<p>Son is considering SLO. From New Hampshire with 4.0 with AP course load. SAT scores well within range for others who’ve been accepted. He is interested in a number of CA schools including UCSB and Irvine. CalPoly’s cost is clearly more attractive. I have spoken with bio department staff who stated students in pre-med are not uncommon.
MY QUESTIONS:
Does anyone have information to share regarding matriculation to med school from CalPoly SLO?
We recognize that engineering is a primary major there, and a lot of the biology is concentrated on marine sciences, but there seems to be a clear curriculum path that is charted for those pursuing medicine. Is this more wishful thinking on our part or is it a hidden attribute of CalPoly.</p>
<p>A UC would be a better option for Pre Med but I’ve heard it is an option at SLO. I’ve been thinking of doing Engineering + Pre Med just in case I decide to not go through with Pre Med I have something to lean back on. I would like to hear others opinions though.</p>
<p>Our son is doing BIO with Anatomy & Physiology concentration to prepare for pre-med. The key is not necessarily which college a kid attends, what matters is that he has all the prerequisites and a very good GPA and MCAT. He’s in 1st year.</p>
<p>While Calpoly Math & Sci dept is continually updating their courses to better fit requirments for med school; I took the liberty of calling several universities and went onto tons of website to compile requirements for med admission. As a result, I have fine tuned some course that our son should take to comply most requirements. I suggest you do the same. However, with all the necessary courses, if he does not get high enough GPA and MCAT scores, then he would have to find alternative and we would only know when we cross that bridge.</p>
<p>Due to budget cuts, it’s hard to get into classes, so-far-so-good. Class sizes are small and he has had several 1-on-1’s with profs. Idea is also to get to know your profs, they are going to give referrals and Calpoly has advisors who can guide students about what is needed (courses, etc.) for med school. Plus there is a club, where students discuss options, get info, etc.</p>