PRE-MED HANDBOOK

Foreward

This booklet was prepared for students and alumni at the University of South Carolina who have made the decision to pursue a career in the field of medicine. These comments and suggestions are directed to the typical, traditional age pre-medical student who may be described as well above average in both aptitude and motivation. Some of the suggestions may not necessarily apply to either the truly exceptional student or to those below average in ability. Mature applicants, particularly those who have completed the baccalaureate degree before deciding to prepare for medical school, will have special needs that may not be adequately covered. These recommendations are believed to be sound for most pre-medical students and are based on the experience of several pre-medical advisors from across the country. This booklet has been read by faculty and students in a number of different medical schools and there is general agreement that the advice is sound. These guidelines should not, however, be viewed as a program which, if followed, will guarantee admission to medical school and a successful career in medicine. The medical profession is one of the most demanding and there are no guarantees of success. The traits that predict success in medicine are obvious and include high academic aptitude, hard work, the ability to work well with people, and good judgment.

This booklet is available to students interested in eventual application to medical school from their academic advisor or pre-medical advisor. All serious pre-medical students are urged to read this booklet carefully and completely, then refer to it periodically to help answer specific questions as they arise. Students may also wish to share this information with parents to help them better understand what is required to complete a pre-medical program and gain admission to medical school. Questions not covered in this booklet may be answered during office hours or advising appointments with the pre-medical advisor, or during scheduled periodic group information sessions.

The purpose in preparing this booklet is to offer general advice about things that may make an applicant more competitive. It is intended to suggest a course of action that experience has shown may aid students. None of the advice should be viewed as absolute or required except for those courses which are minimum requirements for admission to medical school. It is the applicant who will ultimately succeed or fail when evaluated on the basis of the record earned; hence the final responsibility for making any decision regarding the academic program and other activities undertaken must rest with the student and not with an advisor.

Comments and suggestions regarding any aspect of the information and advice in this booklet will be most welcome and appreciated.

Throughout this publication, the words "student" and "applicant" are used interchangeably. Many of our applicants are not currently students, hence, the reason for the occasional use of the word "applicant".

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