PRE-MEDICINE/DENTISTRY
at the UMKC School of Biological Sciences

Version: Fall 1997
Questions or Comments? Phone 235-2580
E-mail: sbs_ado@cctr.umkc.edu

On-line advice from the Undergraduate Advising Office of the School of Biological Sciences for students that want to be admitted to a Medical or Dental School. This version is accessible to UMKC students with local access (i.e. any 'umkc.edu' server). The printed version can be obtained from the Undergraduate Advising Office, room 013 BSB.
You might consider printing this file because you may need to refer to many of the detailed instructions and suggestions more than once.

This file is intended to provide the student with general information on the medical/dental school admission process. The ultimate responsibility for meeting specific requirements and deadlines, however, belongs to the student. Students should contact individual medical schools directly for answers to specific questions and for the most current information.

This booklet was written by Loretta Sanderson Klamm, Undergraduate Advisor of the School of Biological Sciences.

• Introduction
• What are medical schools looking for in an applicant ?
• Your Undergraduate Education
  • Choosing a major
  • Planning courses
  • Looking to the future
  • The Non-Traditional Student
  • Minority and Economically Disadvantaged Students
• Taking the MCAT
• Application to Medical School
  • The Application Process and AMCAS
  • Supplemental Applications
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • General Pointers
• Interviews
• Expenses
• Dentistry and Osteopathic Medicine
• Time Line
• Appendices
  • How Medical Schools (especially M.U.) Choose their Students
  • Successful Interview Techniques
  • Useful Materials Suggested by Former Students
  Useful Web Links

INTRODUCTION

The School of Biological Sciences has compiled specific notes from the interviews with each school into a binder. Students may review "SBS Notes of Medical School Admissions Meetings" in the Undergraduate Programs Office, room 013 BSB.

What are medical schools looking for in an applicant ?

1. Academic ability. Medical students must be able to handle a very rigorous medical curriculum. Medical schools look for students who have demonstrated that they can successfully handle a substantial course load which includes demanding science courses. A high GPA with "fluff" courses does not generally impress admissions officials. Schools want students who have a background in the humanities as well as the sciences and who are self motivated learners. Medical schools also look for evidence that students can handle the stress that accompanies juggling studies with other activities.
2. Interpersonal skills. Physicians must be able to communicate effectively with their patients and colleagues. Admissions committees look for evidence of an applicant's ability to work in a team setting and take on leadership roles.
3. Motivation for medicine. Schools want students who are well aware of the commitment involved in practicing medicine. Students who have experience in the medical field (as a volunteer in a hospital or clinic, for example) are able to make an informed decision about medicine as a career. Schools also want evidence that the student has empathy and compassion for others and a desire to be of service. Knowledge of current health care issues also demonstrates a student's motivation for medicine.
4. Involvement. Medical schools seek individuals with a wide range of interests that extend outside of science and medicine. Involvement in extracurricular and community activities which include leadership roles are viewed highly by admissions committees.

Your Undergraduate Education

Choosing a major

1. Competition for medical school admission is steep and you may not be selected. You will want to have the option to pursue another career you will enjoy.
2. If you are admitted to medical school, this may be your last opportunity to study another area in depth.

For students at UMKC, the Biology major is the most direct route for completing a Bachelor's degree while also completing the minimal admission requirements as well as more advanced biology courses recommended by most medical schools. By combining the courses required and/or recommended by the medical schools for admission with the requirements for a Bachelor's degree, students can efficiently reach both goals.
Many students interested in medical school choose biology because it is an exciting field and can prepare the student for careers in pharmaceutical, food or agricultural industries, allied health fields or graduate school.

Planning courses

In addition, some schools require Calculus, English, and/or Computer Science.
Students are encouraged to seek information on individual schools to determine specific requirements.

Many medical schools suggest taking science courses in addition those mentioned above. Several strongly recommend taking Biochemistry because it helps to have this background during the first year of medical school.
In addition, Genetics, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology and other upper level biology courses are encouraged by medical schools. Some medical schools also prefer students who have had some research experience.
For additional courses recommended by specific Midwestern medical schools, students are referred to the "SBS Notes of Medical School Admissions Meetings" binder in the Undergraduate Programs Office.

With very few exceptions, the Bachelor of Science in Biology from the School of Biological Sciences will fulfill the minimum entrance requirements for medical school. The Bachelor of Arts in Biology can be modified slightly to include them.
Furthermore, both degrees incorporate, as requirements or electives, the recommended courses mentioned above including the opportunity to participate in scientific research.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology is especially challenging and an excellent preparation for the rigors of medical school.

The School of Biological Sciences offers the only program at UMKC with the recommended upper-level science courses such as Developmental Biology, Biochemistry or Molecular Biology. Only students who have taken Genetics and Cell Biology are able to take these courses. Thus, to give yourself the best chance of acceptance, a major in Biology through the School of Biological Sciences is strongly recommended.

None of the medical schools interviewed give preference to a B.S. degree over a B.A. degree. Admissions committee members are more concerned with the individual's actual course work. They are looking for students who perform well while taking a full, rigorous academic load which includes pre-medical courses. Your advisor can work with you to plan course loads that are reasonable yet challenging.

For students who must work while attending classes, carrying sixteen or seventeen hours may not be possible or advisable. Most medical schools realize that some students must work while completing their undergraduate degree and will take work schedules into consideration when evaluating the student's academic record.
Keep in mind, however, that working is not an excuse for poor academic performance.

Looking to the future

This is also a good time to begin investigating medical schools to which you will be applying. Each school has its own teaching philosophy and unique curriculum features.

• The School of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Programs Office has information on some medical schools.
• Write to others that you are considering or visit their Web Sites on the Internet. Many sites have student pages which can give you excellent insights into student life.
• Medical School Admissions Requirements, published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is also a good source of information.

The Non-Traditional Student

Minority and Economically Disadvantaged Applicants

Taking the MCAT

All sets of MCAT scores are reported to the medical schools; therefore, it is not advised that you take the MCAT "just to see how you do."
Preparation for the test is very important. Spending a lot of money on a commercial review course is not necessary to do well on the MCAT. It is recommended, however, that time is spent both reviewing important concepts from science courses and practicing questions similar in format to those on the test.
There are several MCAT review and practice manuals and review courses available in the Kansas City area. See an advisor for more information.

Medical schools vary in the way they view multiple sets of MCAT scores. In deciding whether or not to retake the test, keep in mind that retaking the test does not mean you will do better. See the section "Retaking the MCAT" in the MCAT Announcement booklet.

The MCAT registration packet contains the current MCAT Announcement. This booklet has valuable information on the types of questions asked, procedures on the test day and policies on score reporting and cancellation of scores. Read this booklet thoroughly and retain it in case you have questions later.

Application to Medical School

The Application Process and AMCAS

AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) is used by the vast majority of medical schools in the U.S.

The applicant sends one application form, MCAT scores and official college transcripts to AMCAS.

AMCAS verifies the information submitted on the application, adds the MCAT scores and forwards it to the medical schools of the applicant's choice.

Several U.S. and all Canadian medical schools do not participate in AMCAS. The U.S. non-AMCAS schools include Yale, Harvard, UMKC, Columbia University, New York University, University of Rochester, University of North Dakota, Brown University, Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and the University of Texas System.
You should write to these schools for application materials and send MCAT scores directly to them.

The number one piece of advice from medical school admissions officials: APPLY EARLY.

We recommend that a student work on the AMCAS application during the summer of the year prior to the year of intended matriculation.

Medical schools' deadlines for receipt of the AMCAS application vary from October 15 to December 15.

The following are some tips for completing the AMCAS Application.

• Read through the instruction booklet before starting. Retain these instructions for reference after submitting your application.
• Under extracurricular activities and employment sections, include the dates of the activity, the approximate number of hours per week and any leadership roles you assumed. If a job or volunteer work relates to the medical profession, give a brief description of your duties as space allows.
• The personal statement is your chance to articulate who you are and your reasons for seeking a career in medicine. You should spend plenty of time with this section. Be specific when discussing what experiences and/or people have influenced you in your career choice. You may also wish to explain any discrepancies in the rest of your application in this space.
  
  • Give your statement to several different people to read and give their reactions.
  • Proof-read it for spelling and grammatical errors carefully!
  • Do not use tiny size type.
• Obtain a student copy of your transcript from each institution you attended and refer to it as you fill out the academic record portion. AMCAS checks this section against the official transcripts received directly from the institution, so be accurate. Read through the directions carefully before starting this section.
• You may wish to consult an advisor when deciding to which medical schools to apply.
• Type the application or use AMCAS-E. Keep a copy of everything submitted.

Supplemental Applications

• Answer the questions posed with as much care as you prepared your personal statement on the AMCAS form.
• Letters of Recommendation are also requested at this time (see below).
• Return all materials to the respective admissions offices as soon as you can because files are often reviewed in the order they become complete.

Letters of Recommendation

Medical schools' admissions officials say the vast majority of the recommendation letters are mediocre and, consequently, not very helpful.

• You are advised to ask professors that know you well and feel that they can write a strong letter on your behalf.
  When asking for a letter, you may want to ask directly, "Do you feel comfortable writing a strong letter on my behalf?"
• Usually three letters of recommendation from professors, at least two of which are science faculty, are needed.
• Additional letters may be submitted from employers or advisors who know the applicant well.

It is a good idea to give each reference plenty of time to compose a letter. We suggest asking the person before summer vacation after your junior year.

Pick up a "Request for Letter of Recommendation" form for each reference in the SBS Undergraduate Programs Office.

• On the form you will indicate whether you are retaining or waving your right to read the letter so that the referee will know your intentions.
• The reverse side of the form contains a list of what many admissions committees would like to see addressed in letters of recommendation.
• This can be used as a guide to help your reference write a complete and detailed letter for you.
• Give this form to the person writing the letter.
• This form will be returned to our office with the letter of recommendation.

A short note thanking each reference for her/his time and effort is a good practice. You may need another letter from this person later.

General Pointers

• Apply early.
• Type everything that will go to the school and include your social security number.
• Get letters early.
• Keep in mind that any and all correspondence with the school may be added to your file including thank you notes.
• Keep copies of everything.

Interviews

Interviews are conducted in a variety of formats. See "SBS Notes of Medical School Admissions Meetings" for descriptions of the interview formats of several medical schools and some typical questions.
In general, be prepared to discuss your personal statement and supplemental application and to explain discrepancies in your transcripts and MCAT scores. Schools may also be looking for your knowledge of current health care issues.
We advise you to find out as much as possible about the school and its curriculum before the interview so that you can ask any questions that you may have and articulate your reasons for wanting to attend that particular school.

Expenses

This list does not include a commercial MCAT review course which could cost between $500 and $800.
Nor does it include the cost of traveling to schools for interviews and other incidental fees.

If you are in financial need, both MCAT and AMCAS have fee reduction/waiver programs:

Both the MCAT Fee Reduction Program and the AMCAS Fee Waiver Program require separate applications which must be submitted well in advance of the MCAT registration and the AMCAS Application.
If you are granted a fee reduction or waiver, most medical schools will waive their application fee as well.

Dentistry and Osteopathic Medicine

Applicants to schools of osteopathic medicine take the MCAT but apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) instead of AMCAS.

AACOMAS applications can be obtained by writing:

AACOMAS
Suite 405
6110 Executive Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20852
or by sending in a postage paid card available in the Undergraduate Programs Office. Be sure to indicate the year you wish to enter.

The University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City was visited by one of our advisors. Their emphasis in the admissions process is slightly different compared to allopathic medical schools. They seem to place more emphasis on clinical experience and require a letter from a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). See SBS Notes of Medical School Admissions Meetings for more information.

Applicants to dental schools are required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
To request a registration form write:


American Dental Association
Dental Admission Testing Program
Department of Testing Service
211 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-2678

The central application service used by dental schools is the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
To request an application packet write:

American Association of Dental Schools
1625 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20078-5786

For both the DAT and AADSAS materials, be sure to indicate the year of the entering class you desire.

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Time Line

Fall to Spring of Junior Year

• Study for MCAT
Spring of Junior Year
• Finish pre-medical courses
  February-March
• Register for MCAT (registration packets are available in the Undergraduate Programs Office)
  April
• Take the MCAT
Before summer vacation
• Ask professors for letters of recommendation
• Pick up AMCAS application packet (available in the Undergraduate Programs Office in May)
Summer prior to Senior Year
• Complete AMCAS application
  AMCAS begins accepting applications June 1
• Call the Undergraduate Programs Office to check on the receipt of letters
• Follow up with gentle reminders or thank you notes to faculty
Fall of Senior Year
• Complete and return supplemental applications as they arrive
• Have SBS Undergraduate Programs Office send letters of recommendation as requested by medical schools
  October 15 - December 15
• Deadlines for individual medical schools to receive AMCAS Application
Senior Year

• Interviews
• Complete the degree requirements for B.S. or B.A. degree

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APPENDICES

How Medical Schools (especially M.U.) Choose their Students

A Summary Of Essential Issues

1. Grades. Demonstration that the student is able to do well in science courses is a must. Generally, students with overall GPAs less than 3.2 and science GPAs less than 3.2 are poor candidates. For MU's entering Class of 1992, the average undergraduate GPA was 3.55 and the average science GPA was 3.50 (the national means were 3.44 and 3.37, respectively).
2. MCAT. For most schools, generally good performance (8 or above) is expected. MU's entering Class of 1992 posted the following MCAT averages: 8.7 for Biological Sciences, 8.4 for Physical Sciences, and 9.1 for Verbal Reasoning (national averages were 9.2, 9.0, and 9.2, respectively). It is also important that the MCAT scores reflect the GPA. While there are many good reasons for discrepancies, a student with high grades and low MCAT scores (or vice versa) can expect to be asked to explain the discrepancy at an interview. A few schools (Johns Hopkins and University of Rochester, for example) do not use the MCAT for admissions.
3. Activities. Strong candidates for medical school have spent time in community or university service. Physicians need to have a good sense of community responsibility, and activities that reflect this make the student a more competitive applicant. Involvement in student organizations, student government, church or charitable organizations strengthens an application to medical school. Any leadership role the student played in these organizations is also evaluated favorably. Research experience is also a positive factor (it is required of applicants for combined MD/PhD programs or programs that emphasize research in the medical curriculum). Employment may also be considered a strong positive.
4. Letters of recommendation. Letters are an important part of the application. It is important that as many of the recommenders as possible know the applicant well. Most schools ask for a letter from the Premedical Advisory Committee which prepares a composite document from several faculty assessments. Additional letters from community organizations or from an employer are usually helpful. Letters from government officials or from family friends and relatives are generally not helpful and may be a detriment in some reviewers' opinions. Students are advantaged by letters reflecting substantive relationships with a few instructors.
5. Interview. While it is understood that a 30-minute interview does not always represent the student well, this exchange gives the medical school a chance to assess the interpersonal skills of the student and to ask about inconsistencies in the record. The interview is really of more value to the student than the school, since the student is then allowed to discuss some aspects of the scholastic or extracurricular activities record that might not be well represented in the standardized application document. Additionally, this exposure allows the student to evaluate the institution in preparation for making the final selection decision.
   Types of interviews range from individual, to group, to panel or jury. Furthermore, candidates should be aware that 'non-interview' schools (e.g., University of Illinois, University of Iowa, and Brown) interview a small number of candidates about whom they need more information but, for the bulk of their candidates, they carefully review academic credentials and rely heavily on the personal statement and letters of reference submitted on behalf of the candidate.

Excerpt from "What Every Pre-Med Should Know: A Guide for MU Students Planning Careers in the Health Professions," Patricia Hall Miller, Editor.


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Successful Interview Techniques

Sample Interview Questions
Your interviews will ask a variety of questions, and your answers would demonstrate your maturity, character, knowledge, and ability to communicate. There's really no way to "study" for an interview, but it might be useful just for practice to think about how you would answer them.

• How do you know that medicine is for you?
• What has been your most important accomplishment?
• Do you think doctors are viewed with as much awe as in the past?
• Is medicine becoming more technical, and is this beneficial?
• What do you think of euthanasia? Abortion?
• Who is to blame for the increasing health care costs?
• What are your strong points? What are your weaknesses?
• Do you have any hobbies?
• Tell us about yourself.
• Are you interested in any specialties?
• What will you do if you don't get accepted to medical school?
• Why do you want to work with sick people?
• Do you think doctors are overpaid?
• Do you feel you are prepared well enough?
• Why did you apply to this school? What other schools did you apply to? Why?
• How will you finance your education?
• Tell us about your undergraduate institution.
• When did you decide to become a doctor?
• Would you consider applying to a foreign medical school if you were rejected?
• Are quotas fair?
• Are you concerned about the surplus of doctors that is supposed to occur when you are out practicing?
• What makes you different from everyone else?
• What do you know about AIDS? How do you feel about treating male homosexuals?
• What three adjectives best describe you?
• What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
  
  A very popular question. Unfortunately, one student answered, "Uh, this is Wednesday, about two o'clock, right?" The interviewer said, "Yes, it is." As he swung his arm up as if he were holding a golf club, he said, "I should be on the eighth hole." Apparently, his humor wasn't appreciated - he was rejected by that school.
• Where would you want to go to medical school, given the choice?
• How do you see integrating medicine and family life?
• What do you do for fun?
• Describe your relationship with your mother/father/siblings.
• What do you know about hospices, HMOs, or PPOs?
• How do you think malpractice will affect you?
• What do you expect to get from medicine?
• What questions do you have?
  You could ask:
  • What do you think are this school's weaknesses and how are they being improved?
  • What research opportunities would I have?
  • How is your school unique?
  • How would you describe the typical class personality here?

NOTE: After the interview, jot down the questions you were asked. There's a good chance you'll get similar questions in subsequent interviews. If you take a few minutes to study the questions and your responses, you'll have better answers in your next interview.

Excerpts taken from Medical School Admission: The Insider's Guide by John A. Zebala and Daniel B. Jones.


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Useful Materials Suggested by Former Students

• The Pre-medical Planning Guide, 3rd Edition, Jane Diehl Crawford
• The Definitive Guide to Medical School Admissions, Mark Allan Goldstein, MD and Myra Chandler Goldstein
• Medical School Admission: The Insider's Guide, John A. Zebala and Daniel B. Jones
• REA's Authoritative Guide to Medical & Dental Schools, Research & Education Association
• The Best Medical Schools, Andrea Nagy and the Staff of the Princeton Review


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Useful Web Links

• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
• Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
• MCAT Fee Reduction Program
• American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
• AMCAS Fee Waiver Program
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS)
• Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
• American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
   
• Master of Science in Physical Therapy at Washington University, St.Louis
• Physical Therapy WWW Page
• AAMCAS listing of Post-Baccalaureate programs
• Medical/Dental Education Preparatory Program (MEDPREP) for Post-Baccalaureate students at Carbondale, IL
• Minority Medical Education Program (MMEP)


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Acknowledgements
Information collected and compiled by Loretta Sanderson Klamm, M.S., Lecturer/Undergraduate Advisor, with input from Marino Martinez-Carrion, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, Jakob Waterborg, Ph.D., and Chris Jordan, M.S. Funding provided by the School of Biological Sciences.

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URL: http://sgi.bls.umkc.edu/local/premed.html
© 1997 School of Biological Sciences, UMKC.
Last updated on March 11, 1999 by Andrea Melton.
E-mail your comments to SBS webmaster <meltona@umkc.edu>