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Rockhurst pre-health students are encouraged to identify resources to help them plan their path into a health profession. A list of professional websites and other pre-health resources is shown below.Ìý
Professional Websites
Association of American Medical Colleges:Ìý
American Osteopathic Association:Ìý
American Dental Association:Ìý
American Academy of Physician Assistants:Ìý
Other Resources
Composing a Personal Statement:Ìý
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU):Ìý
MCAT testing information
Recommended Pre-Health Reading
Advising Timeline
Students take many different paths to medical school.Ìý Below is our typical four year timeline.Ìý Many different factors can influence this timeline, so please see a pre-health advisor for more information.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Traditional Pre-Medical Student Timeline
Freshman Year
Fall
- Gain clinical medical experience by shadowing and volunteering.Ìý Reflect upon and record your experiences.Ìý Volunteering and service over a long period of time (at least a year) at one community partner is highly recommended by both KCUMB and Saint Louis University.Ìý
- Make an appointment with the Annie Lee, Ph.D., in chemistry (annie.lee@rockhurst.edu)Ìý or Laura Salem, Ph.D., in biologyÌýlaura.salem@rockhurst.edu and let them know that you are interested in Pre-Medicine.
- Consider joining the Pre-Med Club; become active in other campus activities.
- Improve studying and learning techniques.
- Complete general biology I and general chemistry I (or Honors sections of these courses).
- Consider taking calculus I as a recommended pre-med course.
- Learn how to calculate your own science and overall grade point average (GPA) – set a target goal for your own GPA.
Ìý
Spring
- Continue shadowing/gaining medical clinical experience and completing written reflection of your experiences.
- Complete general biology II and general chemistry II.
- Consider joining the Pre-Medical Fraternity.
Ìý
Summer
- Continue shadowing/gaining medical clinical experience.Ìý Continue written reflection on your experiences.
- Read books related to health professions.Ìý Examples can be found at
- Evaluate your science and overall GPA.Ìý
- Begin composing your personal statement explaining why you want to be a physician.Ìý
Sophomore Year
Fall
- Continue with shadowing/volunteering activities and reflection.
- Make an advising appointment with Dr. Lee or Dr. Salem to discuss your progress.
- Explore on campus leadership opportunities.Ìý
- Complete organic chemistry I and general physics I.
- Consider research experiences on campus.
Ìý
Spring
- Continue with shadowing/volunteering activities and reflection.Ìý
- Declare your major.
- Complete organic chemistry II and general physics II.
Ìý
Summer
- Evaluate science and overall GPA
- Read books related to health professions.Ìý Examples can be found at .
- Investigate MCAT materials and begin studying.Ìý Make timeline for MCAT preparation.
- Compose another draft of your personal statement for medical school.Ìý
Junior Year
Fall
- Continue with shadowing/volunteering activities and reflection.
- Consider taking biochemistry I as a recommended pre-med course.
- If applying to medical school the following summer, begin working on your Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisory group application for a committee interview and letter.Ìý Applications will be available online or from Dr. Lee or Dr. Salem.Ìý
- Continue MCAT preparation and studying.Ìý Make a plan for your final preparation.
- Consider applying for summer undergraduate research opportunities (SURF or other funded programs).Ìý Applications for summer research internships are typically due in January.
Ìý
Spring
- Complete your application to the Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisory Group.Ìý Applications will be due the first week of classes in January. The deadline will be listed on your application.Ìý Late application will not be accepted.
- After submission of your application to the Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisory Group, an interview will be scheduled.
- Before interviewing with the Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisory Group, consider an appointment with the career center for a mock interview to practice your communication skills.Ìý
- After completion of your Rockhurst Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Advisory Group interview, make a list of things to improve upon for your official medical school interview.ÌýÌýÌý
- Continue with shadowing/volunteering activities and reflection.
- Consider taking biochemistry II and general physiology as recommended pre-med courses
- Continue to study for the MCAT and take the MCAT in spring or summer.Ìý
Ìý
Summer
- Take the MCAT if you did not take it in the spring.
- Evaluate science and overall GPA, shadowing/volunteering hours for breadth and depth, MCAT score and other factors to determine if you are as well prepared as possible to apply – if not, consider waiting.
- Complete AMCAS/AACOMAS application(s).Ìý
- Provide letter writers with AMCAS/AACOMAS ID #(s) and letter request as soon as possible.
- Complete secondary applications if received during the summer.
Senior Year
Fall
- Continue with shadowing/volunteering activities and reflection.
- Turn in your Bachelor's Degree Application to the Registrar.
- Complete any secondary applications.
- Interview with medical schools.
Ìý
Spring
- Complete degree and graduation requirements
- If waiting a year to re-apply to medical school, consider working in a research or biotechnology setting or gaining more clinical experience during your gap year.