Frequently Asked Questions for Premedical Students

(For detailed explanations, see Guide to Premedical Studies at Swarthmore College.)

What are medical schools looking for?

Medical schools are interested in applicants with excellent academic abilities (as shown in grades and MCAT scores), strong interpersonal skills, clear motivation for medicine, and demonstrated compassion and concern for others.

What are the course requirements?

The courses Swarthmore students typically take to meet the premed requirements are: Bio 1 and 2; Chem 10/11, Chem 22, 32 and 38; Physics 3/3L and 4/4L; Math 15 and Stat 11; and any two English courses. Some medical schools have particular or advanced math or science course requirements.  The MCAT exam also includes a social and behavioral science component. Psychology 1 and any sociology or anthropology course are recommended to prepare for the test.

Can I use AP credit to fulfill my premed requirements?

You can use AP credit to fulfill all or part of the math requirement at nearly every medical school. If you use AP credit to place out of an introductory science course, then you must replace it with an upper level course with laboratory in that department, even if Swarthmore gives you credit for your AP score.

Can I take another reading and writing course in place of English?

While some medical schools may accept literature in translation or other reading and writing courses, it is best to simply take two English courses, as some schools are sticklers about that. Any two courses in our English department are fine.

Do I have to major in a science?

No, major in whatever interests you. That is fine with medical schools, as long as you do well in the required premed science courses.

Can I take courses pass/fail?

Yes, but do not take any of the premed prerequisites pass/fail, unless you are taking them during the first semester of your freshman year. Medical schools want to see that you have challenged yourself academically, so don't overuse the pass/fail option.

Can I take required premed courses in summer school?

Yes, as long as it is at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university, and it is a course with lab normally taken by that school's premed students. If you hope to transfer credit to Swarthmore, consult first with the corresponding Swarthmore department, but you do not need to transfer credit for it to count for medical school application purposes. You should not overuse the summer school option, but it is fine to take one two-course sequence, like physics I and II or organic chemistry I and II in summer school.

Will medical schools see my  shadow grades? 

The medical school application services only work from your official transcripts, which do not include your shadow grades.  Therefore, grades for fall semester of your first year and any courses in which you  opted for CR/NC and did not uncover your grades will not be seen by medical schools or calculated into your GPAs. You do not have the option of "showing" these grades. 

Can I study abroad?

Yes, it's a wonderful experience that shouldn't be missed, if it interests you. Medical schools like to see that students have had broad, interesting college experiences, and studying abroad demonstrates that you can get along in a culture different from your own.

Can I take on-line courses?

Normally, it is best to take in-person classes, particularly for lab sciences. Many medical schools require or strongly prefer in person classes. 

Can I take premed requirements abroad?

No, do not take any of the required premed courses abroad.

What kind of extracurricular experiences should I seek?

You should pursue anything that interests you. Medical schools are interested in students who have been active contributors on campus, and who have a range of interests. You should choose a few things to do meaningfully and well, rather than dabble in a long list of activities. Community service is an important way to demonstrate your concern and compassion for others.

Do I need to have medically-related experiences?

Yes, it is critically important that you involve yourself meaningfully in a medical setting, to show medical schools that you have observed medical practice first-hand. Students do this through volunteer work in hospitals and clinics, serving as EMTs or hospice volunteers, summer jobs, internships, formal premed summer programs, or shadowing physicians at work, either during the school year or during school vacations.

Are there opportunities to volunteer in a hospital during the school year?

Many premed students volunteer at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia using free SEPTA passes to travel to Philadelphia. 

Do I need to do research in the summer to get into medical school?

No, unless you think you may be interested in pursuing an MD-PhD. However, if you think you would enjoy it, research is a valuable experience that some medical schools view as a plus.

What is the MCAT?

The MCAT is the standardized test required by all medical schools. It is a seven hour, computer-based exam, given 25 times a year, that has sections on verbal reasoning, biological sciences, physical sciences and behavioral sciences. You may take the MCAT when you have completed the chemistry, biology, physics, statistics and social science premed requirements.

Who will write my letters of recommendation?

When you apply to medical school, you will need to have about five letters of recommendation from faculty and others who know your work, such as supervisors and coaches. These letters are submitted to the Health Sciences Advisory Committee, which uses them to produce a committee letter of recommendation on your behalf.

Is there a GPA cut-off for getting a Health Sciences committee letter of recommendation?

No, there is no GPA cut-off for getting a Health Sciences Advisory Committee letter of recommendation.

Are there Early Assurance Programs? 

There are several medical school programs that accept students  midway through their college careers. These programs have minimum GPA and other requirements, and accepted students are expected to adhere to these standards for the remainder of their time in college.  Typically, the MCAT is not required. The Sidney Kimmel Medical College Scholars Program is for students who have a demonstrated interest in studying health policy, population health and community engagement alongside the standard medical school curriculum.  A minimum 3.5 cumulative and science GPA is required, with no grade lower than a 2.0.  This program has recently been expanded to include students who have a demonstrated interest in the humanities, social sciences, or design, typically with a major or minor in one of these areas. Students apply in the fall semester of junior year.  The University of Rochester (3.6 minimum GPA required) has an early assurance program for students with a general interest in medicine. Students can apply at the end  of sophomore year. The ACES program of Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson is for students from groups underrepresented in medicine or from FLI backgrounds. Students apply in the winter of  their sophomore year.  

What is the timetable for applying to medical school?

You should apply to medical school in June of the year BEFORE you intend to matriculate in medical school. In other words, you would apply in June 2023 to begin school in August 2024. You should take the MCATs by June at the latest. You will begin compiling information for the Health Sciences Office in January before the June that you apply.

What kinds of grades will I need to be accepted?

Currently, with a strong  3.6 average, both overall and in the sciences, you can apply to medical school with reasonable confidence in being accepted, assuming you have good MCATs and impressive non-academic experiences. The very top schools are generally only interested in applicants with 3.8-3.9 averages and above. However, there are many individual factors that come into play in the admissions process, so students should consult with Gigi about their individual situations.

Do medical schools make allowances for Swarthmore's rigor ?

Yes, many medical schools are aware of Swarthmore, and the excellence of its students and its academic program. They are often willing to consider our applicants with grades that are slightly lower than those of their typical admitted students.

What can I do if I'm determined to be a doctor, but my grades aren't good enough?

Many applicants take a few years after graduation to strengthen their academic records. They may choose to take additional science courses at a local university, or to enroll in a formal postbaccalaureate program for students interested in medical school who need to improve their credentials. If you find that you are doing poorly in your science courses at Swarthmore, it may be a wise strategy to put your premed plans on hold, concentrate on subjects you like and do well in, and then do the sciences after Swarthmore if you are still interested in going to medical school. Be sure to consult with Gigi about your individual situation.

Is it okay to take time between Swarthmore and medical school?

Yes, an overwhelming majority of our applicants opt to take at least a year between Swarthmore and medical school, to allow them to take a breather between two intense academic experiences, spread out the premed requirements, acquire some work experience, or strengthen their applications. Medical schools often like older applicants because of the maturity and life experience they bring to their applications.

When should I meet with the Health Sciences Advisor?

Whenever you have a question or concern, you can sign up for an appointment on Gigi's office door (Parrish 125W). If you are off campus email with several available blocks of time with in Monday-Thursday, 9-12, 1-3, and she can schedule a zoom appointment. You can also email Gigi directly with your questions at gsimeon1, and she will get back to you promptly.