[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Pre-Medicine

The medical field offers some of today’s most rewarding, flexible, and dynamic careers. As a medical doctor, you will provide real contributions to others—and to society. You will study the endlessly fascinating human body. You will choose whether to work for yourself or in partnership with others. You will pursue a specialty that interests you. You will earn a comfortable living. You might even develop new treatments and cures for deadly diseases. In short, you will create the career of your dreams.

What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
Where can I find additional information?

What should I major in?
Students with certain majors do not receive admission preference. Most medical schools encourage students to pursue undergraduate majors in areas of personal interest and talent, while achieving balance and variety in their academic work. A well-balanced liberal arts education is recommended.

What are the course requirements?
Recommended courses include:

• BIO: a minimum of one year (preferably two or more years) chosen from the following:
  BIO 250, 251, 303, 317, 318, 414, 418, 428 
• CHM 211, 212, 311, 312 (CHM 315 also suggested)
• ENG 105, 106
• MTH 121, 132, 151 (MTH 345/346 or PSY 355 also suggested) 
• PHY 111, 112 or 121, 122

For more on planning your course of study, or for the requirements of specific medical schools, see your health professions advisor.

Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) at least one full year before you plan to enter medical school. You should also familiarize yourself with both regular application procedures and early decision application procedures.

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions or check out these useful websites:

Premed Source
This site has information about medical school admissions, including MCAT, AMCAS, summer programs, post baccalaureate programs, a timeline premedical students, scholarships, and links to schools.

Association of American Medical Colleges
This is the first place to go for reliable information concerning all aspects of premedical and medical education. Links to Publications & Information Resources and Student & Applicant Information are particularly useful.

American Medical Student Association
AMSA Premed provides information, support, and leadership development for future physicians in training.