School of Natural and Social Sciences

This track aims to help students who are matriculated at Purchase College 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). That said, although not required to major in the sciences, many premedical students do and have found such programs as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry to be a successful route.

Note: No forms are needed to join the premedical studies track. Interested students ask a member of the Premedical Advisory Committee to be their premedical studies track advisor.

The School of Natural and Social Sciences also welcomes students who already hold a bachelor’s degree 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.

Post-baccalaureate students are not required to take a prescribed group of classes, which will save them both time and money. If they have already completed some relevant coursework in their undergraduate career, they need to only take missing coursework required by their prospective medical schools. It generally takes 1-2 years to finish all of the required courses for the program, but students may go at their own pace.

To join the post-baccalaureate program, students should first contact the NSS Administrative Assistant, Harrison McDonald, and submit transcripts of all previous coursework. Either official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

For information about tuition and fees, please refer to Student Financial Services’ Tuition and Fees page. Post-baccalaureate students should refer to the information pertaining to visiting students only. Please note that visiting students, including post-baccalaureate students, are not eligible for Financial Aid.

Most premedical studies students should 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

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 peruse the requirements of schools where they plan to apply to ensure that all requirements and a suitable number of recommended courses are included in their academic plan.

NOTE: Post-baccalaureate students who have not completed any pre-requisites at their previous institutions are encouraged to start the premedical track with General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II over the summer sessions. Successful completion of these courses will satisfy the prerequisites needed to take Organic Chemistry l in the fall and continue to Organic Chemistry II in the spring.

If students cannot complete both General Chemistry courses in the summer sessions, those courses may be taken in fall and spring. However, doing so may prolong the time needed to complete required coursework, as Organic Chemistry I is only offered in fall semesters, and Organic Chemistry II is only offered in spring semesters. Please contact a member of the Premedical Advisory Committee for additional guidance.

Students applying to medical schools or other health professional programs are advised to gain extracurricular experience in a clinical setting. Off-campus internships, volunteer clinical experiences, or previous or current employment can serve this purpose. Students are responsible for securing their own clinical opportunities. Faculty advisors and the Career Development Center are available to offer guidance if necessary.

Below is a list of faculty who serve on the Premedical Advisory Committee. Click on their names to access their bios and contact information.

Biology Faculty

 

Elliot Abrams, Ph.D.,
Johns Hopkins University

James G. Daly, Ph.D.,
University of Guelph (Canada)

Jan Robert Factor, Ph.D.,
Cornell University

Stephen Harris, Ph.D.,
Graduate Center, City University of New York

Mark Jonas, Ph.D.,
Stony Brook University

Maryann McEnroe, Ph.D.,
University of California, Davis

 

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty

 

Stephen A. Cooke, Ph.D.,
University of Exeter (England)

Monika Eckenberg, Ph.D.,
Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (Germany)
Chair of the Premedical Studies programs

Elizabeth Middleton,Ph.D.,
Yale University

Joseph Skrivanek, Ph.D.,
Pennsylvania State University

With both premedical studies track students and premedicial studies post-baccalaureate 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 provide feedback and write a letter to support eligible students’ professional school applications.

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. Post-baccalaureate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA after completing at least four relevant courses. Students who did not meet this average after graduating from Purchase College could become eligible for an interview if they earn a Master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0.

Students must manage their files through Interfolio.com, a web-based credential service used by the Career Development Center (CDC). Students should schedule a meeting with a CDC counselor, who will assist in establishing and maintaining their Interfolio credential files. 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:

1. Transcripts from all educational institutions: The Purchase College transcript must include at least four science courses. Either official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted.
2. Letters of recommendation: A minimum of four confidential letters; several should be from Purchase faculty. Students will be able to see if letters are submitted, but only the Premedical Advisory Committee can access the letters’ contents.
3. Entrance exam scores: These may be submitted after the committee interview, but must be received before the committee letter can be finalized.
4. Résumé
5. Autobiographical statement

Students with complete Interfolio files and acceptable GPAs will be interviewed by the Premedical Advisory Committee.

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 students’ applications or interview skills. Interviews generally take place at the end of the spring and the beginning of the Fall semester. The Premedical Advisory Committee Chair and three other committee members interview the student.

Student files should be completed three weeks prior to the interview appointment. Students should contact the chair of the Premedical Advisory Committee to schedule an interview.

After the interview, if it went well and the student achieved above-average scores on the relevant standardized exams (MCT, DAT, etc.), they can then request a letter of recommendation from the Premedical Advisory Committee.