Preparing to Apply to Medical School

Getting a Degree

 Although some professional schools (including some medical schools) do not require an undergraduate degree for admission it is especially advantageous for students wishing to enter doctoral programs in medicine, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, and veterinary medicine to have a baccalaureate degree. Having a degree will be important if you change you mind about a health career or are unable to gain admission to a professional program.

For pre-medical sciences students, a four-year degree program at The University of Montana involves the completion of three sets of requirements: (1) general education, (2) major requirements, and (3) pre-professional/prerequisite courses. Most students can complete these requirements in a four-year course of study with careful planning depending on their major. If your math and science preparation is weak you should consider a five-year undergraduate program beginning with developmental courses in math, chemistry, English and reading skills. If you are involved in an extracurricular activity that requires a great deal of your time, such as intercollegiate athletics or music, or expect to work half-time or more, you may also wish to consider a five-year undergraduate program.