give you great background in molecular biology and genetics required in modern medicine.
Can I take any required courses in the summer?
Some students have taken Physics in the summer, especially those considering time abroad junior year. They have chosen schools near home and courses compatible with that school's premed courses. You can get Haverford credit if you get it approved with the head of the Haverford department. You don't need Haverford credit for med school.
A few have taken Chemistry, especially some late deciders on going into medicine. Most med schools like to see the basic courses in science taken at Haverford or Bryn Mawr during the school year. It is sometimes difficult to predict the quality of the course in the summer as faculty change from year to year, and 2 months is a shorter time to adsorb all the material in these fact-packed courses.
Can I take another reading/writing course outside the English Dept to fulfill the 2 semester English requirement most schools have?
Absolutely, though sometimes it requires you to get more paperwork from the registrar or deans or advisor describing the course etc to the secretary in the admissions office. It is usually easier to take 2 semesters in the English Dept remembering that one semester can be taken senior year.
Can I take pass/fail courses?
Certainly, though not in the premed requirements and don't take so many that med schools think you haven't challenged yourself academically.
Should I major in science?
If you love the subject, it is a wonderful choice. Pick something you like and will do well in. Medical schools are interested in a wide variety of majors and we've had majors in Music, Anthro, History, Poly Sci, English who have done well. Most are Bio or Chem majors however- probably because of the strength and laboratory opportunities of those cutting edge departments and the likelihood that someone interested in medicine would be most interested in science. A science major also helps frequently with the science GPA , the first thing an admissions officer looks at. Sometimes despite hard work you can't do your best in the first large science courses which depend on preHaverford course experience and different, new study skills learned in college the first years. The upper level courses frequently show higher grades as you've had time to learn how to show what you've learned on tests and your truer ability.
Study Abroad
How can I fit all these courses in and study abroad for a semester or two?
Studying abroad has been a wonderful experience for many Haverford students. Before you decide come talk with your major advisor and the premed advisor to see how you can fit in everything you need. Remember that you should not take any of the required courses for premed since the grades are very different abroad and course material is not always similar to the American system. You need to be very organized if you wish to apply to go to med school the year after graduation. It may be harder to get the strongest recommendations if you are not here to get to know your major department teachers during junior year. The MCAT test is usually taken in April of Junior year. It's not given in many foreign countries and you may not want to be studying while you are experiencing a new culture. If you have finished all the science requirements by the end of Soph year you may take it the following August if you feel you are ready. If you take it in August after returning, you will have already had to apply and choose schools before you know your score results. Thus, many students choose to apply after their senior year which works well, giving them a year to work and live on their own away from academics before starting med school. (About half of applicants now do not go to med school immediately after college.)
Outside Class
What extracurricular experiences are best?
Whatever interests you most! As a physician you'll help your diverse patients best by understanding the diversity of life and how to get along with many types of people- and also have outlets outside medicine that give you joy in life. Getting involved in the Haverford community and contributing will give you meaningful experiences- whether in sports, the arts, leadership positions, as peer advisor in customs or as UCA. It's usually best to do a few things meaningfully and well than to dabble superficially, tho that can be fun too! Community service is looked upon very highly.
How about medically related experiences?
If you want to become a physician it's good to personally learn what's involved. Firsthand experience either in the summer or during the school year is a good idea, especially where you're able to get in the action and actually help someone personally and see if that makes you want to come back and give more. Shadowing an alum or other physician in as many specialties as you want will give you another view/s and you can arrange that through the alumni office or career development office. For those who like EMT, there is a course here usually in the spring to give you a start. Students have volunteered at Bryn Mawr Hospital or at UPenn or Lankenau tho it's best not to do that freshman year.
Applying to Medical School
When should I take the MCAT- Medical College Admissions Test?
The "SAT" for med school is usually taken in April of Junior year when the basic course requirements are finished. It is also given in August, and has sections on verbal reasoning (reading passages), a writing sample, a biology section including organic chemistry and a physical science section with physics and inorganic chemistry questions to test analytic ability, not memorization. It tests stamina (an all day test) and is expensive. You should take it after you have done practice tests and know you understand what is required and can do your best. Most med schools look for 9/10s or above.
Who will write my letters of recommendation?
Early February of junior year, if you decide to apply to enter med school directly after college, you will begin talking with Michele Taylor about the application process and asking for recommendations from those who know you best and whom you choose to recommend you.
You will want to think of the 6 letters from people who know you the best- both academically and personally. Usually you will like to ask two or more from your major department and include at least 2 in science, other faculty, coaches, those you've worked closely with in the summer or other jobs or extracurricular activities.
By April of the year before you wish to enter med school these will be collected by Michele Taylor and Committee on Recomendations to Medical School and united into a letter from Haverford including input from you gathered in writing an essay and information on your activities and meetings with Michele Taylor.
When do people apply to med school and how?
The process usually starts in February of the year before you hope to start school, in a meeting with Michele Taylor. You then start to ask for recommendations from professors and those who know you well and prepare for taking the MCAT in April or August of that year. June is the date most people fill out and send their AMCAS application now over the internet. Interviews start in the fall and decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year, finishing mostly in May. If you have multiple acceptances at that time you must decide on one school. Places on the wait list then begin to open up and some applicants get admitted during the summer. Medical schools start in August or September.
What grades will I need to be accepted?
If by the time you apply you have a 3.3 Science GPA from Haverford you can be reasonably certain to be interviewed. Rising scores over time are best and the very top programs accept students with 3.6 or higher usually. Michele Taylor can help give you information on previous Haverford students' success in the past. Many individual life experiences play into admissions decisions and she can give you individual advice and help on choosing schools when you are ready to apply. Many medical schools know Haverford and the quality of its premedical courses and Quaker community and will look at each student's whole application above and beyond the numbers.
How about MCAT scores?
If you have 10s or over in each section you should be OK at most schools. Below that you may wish to retake them. See Michele Taylor to discuss it.
What can I do if my grades aren't good enough?
Many applicants take courses in science their senior year and after Haverford to strengthen their academic record and prove they have the solid background in science needed in medicine today. Some go on to postbaccalaureate programs or take summer courses. It is best to come speak to Michele Taylor early on if you find you are not doing as well as you would like to explore ways to improve or to wait to take science courses later if your study skills and time do not permit you to concentrate on those courses and do well that year. There is plenty of time!
Do many students take time between Haverford and Medical School?
Almost half of students are waiting to apply until after graduating from college nationwide, allowing them to take a breather between two intense academic experiences, study abroad, acquire more medically related experience, live on their own and get a salary and strengthen their application. Those who have done it from Haverford highly recommend it.
When should you come to meet Michele Taylor?
Michele Taylor would love to meet you any time in your career at Haverford and beyond. Whenever you have a question or just want to talk, come to Chase Hall, Suite 208 on a Monday or Friday (best to phone Cheryl Mathes at 896-1148 M-Fin the am or email her at Cheryl Mathes to be sure Michele Taylor is available) For emergencies Michele Taylor is available by email as well.