Pre-medical college-level learners

• Health Professions Exploration & Research
  • Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) – Applications due: February 1, 2025
  • UMN CAIMH Native Americans into Medicine Program – Applications due: March 23, 2025

• Pre-admissions workshops
  • Four Corners Alliance-AAIP Pre-Admission Workshop (PAW) – Applications due: December 6, 2024

• MCAT Preparation
  • RISE Summer Academy – Applications due: April 2025

• Post-Baccalaureate Programs
  • Wy’east Medicine Program – Primary applications due: May 2025

 

Helpful Tips & Tricks to Medical School as a Pre-Med

Prepare for a Career in Medicine as a Pre-Med

Gain Clinical Experience

• Shadow Physicians: Observe different specialties to understand the daily life of doctors.
• Volunteer in Healthcare Settings: Work at hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes to build patient interaction skills.
• Work in a Clinical Role: Consider roles like EMT, scribe, or medical assistant to gain hands-on experience.

Prepare for the MCAT

• Create a Study Schedule: Plan at least 3-6 months of study time.
• Practice Regularly: Take full-length practice exams to stimulate test day conditions.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Use diagnostic tests to identify gaps
• Review Resources: Kaplan, Princeton Review, Khan Academy, or AAMC’s official materials

Understand the Application Process

• Research Medical Schools: Identify programs that align with your goals and values.
• Plan Ahead: Applications typically open in early May. Start preparing your materials (e.g., transcripts, personal statement)
• Keep a Journal: Reflect on significant experiences; these can help when writing personal statements.

Academics

• Take Prerequisite Courses: Complete required courses like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and math. Some schools may require psychology, sociology, and biochemistry.
• Maintain a Strong GPA: Aim for a competitive GPA
• Seek Academic Support: Utilize tutoring, office hours, and study groups for challenging subjects.

Extracurricular Activities

• Leadership Roles: Join or lead student organizations, such as pre-med clubs.
• Community Service: Volunteer in non-medical settings to show compassion and community involvement.
• Research Experience: assist in labs or clinical research to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and contribute to scientific discovery.

Build Relationships

• Connect with Professors: Engage in classes and seek mentorship; you’ll need strong recommendation letters.
• Network with Medical Professionals: Attend networking events, seminars, or conferences in healthcare.

Content & printable flyer created by: Nizhoni Sutter (Diné)

Short Guide to MCAT Preparation 

Exam Structure	Preparation Tips
The MCAT consists of four sections, with a mix of multiple- choice questions:  Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior	Create a Study Schedule: Plan at least 3-6 months of study time. Practice Regularly: Take full- length practice exams to simulate test day conditions. Focus on Weak Areas: Use diagnostic tests to identify gaps. Review Resources: Kaplan, Princeton Review, Khan Academy, or AAMC’s official materials.

Scoring	Exam Format	Logistics
Range 472-528.  Each section is scored 118-132 (midpoint= 125). Scores are combined for the total. Competitive Scores: Typically 510+ for many medical schools, with balance across sections.	Duration: ~7.5 hours (6 hours, 15 minutes of testing). Breaks: Two 10- minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch break.	Cost: ~ $330 (fee assistance available) Registration: Opens ~ 6 months in advance via the AAMC website. Testing Centers: Available worldwide, dates vary.

MCAT Content & printable flyer created by: Nizhoni Sutter (Diné)