School of Natural and Social Sciences

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:

1. Transcripts from all educational institutions: The Purchase College transcript must include at least four science courses.
2. Letters of recommendation: A minimum of four confidential letters; several should be from Purchase faculty.
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 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.).