can anyone give any insight on being a premed at state? how difficult, medical school placement, etc. i cant find too much info online
For one, there’s not “pre-med” program at NCSU, if that’s what you’re wondering. I can’t imagine it’s any harder than being a pre-med at any other university. I’m currently a pre-med (majoring in Genetics) and it’s standard to what I’ve heard about pre-meds from other colleges.
Although, I was told by a faculty member that NCSU students are more likely to be accepted at Chapel Hill’s med school, even with lower MCAT scores. It’s because (not to brag about my own department) the Biological Sciences department at NCSU is so good that Chapel Hill knows that State students are prepared, even with lower MCATs. That doesn’t mean you should let your grades tank or aim low on the MCAT, but NCSU is a fantastic university for med school hopefuls.
Be warned that State students are more likely to be accepted because any of the Biological Science majors (Human Bio, MicroBio, Genetics, etc.) are rigorous. I’m personally doing just fine because I don’t party, I try not to procrastinate, and I study my butt off. It’s quite rigorous but for me personally it’s very doable. There are ups and downs but I’m honestly in love with the Bio Science department here.
Good luck!
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I meant to say in the first paragraph that I can’t imagine is any DIFFERENT, not harder. I just realized I contradict myself between the first and third paragraphs, haha.
But yeah, all med schools basically have similar (if not the same) prerequisites so you’ll be taking the same courses regardless of where you go.
@Finasol This was interesting to read. My son will be starting at NCSU in the Fall and will be pre-med. We have heard so often (including from a pre-med student leading our tour at State) that med schools like to see non-biology majors. After I showed my son your comment, it made him scratch his head and ask, “should I change my major to biology?” He was accepted as a Criminology major with intention of taking pre-med prerequisites. I’ve heard a few different rationales for why it can be a good idea not to be a biology major as a med school applicant. I’m not sure which rationale is most accurate. 1. Pre-med students are encouraged to choose a major that interests them and that they find enjoyable, because med school will be a lot of hard work that is when the subject counts/matters, and students will learn everything they need to know. I even had a doctor suggest that a good undergrad major for a pre-med student would be Business (in the event they are in a private/smaller practice some day.) 2. I think the other rationale was simply diversity. Med schools want students to come in with a variety of backgrounds. They don’t want all incoming students to have been biology/other science majors. Thought obviously the science majors will always dominate.
But my son’s concern is that it only seems logical that you will be better prepared for the MCAT as a Science major… It sure is confusing as we hear different schools of thought. Thank you for sharing your insight about NCSU’s Bio. Science Dept.