Before You Apply
Here you will find information that will assist you in pursuing a medical education with the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. If you have additional questions that are not answered below, please feel free to contact us. If you are an undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky you may also contact the UK undergraduate premedical advisors:
Selecting a Major
You are encouraged to pursue a broad and rigorous undergraduate curriculum. It is neither expected nor required that you major in a science field. You may choose any major you wish, as long as you successfully complete the required prerequisite courses. Consider these points when selecting a major:
- Where do your interests lie?
You will probably gain the most from a course of study consistent with your own interests.
- Consider your university in handling scientific information.
Some students choose science fields of study to help them with the pace of medical school. Others recognize they will have ample opportunity to focus on sciences in medical school and take advantage of the opportunity to pursue other areas of study.
- Do I have alternative career options.
In the event that you are not immediately accepted into medical school, will your chosen major provide you with employment opportunities or prepare you for graduate study?
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is required of all medical school applicants. The test assesses mastery of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics; facility with scientific problem solving and logical reasoning; and writing skills. Students applying for medical school admission are strongly advised to take the MCAT in the spring of their junior year in college. Also, please be aware that it is the policy of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine to only accept MCAT scores that fall within the last two years of the current application cycle. For the 2010 application cycle, the oldest score accepted is January 2007. Below you will find some links to resources that may help you to prepare for the MCAT.
Personal Qualities
Medical schools seek outstanding, well-rounded students that possess extraordinary interpersonal skills. Intelligence, caring for others, integrity, leadership, reliability, stamina and strongly tested motivation for medicine are necessary personal qualities. We recommend that students take time to develop self-health strategies, time-management skills and personal support systems. It is also important to deal appropriately with pressures of balancing educational or professional demands with personal life.
Exploration of Medical Careers
It is important to explore whether medicine is the right profession for youIn order to address the question, "Why Medicine?" Talk to physicians about their experiences. Shadow physicians in their offices or in the hospital. Volunteer in a health care facility. Your experience should provide you with a realistic perspective to confirm your reasons for pursuing this profession. Also please visit the AspiringDocs Web site.
Interests and Work Experience
Medical schools seek versatile and well-balanced individuals who have had a variety of life experiences. Hobbies are a means of expanding your talents and interests beyond your formal education. Work experiences enable applicants to develop special qualities including leadership, organizational skills, the ability to work with people, and proficiency in dealing with time lines and finances.
Strategies for Applying
Please take these points under advisement before beginning the application process. They are here to prepare you and help you become a better candidate for admission to medical school.
- Seek advice from a premedical advisor early in your college experience.
- Educate yourself about the medical profession.
- Contact medical schools to become familiar with their entry requirements and admissions process.
- Complete prerequisite science courses by the end of your junior year of college.
- Register for, prepare for and take the MCAT early in your junior year, approximately 16 months prior to your anticipated medical school enrollment.
- Submit completed medical school application early in the summer before your senior year in college.
- Prepare for and retake MCAT if necessary.
- During your senior year of college, concentrate on improving your study skills. Take rigorous, high-level courses.
- Solicit a premedical committee letter of evaluation (if your college has such a committee). If not, seek academic letters of evaluation from three of your college professors who know you well.
- If you will require financial assistance, seek information from medical schools regarding eligibility requirements and the types of assistance programs that will be available to you.
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