Answers from the Experts

Undergraduate Major and Medical School "I want to go into medicine. So would my major be Pre-med or a smaller major first like Biology? Thank you for answering my question." Responses were sent from: Loyola University Chicago, Union College, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Member Institution and Association Answers:

From Loyola University Chicago: We do have our own medical school known as the Stritch School of Medicine. Loyola offers an undergraduate pre-medicine track which assists students with their preparation in prerequisite coursework, placement, and MCAT testing. Students still declare a major of their choice and also have the privilege of meeting with advisors on a regular basis. Jamie Marsh Admission Counselor Loyola University Chicago Water Tower Campus 820 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 Phone: 312-915-6500 Email: jmars1@luc.edu

From Union College: At Union we do not have a “pre-med” major, with the exception of the accelerated eight year medical program, which has a separate and highly selective admissions process. Most of our students who go on to medical school, and there are many, will choose various majors of interest to them with a concentration in core science and math courses necessary for medical school entrance examination preparation. Our Health Professions Advisory Committee of faculty will advise students on courses throughout their four years at Union. Dianne Crozier Director of Admissions Union College 1-888-843-6688 crozierd@union.edu

From Hobart and William Smith Colleges: Our Health Professions Committee feels that well-rounded students are most successful in gaining acceptance to professional programs and developing into compassionate physicians. It is advised that students take a core of courses required by almost all health professions programs but major in a subject based on their interest and ability to excel in that major. While this major may be in any department, most students considering a health profession career major in a natural science. With careful planning, health profession students are encouraged to participate in many programs to compliment the liberal arts experience including study abroad, student research, and/or a hospital internship. Joel T. Kerlan Professor Emeritus of Biology Hobart and William Smith Colleges Eaton Hall 118 Tel: 315-781-3596 fax: 315-781-3860 kerlan@hws.edu