Dartmouth Premed: What Should I Know?

Hi! I'm a junior who's considering applying to Dartmouth with a premed focus. What is the premed experience like at Dartmouth? If any current students or alumni could share their thoughts on classes, research opportunities, and resources, that'd be so helpful!

Dartmouth's premed track has a strong reputation and offers a variety of resources and opportunities for students pursuing a career in medicine. Here are some aspects of the premed experience at Dartmouth you should consider:

1. Premed advising: Dartmouth's Health Professions Program (HPP) offers comprehensive premed advising both for prospective students as well as current students. HPP advisors work closely with you to help navigate coursework, extracurricular involvement, and preparation for medical school applications.

2. Curriculum flexibility: As a liberal arts institution, Dartmouth's curriculum encourages exploration and breadth. This allows premed students to take courses that interest them outside of their major and the required science courses. Dartmouth’s D-Plan allows students to optimize their schedules, decide when to be on campus, and easily access research and internships.

3. Research opportunities: There is a strong emphasis on undergraduate research at Dartmouth, and students are frequently involved in faculty-led research projects. The Undergraduate Advising and Research office can help you connect with faculty from various research fields. Additionally, the Geisel School of Medicine nearby offers more opportunities for clinical research and work.

4. Smaller class sizes: Being a smaller college means you'll have the opportunity to build close relationships with professors. This is advantageous not just for a better learning experience, but also for securing strong letters of recommendation for your medical school applications.

5. Extracurricular activities: There are various clubs and organizations at Dartmouth that cater to premed students, such as the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and the Global Health Initiative. Volunteering in the local community or getting involved in local hospitals can also help you gain clinical experience.

6. Study abroad opportunities: Dartmouth offers several study abroad programs that are relevant to premed students, such as the Foreign Study Program in Biology in Costa Rica or the Liberal Studies Program in Global Health in Switzerland. This allows premed students to get a more global perspective on healthcare while still earning credit towards their degree.

In summary, Dartmouth's premed experience offers students a well-rounded, supportive, and flexible environment, alongside ample research opportunities and extracurricular activities. Each student's journey may differ, but Dartmouth's resources and community stand out in the preparation process for medical school.