Answers from the Experts

"I would like to know the difference between majoring in a pre-professional program and a science program. I know that a want to be a doctor, but I do not know whether to major pre-professional- Pre-Med or Chemistry and it relatives. I would like an answer because I am confused." Responses were sent from: Albany College of Pharmacy, Cal Poly, Seton Hill University, Colgate University, and Brandeis University. Member Institution and Association Answers:

From Albany College of Pharmacy: The simple difference between the titles pre-professional and science programs is that individuals in the pre-professional program have declared that they are headed for medical, dental or veterinary school (professional programs). Individuals in the science program are pursuing a degree in an area of interest but have not decided on their pathway beyond the B.S. level. That does not mean that they are any less qualified or prepared to pursue a professional degree. One can successfully be in a science program and pursue a graduate or professional degree following successful completion of a Bachelor’s program if all the entrance requirements (such two semesters of calculus or one semester of biochemistry, or whatever the advanced degree program requires) have been fulfilled. To look beyond the college training is important. Ask yourself what you actually plan to do with your degree and investigate the job opportunities open to you with whichever degree you wish to pursue. Many complete a B.S. in Biology only to find that it does not prepare them for an actual job. Michael Green Assistant Director of Admissions Albany College of Pharmacy Phone: (518) 445-7221 Email: info@acp.edu

From Cal Poly: Whatever we choose as our profession in life, we are always on the right path when we follow our heart. After weighing all the intellectual factors and prioritizing our interest, using our intuition will always lead us in the right direction. When applying for admissions to any college or university, the applicant needs to check with the specific school to obtain application deadlines. Fall term is the most common application filing period, but schools have different application deadlines. As with admission applications, the applicant needs to check with the specific school(s) they are applying to for SAT I, II or ACT test deadlines. A medical physician once told me that to do well in medical school, it doesn't really matter what undergraduate major you complete. He was an anthropology major from Yale. To assist you with taking the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test), your elective course work or a declared minor may be in life sciences, chemistry or in a pre-med program covering the material you will need to know. Students enter graduate school usually after they have completed an undergraduate program that led them to earning a BA/BS or AB degree. Prospective college students who do not have a specific direction as far as a major, may want to consider going to a community college first to explore various academic programs. Or, students may want to begin at a university as an undeclared undergraduate, again to explore areas of academic interest for a while. As a senior, you have an extremely short period of time to explore the whole college process. If you haven't done some homework regarding the college process prior to now, you are behind the game. Search college web sites. Read college catalogs to find out about the school and what kind of academic programs it offers (most are on-line at the school web sites). Talk to teachers, school counselors and/or career specialist. Ask friends and parents of friends who attended college. Leave no leaf unturned, be inquisitive, persistent and assertive. It's your future! Walter Harris Associate Director, Admissions and Recruitment Cal Poly 805 756-5107 wharris@calpoly.edu

From Seton Hill University: Thank you for your question. Pre-professional sciences as a choice of major is great for students who know they will be following up their undergraduate degree with some type of medical or graduate school. These programs generally prepare the student for different areas of practice, including faculty who will advise the student in the field they are planning to work in. They can also help you with the process of applying to graduate and medical programs. A biology degree, on the other hand, is not necessarily geared only toward medical professions. High school biology teachers can have a biology degree, as well as technicians and researchers. However, it is not unlikely for a student to receive a biology degree and then pursue medical studies. The pre-professional studies may give the student better guidance as to how to stay on track to achieve the degree they ultimately want in the profession they want. In addition, classes may be taken that will also prepare you for further study. At Seton Hill University, we offer both areas of study. Our pre-professional studies program does just as I noted above and offers different selections of classes dependent on the field you intend to study, such as medicine, physical therapy, or even veterinary. Best of luck! Kimberly A. McCarty Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Campus Visit Coordinator Seton Hill University 724-838-4201 kmccarty@setonhill.edu

From Colgate University: Many liberal arts universities allow you to be in a pre-professional program for pre-medicine while still allowing you to major in any field that you'd like. To successfully apply to medical school, all students in college (regardless of where you attend) must take a set of 6 (sometimes 7) courses. At a liberal arts university like Colgate, you can take those courses as electives and then choose a major in a department that may not necessarily be in the natural sciences. Many students believe that in order to go to medical school you must major in biology or another life science. However, there is some evidence to suggest that if you choose a non-science department for a major you might actually be putting yourself at an advantage when you apply to medical school. If this is the type of pre-med program you would like, you should make sure the university also provides co-curricular opportunities--research, off-campus study programs, internships, physician shadowing programs, etc.--to compliment your academic experience. John M. Corona Associate Dean of Admission Colgate University 13 Oak Drive Hamilton, NY 13346 315-228-7503 (v) 315-228-7544 (f)

From Brandeis University: This is a very good question and probably varies depending on which college or university you are investigating. There is no single correct way of preparing for medical school. We encourage all students to plan a program of study that best suits their interests and goals. Moreover, medical schools do not require applicants to have any specific major. Rather, they seek well-rounded students with solid preparation in the sciences, a record of high academic achievement, and some basic preliminary experience in medicine (such as volunteering in a clinical setting). Medical schools also seek applicants who possess maturity and strong interpersonal skills. Brandeis University has no premedical major and does not recommend that premedical students select any particular major. You should, therefore, plan your program of study at Brandeis not only to accommodate the requisite premedical courses but also to address your particular intellectual interests. Many premedical students select a major in the sciences. However, students accepted to medical school from Brandeis have majored in just about every concentration available at the University. During your time at Brandeis, you will have access to a specific advisor who will help you choose courses to prepare you for Medical School Admission. Even if you choose a non-science major, the premedical program makes sure you have the right science and math courses for Medical School. If you are unsure what to major in - don't panic! You don't have to know just yet. You want to make sure you choose a University or College that has some sort of Pre-Med program or advising. Also check out the admission rate of graduates to medical school. Brandeis has an 82% acceptance rate to Medical School, where the national average is 52%. After you determine that, you should ask if the premedical program "weeds" people out. Many into-courses are designed to discourage some students from continuing down the premedical track. Make sure you find a school, whose academic environment suites your learning style as well. For more helpful hints check out the link to Brandeis University's Pre-Med Advising Webpage. Robert W. Andrews Assistant Director of Admission Brandeis University (781) 736-3500 andrews@brandeis.edu http://www.brandeis.edu/uaafys/premed/index.html