<p>I have seen questions periodically about premed programs at Amherst and other colleges. Amherst does not offer a specific premedical curriculum other than the courses required by most medical schools. Students are free to major in whatever field(s) they want while filling their pre-med requirements.</p>
<p>I recently read the Amherst Premed handbook again and am impressed by the efforts by Prof. Steve George and other members of the Premed Committee in helping Amherst students get into medical school. The site is: <a href=“http://www.amherst.edu/~sageorge/guide1.html#chances[/url]”>http://www.amherst.edu/~sageorge/guide1.html#chances</a>.</p>
<p>Among “well qualified” students with science GPAs of 3.1 or higher, 90% were admitted the first time and 98.9% when applicants who applied again are counted. </p>
<p>Among those students with science GPAs of 3.1 or less, 40% were admitted the first time and 73.3% were admitted if reapplicants from this group are counted. Some unsuccessful applicants did not reapply though. It is also noteworthy that the premedical committee supports the applications of all students regardless of their GPA unless there is concern about academic capability to handle a medical school curriculum (science GPA less than 2.0) or the character of the applicant. </p>
<p>The total acceptance rate of all applicants who applied once or reapplied is an amazing 97%!</p>
<p>In any event, I think these figures should reassure potential pre-med applicants and students that Amherst is an excellent and supportive place to achieve one’s academic and professional goals in the context of a liberal arts education. Although I have not gone to the trouble of looking up similar stats elsewhere, I believe that they are similar, if not better, than other peer universities and colleges. I also think LACs allow personal contact with profs. which will enable students to obtain meaningful and personal letters of reference.</p>