Pre-Med at Berkeley: What's the Scoop?

I've been researching pre-med programs, and Berkeley caught my eye. Can any current/former students or those in the know give me some insight into the program? I'm curious about rigor, faculty support, and research opportunities. Thanks!

As someone familiar with Berkeley's pre-med track, I can give you a general overview of the program, its rigor, faculty support, and research opportunities.

First of all, it's important to recognize that Berkeley itself doesn't have a "pre-med program" per se; rather, it's a track that students follow by selecting certain courses and extracurriculars. That being said, Berkeley is an excellent choice for pre-med due to its strong science programs, particularly in biology, chemistry, and physics. Classes can be quite rigorous, but they will prepare you well for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and future medical school coursework.

In terms of faculty support, Berkeley professors are often renowned experts in their fields, offering a valuable learning experience. While some introductory courses tend to be large and competitive, as you progress to more specialized courses, class sizes generally become smaller, allowing for greater interaction with faculty. Professors and instructors are generally approachable during office hours, and teaching assistants can help you with course material as well. Building relationships with your professors can be crucial for acquiring strong letters of recommendation for medical school applications.

Berkeley provides a wealth of research opportunities for its students, from on-campus labs, research centers, and institutes to connections with local hospitals and research institutions in the Bay Area. Internships and work-study programs in research labs are available, and many students engage in research during their undergraduate years. It's essential to be proactive in seeking out these opportunities, as competition can be high. Connecting with professors whose research interests align with yours and networking with graduate students can help open doors.

In addition to academics and research, there are a variety of pre-med focused student clubs and organizations at Berkeley. These clubs can provide peer support, medical school application resources, and volunteer opportunities, which are essential for a competitive medical school application.

Overall, Berkeley can be an excellent choice for pursuing a pre-med track due to its strong academics, faculty support, and research opportunities. Success on this path will require hard work, persistence, and a proactive approach to making the most of the opportunities available to you.