Pre-Health Science Professions

Welcome to the Pre-Health Sciences Center!

    Completion of a baccalaureate degree at St. Norbert College fully prepares a student for medical school matriculation, provided the student completes recommended courses, participates in shadowing and research experiences, and applies themselves in their studies.
Pre-Health Science Advisors, Dr. Deborah Anderson and Dr. Cynthia Ochsner, are experienced in advising students interested in pre-health science careers and will provide guidance for students as they choose appropriate courses and help students make contacts for shadowing experiences. Both professors serve as advisors for the Pre-Health Science club.

    The Pre-Health Science Club is devoted to providing guidance to undergraduates interested in pursuing health-related professions. In addition to bringing like-minded individuals together, the club brings in speakers, holds MCAT review sessions, visits medical schools and Marquette dental school, and helps students establish contacts for shadowing experiences.

    A chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), the pre-med honor society, was established the spring of 2005. A student must have an overall GPA of 3.2 and a science GPA of 3.2 to become a member.

    The Biomedical Sciences Track offered as part of the Biology Major is designed for students interested in pursuing a Health Science Profession such as medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine (and others). However, students may major in any discipline offered at St. Norbert College and be successful in their application to medical school provided they have competitive MCAT, DAT, VAT scores and a competitive GPA.

    Provided below is information gathered at a May 2004 symposium held at MCW. This information includes important contact names, current statistics on students recently admitted to medical and dental school, and suggestions for preparation for medical school and dental school application.

University of Wisconsin Medical School
Contacts: Lucy Wall, Assistant Dean for Admissions (no vote on committee)
Gloria Hawkins, Assistant Dean Multicultural Affairs (no vote on committee)

2003 entering class statistics:
60% majored in biological or physical sciences
55% from UW Madison
45% from other schools
Mean GPA 3.74
Mean MCAT 30.8: 10 verbal, 10.2 physical sciences,
10.6 biological sciences, P writing assessment

Competitiveness of applications:
Shortage of physicians in WI
Applications up due to poor economy; more competitive
Can’t increase number of students due to clinical component

Pre-requisites:
Skill in verbal and written communication
Analytical and problem-solving skills
Sound general education in humanities and social sciences
Earn a Bachelor’s degree
MCAT scores

Minimum performance levels:
GPA 2.8
MCAT: 7 verbal, 7 physical, 8 biological

Required courses:
General biology with lab (1 semester)
Advanced biology or biochemistry with lab (1 semester)
General (inorganic) chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Organic chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
Physics with lab (2 semesters)
Mathematics (statistics & calculus recommended) (2 semesters)

New course consideration:
Strongly recommend biochemistry course with lab (1 semester).
Biostatistics course also very helpful as students are required to read scientific papers.

Other note about courses:
Rigor of course schedule is taken into consideration.
Taking calc based physics matters to committee.
Students should take courses for knowledge, not to impress committee.

Personal Aspects:
Activities & Experiences:
Leadership, employment, research, service, athletics (humanities or social sciences), unique     background and experiences.
Personal qualities:
Integrity, empathy, compassion; self-discipline, emotional stability; ability to manage and use     time effectively; interpersonal skills; demonstrated service value.
Career decision clarity:
Information gathering, shadowing experience, sense of challenges and rewards of the     profession (insight into medicine).

Medical College of Wisconsin
Contact: Mike Istwan, Head of Admissions

Competitiveness:
1996-2002 saw a decline in applicants; math and science students were choosing higher paying    careers that require less schooling.

This year:
   3% increase in number of applicants
   8% increase in number that took MCAT in April 2004
   Pending physician shortage in WI and nationwide

Suggestions:
Apply as early as June 1.
Interviews start October 1 through April.
Should have completed application (letters, AMCAS, app) by Sept. 1st to be competitive.
If GPA is low, pursue a master’s degree first.
Take MCAT in April, gives you advantage.

Marquette Dental School
Contact: Brian Trecek, Director of Admissions

Competitiveness:
Volume problem (not enough dentists in WI)
Distribution problem (not enough dentists in Northern WI)
56 dental schools in state
If looking out of state, easier to get into private school

Admissions statistics:
80 slots
Apply early; as early as junior year if GPA is high, have experience and courses
Start to admit in August; class filled by Dec. 1, 2003
Grades emphasized over DAT scores
Grades: GPA 3.45 for 2004 class
DAT: Acad: 17.95 PAT: 17.17 (take most recent scores only)

Academic preparation and other:
Rigor in courses
Consistent grades
Attitude must be one of servitude not entitlement.

Reference websites:
MCAT: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat
AAMCAS: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm
University of Wisconsin Madison: http://www.med.wisc.edu