Purpose
The Minor in Pre-Medical Studies is intended for students who plan to apply to medical school and have been approved by the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee. The minor includes courses that satisfy the prerequisite coursework for most medical schools and that cover the majority of topics on the MCAT and other entrance examinations. It also includes courses designed to increase the competitiveness of a student’s application.
Pre-Medical Advising
The Illinois Tech Pre-Medical Advisory Committee provides assistance to pre-medical students. Committee members will monitor your academic progress and provide information about volunteer and research opportunities. The committee will also write letters of recommendation and answer strategic questions about the medical school application process.
Curriculum
Before entering medical school, you need to have an understanding of the principles of the sciences basic to medicine. In particular, you will need an in-depth background in biology, chemistry, and physics, all of which are essential to the study and practice of medicine. A firm grasp of the English language is also essential.
You may complete courses on this list as part of your major, core curriculum, or free electives. Regardless of where each course fits into your curriculum, complete all of these courses (or substitutes approved by the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee) and you will be credited as receiving the Minor in Pre-Medical Studies.
Pre-Medical Studies Planning Guide
The pre-medical planning guide gives prospective and current pre-medical students the information and guidance needed to prepare for a career in medicine. The guide features a timeframe and deadlines for academics, volunteer/internship experiences, preparing for and taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), obtaining letters of recommendation, and applying to medical school.
First Year
| Fall |
|---|
| Meet pre-medical adviser to develop a schedule |
| Join AMSA and/or MEDLIFE Illinois Tech chapters |
| Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Winter |
| Begin volunteer work or research in a medically related field |
| Identify research opportunities and internships for the summer |
| Emphasize new reading and verbal skills by reading journals, the newspaper, and novels |
| Spring |
| Meet with pre-medical adviser to develop schedule for second year |
| Review MCAT sample |
| Identify research or volunteer opportunities and internships for the summer |
| Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Summer |
| Conduct research or do volunteer work |
Second Year
| Fall |
|---|
| Purchase MCAT preparation books |
| Study organic chemistry and target a grade of A |
| Participate in the AMSA and/or MEDLIFE Illinois Tech chapters |
| Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Winter |
| Continue volunteering |
| Identify research opportunities and internships for the summer |
| Review MCAT sample questions |
| Spring |
| Meet with pre-medical adviser to develop schedule for third year |
| Become better acquainted with professors |
| Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Summer |
| Conduct research or do volunteer work |
| Begin studying for the MCAT |
| Purchase the MCAT Student Manual from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) |
Third Year
| Fall |
|---|
| Continue studying for the MCAT |
| Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Winter |
| Continue studying for MCAT and enroll in MCAT prep course |
| Fill out online application for the MCAT |
| Take MCAT |
| Meet with pre-medical adviser to develop schedule for fourth year |
| Ask that letters of recommendation be written on your behalf and sent to the Illinois Tech Pre-Medical Office beginning in May and no later than November 1; earlier is better |
| Work on personal statement for American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) |
| Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Summer |
| Apply to medical school by filling out AMCAS application in June or July (deadline November 15) |
| Receive MCAT scores |
| Keep track of your application file through contact with the pre-med office to make sure that all your letters of recommendation have been received by July 1 |
Fourth Year
| Fall |
|---|
| Fill out secondary applications for medical schools |
| Interview at medical schools |
| Meet with pre-medical adviser |
| Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Winter |
| Decide if you need to retake the MCAT |
| Spring |
| Meet with chair of the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee for exit interview |
| Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above |
| Graduation |
Address Inquiries To:
Incoming/Transfer Students
Office of Admission
101 Perlstein Hall
Chicago, IL 60616
admission@iit.edu
312.567.3025 or 800.448.2329 (outside Chicago)
Current Students
Kathryn Spink, Director of Pre-Health Professions Programs
146C Life Sciences Building
Chicago, Il 60616
spink@iit.edu
312.567.3441