I. Specific Requirements

Minimum required course work for entrance into Medical School for those seeking more challenging courses who have the prerequisites for such coursework:

•  English 101 (3) – Composition I: Exposition
                102 (3) – Composition II: Analysis & Argument

•  Biochemistry 423 (3) – Introductory Biochemistry
                        445L* (4) – Intensive Introductory Biochemistry I
                        446L* (4) – Intensive Introductory Biochemistry II

•  Biology 201L (4) – Molecular & Cell Biology
                202L (4) – Genetics

•  Chemistry 121L or 131L (4-5) – General Chemistry or Principles of Chemistry
                    122L or 132L (4-5) – General Chemistry or Principles of Chemistry
                    301 or 307 (3) – Organic Chemistry
                    302 or 308 (3) – Organic Chemistry
                    303L** (1) – Organic Chemistry Laboratory
                    304L** (1) – Organic Chemistry Laboratory

•  Math 180 or 162 (3-4) – Elements of Calculus I or Calculus I
             181 or 163 (3-4) – Elements of Calculus II or Calculus II

•  Physics 151 or 160 (3) – General Physics
                151L** or 160L**(1) – General Physics Laboratory
                152 or 161 (3) – General Physics
                152L** or 161L** (1) – General Physics Laboratory

These courses will also help fulfill Groups I, II, & III of the Arts and Sciences group requirements.

II. General Requirements

A student planning to attend medical school should plan to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. All medical schools prefer a broad educational experience that includes a solid mathematics and science foundation, highly developed communication skills and a strong background in humanities and the social sciences.

Since pre-medicine is not a major at UNM, you may wish to major in science, humanities, social science or another area of study. A major should be selected as soon as possible. You should seriously consider the major and minor fields which most challenge and stimulate you, since you will do best in those fields that most interest you. Another practical factor to consider is the field you would pursue if you were not admitted to medical school. The major is not the most important criterion for admission to medical school; the quality of the student is.

You should apply for medical school at the end of your junior *** or the beginning of your senior year. Your application, letters of recommendation and scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) should be made available to the prospective school(s) by the preceding year for which admission is desired. A brochure for the MCAT may be obtained from the Testing Center with University College . The test is given in the spring and fall of each year.

The primary selection factors for admission to many medical schools are scholastic achievement and intellectual potential. These are measured by: grade point average (3.5 - 4.0 is considered highly competitive); at least three letters of recommendation from faculty (two from science professors are recommended); competitive MCAT scores (score of 22-30 is considered competitive); and a successful interview with the Admissions Committee at the medical school. Other evaluation factors include the nature and depth of extracurricular and social activities; volunteerism; leadership positions held; having been in an honors program; and having been employed in a health related area or having some type of clinical experience.

III. Professional School Requirements

Specific requirements for admission to professional schools vary. You should acquaint yourself with the requirements for the school(s) or the Medical School Admission Requirements, USA and Canada . Some strongly suggested electives are: Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Embryology.

Other suggested electives are: Spanish, Speech, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Vertebrate Zoology, Quantitative Analysis, English, Anatomy and Physiology I & II (with labs**), Immunology, Histology, and Latin. Most state medical schools (such as UNM) prefer that a student be committed to remain in the state to practice.

IV. Additional Information

There is a Pre-Medical Club organized on the UNM campus. More information can be obtained from the Student Activities Center located at the New Mexico Union, or from the A&S Advisement office in Ortega 251.

The Office of Cultural and Ethnic Programs at the UNM School of Medicine has pertinent information to the UNM School of Medicine for minority students. The phone number is (505) 272-2728.

National Medical Fellowships (NMF) is the only private, national organization giving scholarships to minority medical students. For information about the current status of minority medical student enrollments, NMF has printed three publications. For further information, contact the Director of Public Information, NMF, 250 West 57th Street , New York , NY 10019 .

Women interested in medicine who wish more information should write to the following address: American Medical Women's Association, 1740 Broadway, New York , NY 10019 .

* Strongly recommended.
** Lab portion is optional for UNM School of Medicine
*** A bachelor's degree is not absolutely required.