If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, there are a variety of medical schools that can help you get there. With hundreds of different pre-med programs available, it’s essential to research and choose suitable for your needs and goals. We often hear students and parents asking: “What are the best 100 pre-med schools?” and we say: “That depends on what you mean by ‘the best’.” It is a fair question, because what do we mean when we ask if a school is good or bad? What makes for a great medical school? This article ranks the top 100 pre-med schools and a guide to choose the right pre-med school.
What is Pre-Med?
Pre-med is the term used to describe a high school or college student applying for medical school. To be accepted into med school, you must have a robust set of grades and a high score on the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Additionally, pre-meds must complete specific science courses and fulfill medical school prerequisite classes before they apply. Though it may seem difficult initially, you can successfully pursue your dream of becoming a doctor with proper planning and studying.
What is Pre-Med School?
Pre-med school is for students who have decided to pursue a career in the medical field. This may include becoming a physician, dentist, or veterinarian. These are not easy degrees to obtain, and they often take years of study. Students who attend this type of school must learn about their chosen field and complete all classes required by the college or university they are attending. The pre-med program allows them to prepare for admission into an accredited medical or dental school.
Can You Go to Medical School Without Pre-Med?
Many students ponder whether opting for a pre-med track in their freshman year of college is essential for securing a spot in top medical schools. The concise answer is no; however, meeting specific prerequisites is crucial for admission to med school. In essence, having a health-related major isn’t an absolute necessity as long as you fulfill all the required pre-med courses.
At renowned colleges known for their pre-med programs, these prerequisites commonly include biology, chemistry, physics, math, psychology, and sociology. However, the degree of flexibility between your major and pre-med coursework can vary among colleges. In top-tier pre-med institutions, the journey involves a significant workload. Therefore, some students opt for health-related majors to focus on excelling in their pre-med classes and maintaining a strong GPA.
The decision between pursuing a health-related major and completing pre-med courses often hinges on balancing academic interests and medical school prerequisites. While some students align their major with pre-med requirements, others pursue diverse fields, understanding that fulfilling pre-med courses is the key, irrespective of their major.
It’s crucial to recognize that colleges differ in their approach to pre-med education. Some institutions offer more flexibility in tailoring coursework, allowing students to explore various disciplines while meeting pre-med criteria. Adaptability within your college’s academic structure is essential for charting your unique path to medical school.
Ultimately, the bridge to medical school isn’t solely defined by your freshman year choices. Rather, success lies in fulfilling pre-med course prerequisites, demonstrating academic excellence, and showcasing a genuine passion for the medical field. Whether you choose a health-related major or pursue diverse academic interests, dedication to meeting these requirements remains paramount.
List of Top 100 Pre-Med Schools
1. University of California-Los Angeles
2. University of California-Berkeley
3. The University of Texas at Austin
6. University of Wisconsin-Madison
8. University of California-San Diego
9. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
10. University of California-Irvine
11. University of Washington, Seattle
12. University of Pennsylvania
14. Duke University
15. University of California-Davis
24. University of Maryland-College Park
25. Ohio State University-Main Campus
26. Louisiana State University
27. Emory University
31. Brown University
32. Washington University, St Louis
34. Pennsylvania State University
35. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
36. Indiana University-Bloomington
40. University of Oklahoma Norman Campus
41. Yale University
42. The University of Colorado at Boulder
43. University of Southern California
46. The University of Illinois at Chicago
49. Miami University
50. Bates College
51. William College
53. Hamilton College
54. Carleton College
56. Tufts College
57. Pomona College
58. Rice University
62. Amherst College
63. Case Western Reserve University
66. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
73. Thomas Jefferson University
76. Augustana College – Illinois
77. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
79. University of New Hampshire
80. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
87. Trine University
88. Colorado Christian University
89. Indiana Wesleyan University
92. Grand Valley State University
96. Southern Wesleyan University
100. Eastern Michigan University
Choosing the Right Pre-Med School
Location
It is of critical importance for you to choose a Pre-Med university located in an area where you can get a good education. Consider where you would like to live in the country before you choose your university. When considering what each site has to offer you, the first thing you ought to consider is what kind of activities you enjoy doing, how far you want to be from home, and what kind of activities you enjoy doing.
Programs
While medical schools often specialize in different aspects of medical care or have medical facilities nearby with specializations, it is still crucial to remember that medical schools usually have domains in certain areas of medical care. Depending on your specialties, you can find schools that can meet your needs, whether those specialties are primary care, research, cardiac surgery, or cancer. The schools you are considering should also provide information about class size, curriculum, grading system, and learning options.
Comparison of acceptance rates in-state vs. out-of-state
Most state schools prefer in-state students in terms of admissions, while schools that accept out-of-state students do so at a much lower rate than in-state students.
Choosing between a public and private school
While state universities charge residents lower tuition than their non-resident counterparts, private universities may charge residents a lower tuition rate than non-resident colleges. Also, most private schools do not prioritize residents over non-residents when it comes to admissions. It is, therefore, more likely that you will be admitted to a private school than to a public school.
Expense
No matter how you look, medical education can be costly if you don’t know what you’re doing. Schools typically produce budgets for students, which students have to adhere to succeed in school. According to these budget estimates, financial aid offices determine which students need financial assistance. There is no difference in the number of students at the school, regardless of the number of dependents that have been registered for the course. Choosing medical schools in areas with a lower cost of living is one way of reducing the cost of attending medical school. Make sure that you do some research before submitting your application regarding rent and other expenses.
Statistical information
See how many students get into different medical schools by taking a look at their admission statistics. Taking into account average MCAT scores and student age, the number of residents and non-residents, and the percentage of students passing the USMLE the first time. As well as this, they also provide you with information regarding the school’s reputation. Taking this step will give you an idea of your chances of being chosen for this program.