I just got accepted to CP SLO for Bio and may be accepted to UCSB (got a Chancellor’s reception invite). My goal is to get into Med School right after my undergrad.
I love CP SLO and have a great part-time work/volunteering opportunity in a local hospital lined up already which is a big deal for me.
My concern with CP SLO is that, according to online information, their 4-year graduation rate is really low. I’m concerned because the medical path is a very long road and I’d really hate to lose another year in undergrad.
For Bio major – how realistic is to graduate in 4-years?
Yes it is very possible to graduate in 4 years especially if you come in with AP credits. Below is a link to the Biology major flow chart showing the sequence of courses needed to complete your degree in 4 years. If you stick with the flowchart and are flexible on class times and professors, you should no problem.
Yep, it’s much easier now. Plus, those numbers are heavily influenced by students whose degrees are more than 180 hours. Get to know Poly Planner and PASS like the back of your hand, don’t dodge professors or times, don’t change majors and you will be fine. Have fun!!! (Uhhh, it almost goes without saying, but pass all your classes. If med school is the goal, ya have to do that anyway.)
I’m sure the number is heavily skewed by the Architecture program which is a 5-year accredited degree, and by any other majors that often take 4+ years to complete.
I have a question, is Cal Poly SLO a good school to attend for pre-med? How many students from this school make it into medical school? My friends tell me that really little medical school students are from undergrad state schools…
@vi0linmonster: There are many articles that prove you do not need a specific major or attend a specific school to have a better chance at a Medical school acceptance. What is important is a high GPA, MCAT score and any medically related EC’s such as research/internships etc… If SLO is your school of choice then enroll.
To take @Gumbymom’s point one step further, some schools are looking for non-traditional majors too, like music. They feel it makes for more well rounded doctors. All that matters is that you finish all the prerequisites.
@Gumbymom@eyemgh I know that you could major in other things to get into medical school but it seems to be rare. And also I was wondering if medical schools take into account the name of the school you got your undergrad from. i.e., would they like someone with really good stats at Cal Poly or someone with slightly lower from UCLA, assuming all other ECs are about the same?
Name means very little, if anything AND you’re assuming something that MIGHT not be correct…that they’ll value UCLA over Cal Poly. I think the higher GPA/MCAT/best letters student gets above the lesser no matter where they went. As for major choice, it’s rare only because of past perception. Things are changing though. Meet all the prerequisites and they don’t care what the title of your degree is. If you think about it, why should they? You did all the coursework they deemed necessary for admission.
@Gumbymom@eyemgh - since internship and research are essential for Med school admittance -are there many Research opportunities at CalPoly for premed students and is the level of research comparable to UCs?
I would respectfully disagree. In order of importance 1. Meet all prerequisites 2. GPA 3. MCAT 4. Letters/interview 5. Clinical exposure 6. Then and only then are research and internship considered.
You already have a volunteer gig set up. Your pre-health advisor will help you with deciding on internship and research.
The bottom line is this, yes there are research and internship opportunities at Poly, if you go get them. It will be the same anywhere, they don’t fall into your lap. More importantly, don’t approach it like checking off another box. You’re far better off being really involved in one than dipping a toe into many things. Good luck.
We were told last year while at the open house that the school has a 50% admittance rate to med schools and that they don’t do anything to fudge their numbers.