Frequently Asked Questions About Premedical Studies at Lincoln

What major should I choose?

Lincoln University does not have a separate major in premedicine, so premed students choose from the other majors at the University. Medical schools do not require any particular major for admissions. They do require a core of courses including one year of General Biology, one year of General Chemistry, one year of Organic Chemistry, and one year of Physics. In addition, some medical schools require Calculus. So you could major in a non-science such as Music, English, Psychology, Sociology, History, etc., take the courses listed above and then apply to medical school. But most students choose the Biology or Chemistry major if they plan to apply to medical school; you will get all the requirements listed above and more, so that you will have a better chance of success in medical school. The bottom line is that you should major in a field in which you have an interest for two reasons. One, you will do better if you are taking courses that interest you (and thus be more competitive for entrance to medical school), and if you change your mind about medicine, you will at least have a degree in a field that interests you.

What do I need to get into medical school?

The admissions committees at the medical school will consider your grades, MCAT scores (Medical College Admission Test), letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and interview. There is no magic formula that predicts the success of a particular student. In a study done at Amherst College, it was found that 88% of "well-qualified" applicants were accepted into medical school on their first try. These "well-qualified" applicants had a science grade point average of at least 3.1 and an MCAT score of 28 with no individual score below 9. For students who had lesser qualifications, 40% were accepted on their first try.

Are some grades more important than others?

The medical schools probably place more importance on your science grades, but since all your grades are used to calculate your GPA, all your grades are important. Remember that medical schools like liberal arts graduates because of their broad knowledge and skills, and so your grades in nonscience courses are important. Also, you should try to take your major courses at Lincoln. Some medical schools may be concerned about your ability to handle a full load of courses if you take all your hardest courses (e.g. Organic Chemistry) during the summer at community colleges.

What other things can I do to improve my chances of acceptance?

In addition to your grades, the medical schools will consider what you did with your summers and what you did during the academic year outside of classes. It is not suggested that you join every organization on campus, but active membership in some organizations shows that you have other interests and that you can function in groups (there is a pre-med organization that you should definitely join - please Dr. Susan Safford in the Biology Department for information on this organization) . For summers, it is strongly suggested that you participate in one of the many premed enrichment programs that exist (e.g. MMEP) one year and that you participate in a summer research experience another summer. The other activity that is very important is some sort of exposure to the medical profession. This can take the form of volunteering in a hospital or shadowing (following and working with) a doctor. This lets the medical schools know that you have at least a small understanding of what doctors do. Several of our students have participated in a program in Philadelphia that allows them to shadow several doctors in different specialties during the summer. Finally, it is good for you to read newspapers, magazines and books that have information about the medical profession and the issues that doctors face today. Relevant topics like the impact of managed health care may actually come up during your interview that is part of the medical school admission process.

What is the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that is required by most medical schools. It is offered twice a year - April and August. It is usually taken by students at the end of their junior year and again at the beginning of their senior year if they wish to improve their scores. The test is divided into four sections: verbal reasoning, biological sciences (includes general biology and organic chemistry), physical sciences (includes general chemistry and physics) and writing. The first three sections are scored on a scale of 1 to 15, and the writing is scored using a letter grade. For more information about the test, you can go to the following website:

How should I prepare for the MCAT?

You should plan to spend your junior year preparing for the test. We offer a review course at Lincoln, but you should also do preparation on your own. You should review General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics. You should also take as many practice tests as you can (we have some available in the department). The MCAT is long (about 8 hours), and fatigue is definitely a factor; by taking numerous practice tests, you prepare yourself for both the content and the length of the test.