ACADEMICS

Being considered for medical school is a difficult endeavor and requires much work, diligence and application.  A successful academic experience is usually the cornerstone of a good application.  Below is a list of general tips and information that will help you plan your academic goals.

 

Carry a substantial course load (15-17 semester hours)

 

Take required science courses:

·        At least 90 semester hrs (3 years) of college work in an accredited institution, including:

§         2 Semesters (8 hrs) of General Biology with lab

§         2 Semesters (10 hrs) of General Chemistry with lab

§         2 Semesters (8 hrs) of Organic Chemistry with lab

§         2 Semesters (8 hrs) of General Physics with lab

§         2 Semesters (6 hrs) of English Composition

 

Additional requirements or recommendations at area schools

·        University of Missouri-Columbia-6 hrs of advanced biology and 2 semesters of College Algebra and Trigonometry (or calculus)

·        St. Louis University-12 hrs of other humanities and behavioral sciences

·        Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine-Recommendations: Biochemistry and Human Anatomy

·        Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences-3 hrs of Biochemistry and 3 hrs of Genetics

 

Maintain a high GPA

·        Show improvements if you have a bad semester

 

Average GPA for Truman Students*

·        Accepted to Allopathic Medical Schools 

          -Overall GPA: 3.82 ± .022

            -Science GPA: 3.77 ± .27

                            n=126

·        Accepted to Osteopathic Medical Schools   

          -Overall GPA: 3.53 ± .29

             -Science GPA: 3.44 ± .39

                             n=65

·        Not Accepted to Either Osteopathic or Allopathic Medical Schools          

            -Overall GPA: 3.52 ± .32

               -Science GPA: 3.40 ± .41

                            n=141

*from Mitchell Herrera (from 2003-2008 data).

 

 

 

-R Verhaeghe