Pre-Medicine

Pre-Med students are those who identify themselves as such, either by indicating it when they apply to Western or with the Health Professions Advising Office. Like most other institutions, Western does not offer a “Pre-Med” major, and there is no formula for getting into medical school. Selection committees evaluate applicants across multiple areas through a holistic review process. Important components include Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score, GPA (both cumulative and science/math), letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, community service, cultural competency, and an interview.

Medical schools emphasize the importance of a liberal arts education and do not recruit students from one specific major or discipline. This gives students flexibility in planning their Pre-Med educational program. Students should use their undergraduate years to explore many academic fields, develop foundational skills and knowledge, and demonstrate expertise and experience a field of study (major) of their choice. It is important for Pre-Meds to choose a major that they enjoy and earn strong grades. While Biology and Chemistry are popular choices, successful Pre-Med students have also majored in a diverse range of disciplines.