Premedical Studies
The premedical studies track at Purchase College offers the basic courses needed to prepare for professional/graduate school programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other allied health careers.
The tracks aims to help students acquire the scientific knowledge they will need for success on the appropriate entrance examinations and in the professional school application process. Students who choose to follow the premedical studies track can come from any major (including the social sciences, humanities, and the arts). Although premedical students need not major in the sciences, many do and have found such programs as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry to be a successful route.
Note: There are no forms to fill out to join the premedical studies track. Interested students should seek out a member of the Premedical Advisory Committee as their academic advisor, who will offer guidance about coursework, careers, and selecting and applying to professional schools.
Premedical Studies Courses
All premedical studies students must complete the following courses:
- General Biology I and II with labs
- General Chemistry I and II with labs
- Organic Chemistry I and II with labs
- Introductory Physics I and II with labs
- Biochemistry lecture
Additional courses required by some graduate schools:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Calculus
- Biochemistry lab
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Introductory Statistics
- Writing/Composition
Advanced Science Courses
In addition to the basic science courses students will select a minimum of two advanced courses based on their interests and/or deficiencies. Many medical schools either recommend or require certain advanced science courses.
Students are encouraged to survey the requirements of schools where they plan to apply to ensure that all requirements and most (if not all) recommended courses are included in their academic plan.
Clinical Experiences
Commitment to a medical career should be founded upon experiences that demonstrate knowledge of the realities of the medical professions, and should be based upon personal experiences. This requirement may be fulfilled by a variety of off-campus internship or volunteer clinical experiences, as well as previous or current employment. Internship opportunities may be explored through discussions with a faculty advisor or a counselor in the Career Development Center.
Professional Entrance Examinations and Timeline
Most professional schools accept applications between June and November, for entrance in September of the following year. Students are encouraged to apply early, as statistics indicate greater success for early applicants, qualifications being equal. To do so, students should complete the science requirements before the end of the spring semester and take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) during May or June, as results of August and September MCATs are usually not available early enough for admission decisions.
Premedical Advisory Committee
For students who meet certain eligibility requirements, the Premedical Advisory Committee conducts interviews that are designed to help prepare them for the medical school interview process. The Committee will also write a letter to support eligible students’ professional school applications.
PreMedical Committee Interview, Letter, and Guidelines
Student Responsibilities Before Interview
To be eligible for an interview with the Premedical Advisory Committee, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all related coursework at Purchase College. Students who did not meet this average while a student at Purchase can become eligible for an interview by achieving a 3.0 GPA or higher in a Master’s program in a scientific field.
Students must manage their files through interfolio.com, a web-based credential service used by the Career Development Center (CDC). Schedule a meeting with a counselor in the CDC, who will assist in establishing and maintaining their Interfolio credential file.
It is the student’s responsibility to consult with the CDC about Interfolio requirements well before the deadline and make certain that all materials, including letters and transcripts, are received on time.
Before scheduling an interview with the Premedical Advisory Committee, students must have submitted the following materials to their Interfolio account:
- Transcripts from all educational institutions: The Purchase College transcript must include at least four science courses.
- Letters of recommendation: A minimum of four confidential letters; several should be from Purchase faculty.
- Entrance exam scores: These may be submitted after the committee interview, but must be received before the committee letter can be finalized.
- Résumé
- Autobiographical statement
Students with complete Interfolio files and acceptable GPAs are interviewed by the Premedical Advisory Committee.
Scheduling the Interview
This interview offers students an opportunity to practice for the medical school interview process. The faculty aim to provide feedback and advise on ways to strengthen the student’s application or interview skills. Interviews often take place at the end of the spring and the beginning of the fall semester.
Students should contact the chair of the Premedical Advisory Committee to schedule an interview. In general, student files must be completed three weeks prior to the interview appointment. For additional information, please consult with a counselor in the Career Development Center or a member of the Premedical Advisory Committee.
After the Interview
The student can request a letter of recommendation from the Premedical Advisory Committee provided the interview went well and the student achieved above-average scores on the relevant standardized exams (MCAT, DAT, etc.).
Post-Baccalaureate
Premedical Studies
In addition to its undergraduate program, the School of Natural and Social Sciences welcomes students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and who wish to complete their science preparation for medical or other professional schools. The Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Studies program offers these students the academic coursework needed to prepare for professional exams and applications, internship or research opportunities, and advising through the Premedical Advisory Committee.
Students who would like to join the Post-Baccalaureate program must register as a Visiting Student in order to enroll in Premedical Studies courses. Students can learn how to register for post-baccalaureate Premedical Studies courses by reading the Visiting Students information guide (PDF).
For more information call (914) 251-6631 or email premed@purchase.edu.