<p>Can you guys talk about Columbia's premed program, i.e., core science courses, faculty accessibility and quality, advising support, volunteering and research opportunities, etc.... I've browsed most of the CC discussion boards, and have not seen a lot on this topic. I'm especially interested in the quality of the advising. </p>
<p>Also, what is the acceptance rate to med schools, and are applicants screened or anyone who wants to apply, can?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I am a the mom of a Columbia pre-med rather than a student but one head's up I will give you as you is that the seemingly high med school acceptance rate given to you by all prospective schools is not based on the number of students that go in their first year with pre-med in mind. Many students drop out of the process so when a school says that 89% of their students get into med school they are citing the percentage of those that eventually APPLY, not of those who came in freshman year wanting to be a doctor. </p>
<p>My daughter has handled most of this on her own so I can't give you detailed information. I do know that there is a pre-med committee and that you want their support for your application. Another point to consider is that Columbia will want you to take all of your pre-med courses at Columbia rather than possibly fit in one or two at other schools during the summer. A few students do it but the student needs to have a good reason. </p>
<p>Thus far my D has been extremely satisfied with the pre-med advising at Columbia. That being said, she hasn't officially applied to med school yet so all bets are off. :)</p>
<p>I hope that a bona fide student finds this thread and can give you better answers but in the meantime here is a place to start.
The</a> Pre-professional Office</p>
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the seemingly high med school acceptance rate given to you by all prospective schools is not based on the number of students that go in their first year with pre-med in mind. Many students drop out of the process so when a school says that 89% of their students get into med school they are citing the percentage of those that eventually APPLY, not of those who came in freshman year wanting to be a doctor.
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<p>first of all there is no way for the administration to know who comes in freshman year "wanting to be a doctor" ...also this is totally the correct statistic to give since those who abandon premed really didn't want to be a doctor or weren't even cut out for science to begin with. </p>
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I do know that there is a pre-med committee and that you want their support for your application.
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are applicants screened or anyone who wants to apply, can?
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<p>for all intensive purposes they don't screen though, so yes, it seems that anyone who wants to apply can</p>
<p>The science courses are more difficult and more competitive than other less competitive schools but that is expected. I've heard chem, orgo and bio all called "weeder courses" but you really need to take that with a grain of salt...in my view the only class that gives students who are otherwise cut out for premed and have a real desire to become a doctor any trouble is bio (which unlike other schools, you can't take it as a freshman).</p>
<p>As for taking premed classes over the summer, this is generally not a good idea for premeds...it is not only specific to columbia. If you MUST take a summer class though its best to have it at your home institution. </p>
<p>i've posted elsewhere on this forum about columbia premed so you can go search for those posts and get some more info.</p>
<p>hmm i feel like i need to help you out a bit since it seems your search skills are a tad lacking....</p>
<p>"first of all there is no way for the administration to know who comes in freshman year "wanting to be a doctor" ...also this is totally the correct statistic to give since those who abandon premed really didn't want to be a doctor or weren't even cut out for science to begin with."</p>
<p>I am in total agreement with you. I have been around enough parents/high school students who just did not realize what the numbers meant that I thought I would clarify.</p>
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for all intensive purposes
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<p>"for all intents and purposes"</p>
<p>oops ... yay common mistakes ....lol</p>