Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of UM applicants are accepted to medical school?
This is the most commonly asked question of pre-med advisors at all colleges and universities. Those UM students who are highly qualified with excellent grades, outstanding MCAT scores, considerable volunteer activities, good writing and interview skills have an excellent rate of acceptance. However, not all of our students are in this category. On average, 52% of UM students applying to Allopathic (M.D.) medical schools eventually are accepted (some have to apply several times). When students accepted to Osteopathic (D.O.) medical schools are included, the rate of acceptance averages 67%. Some years this number is considerably higher. For example, 80% of UM students applying for admission to medical school starting fall of 2003 were accepted.
Where do most UM students attend medical school?
Because UM participates in the WWAMI and WICHE programs (see the Scholarships section on the Financial Aid page, a number of our students each year enter the University of Washington School of Medicine and several western regional medical schools, notably Oregon Health and Science University, the University of Colorado and the University of North Dakota. For a complete list of WICHE universities, see the WICHE PSEP-Medicine site. Other UM students often attend public or private medical schools in their home states or in various regions of the United States and Canada. Click here for a complete list of Association of American Medical Colleges accredited medical schools in the Unites States and here for a list of Canadian AAMC medical schools.
Only those students who meet the residency requirements of the Montana University System are eligible to participate in the WWAMI and WICHE programs. Out-of-state students who remain full-time students while attending UM are not eligible to participate in these programs. It is recommended that out-of-state students interested in medical school maintain residency in their home state while attending UM.
How does UM compare to other Montana schools in medical school admission?
Qualified UM students are as likely as any other qualified student to be admitted to medical school. The university from which students get their undergraduate degree is less important than the students' individual qualifications for medical school.
Are there scholarships available for pre-medical sciences students?
See the Financial Aid page.
What are the most common majors of UM students who apply to medical school?
The majority of UM students applying to medical school are science majors (mostly human biology, microbiology and chemistry). However, it is not necessary to major in science to get into medical school. In fact, it is preferable for students to major in subjects that interest them and that will give them a rewarding undergraduate education. Students take medical school prerequisite classes and required classes for their chosen major simultaneously. See the Deciding on a Major page.
What do students do if they don't get into medical school?
Students who are not accepted to medical school their first year applying are welcome to apply the following year. Some students choose to continue on with a master's degree or even PhD in their chosen major and apply to medical school later. Numerous careers are open to individuals interested in the health sciences that do not require attending medical school, though some may require additional education above the undergraduate level. Some include nursing, medical technician, physical therapy, social work, dentistry, paramedic, emergency medical technician, alternative medicine, etc.
The pre-medical sciences advising program is designed to inform students of the numerous opportunities available in the health professions. Hence UM students often pursue a wide variety of health careers after graduation.
Is there an active pre-medical sciences club at UM?
Yes, the Pre-Medical Students Association meets regularly on a variety of topics and health professions and engages students in various volunteer and learning activities. See the Pre-med Club page.
How can I contact UM Pre-Medical Sciences?
Dr. Diana Lurie, Director of the Pre-medical Sciences Program, can be reached at:
Phone: 406-243-2103
Email: diana.lurie@umontana.edu.