Information for Pre-Medical Students

The only allopathic medical school in the state of Washington is the University of Washington, Seattle. The UW School of Medicine serves the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Admission to medical school is very competitive; students should research other schools and prepare for application to several medical schools. Students may also want to consider osteopathic medical schools.

College coursework required by most medical schools
(1 year = 3 quarters = 2 semesters)

1 year of general chemistry with lab:	BCC CHEM& 161,162,163 (Previously CHEM 140,150,160)
1 year of organic chemistry with lab:	BCC CHEM& 261,262,263 (Previously CHEM 231,232,243)
1 year introductory biology with lab:	BCC BIOL& 211,212,213 (Previously BIOL 201,202,203)
1 year of general physics with lab:	BCC Physics 114, 115, 116 or Physics 121, 122 123

English/Humanities:Beyond the required science courses, a broad humanities and liberal arts background is encouraged. In addition, approximately 65% of the US schools require 2 or 3 quarters of English, ideally a combination of composition and literature

Math: Approximately 30% of the US schools require two or three quarters of college math. The amount of math depends on the bachelor's degree major and the physics courses that are chosen. In general, at least one quarter of calculus is recommended. Some schools may require more. Math assessment is required and your placement score will determine at what level you may begin math classes. Placement into lower level math will increase the time needed to complete the prerequisites.

Note: It is strongly recommended that students who are planning to apply to medical school take one to two quarters of biochemistry. Biochemistry is a major component of the first year of medical school at the UW and other schools and students who have not had a minimum of an introductory course will have difficulty. The required premedical courses are generally completed by the end of the junior year at which time the student usually takes the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and applies to medical school. The UW Medical School employs a rolling application process and students should plan to apply by the fourth of July for the following year's autumn quarter start.

There is no recommended pre-med major for the bachelor's degree at the University of Washington or at other medical schools. A science major is not an advantage over a non-science major. Students should major in a subject in which they are interested, can do well and maintain a strong GPA. Your choice of major will determine which associate degree you earn at BCC as well as which math classes and physics courses are required. All of the science requirements should notbe completed at the community college, as medical schools want to see evidence of success in the sciences at baccalaureate schools. It is suggested that students take at least one sequence of science courses in addition to biochemistry after transfer. It is also important to take a full load of courses to accurately reflect scholastic abilities as the academic load in medical school is a full time intensive commitment.

It may take longer than two years to finish the associate degree requirements at BCC depending upon the degree and the level of math and English classes at which the student is starting. Pre-college level math, English, or other classes may be required to bring skills up to college level. Math 124, Calculus I is preceded by Math 105 and Math 120, Pre-calculus I and II. Students may need to attend summer quarters in order to complete the preparation for the bachelor's degree major and transfer in a timely manner. Courses that are taught in sequence should be finished at the school at which they are begun. After transfer, students would complete distribution credits, requirements for their major, as well as the remaining science prerequisites and biochemistry. The biology series and organic chemistry are prerequisites for the biochemistry classes. Work or volunteer experience in a medical or community setting is a must for medical school.

GPA
The mean overall GPA for entering medical school students in the last five years has been approximately 3.5 to 3.7 nation-wide. College grades are an important predictor of medical school performance and students should strive to maintain a strong GPA with limited withdrawals, incompletes, repeated courses and non-graded options.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is a test which covers four areas: reading skills analysis, including literature, social science and natural science passages; biological science problem solving; physical science problem solving; and writing. The MCAT is now offered in a computer based format is available on multiple dates throughout the year at various locations. It is usually taken in the calendar year prior to the year you wish to begin medical school. The MCAT Student Manual has examples of test questions and is available at the Uuniversity of Washington Bookstores. More information on the MCAT is available at www.aamc.org.

Residency and Citizenship
State supported medical schools strongly prefer residents of their own state. International applicants will have a very difficult time gaining admission to U.S. medical schools unless they have permanent visas and have established state residence. Private medical schools are a viable option for international students and non-residents.

Resources
American Association of Medical Colleges: www.aamc.org
American Medical Student Association: www.amsa.org
The Student National Medical Association: www.snma.org
National Society for Non-traditional Premedical and Medical Students: www.oldpremeds.org
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine: www.aacom.org

Contact the BCC Science Division L 200, 425-564-2321 for an advising appointment.

Bellevue Community College
Bellevue Community College Advising Center
Bellevue Community College Science Division

This page most recently modified on 4/27/08.