Pre-med at University of Michigan?

I've heard great things about the pre-med program at UMich, but I still have some doubts. Can someone who's in the program or has gone through it tell me about their experience? Are the classes super difficult? What about research opportunities and support for med school applications?

I'm not a pre-med student myself, but I've spoken with many pre-med students at the University of Michigan and gathered some insights about the program. Overall, the general consensus is that the pre-med track at UMich is quite strong, and many students find it a great stepping stone for their medical career.

The classes can be challenging, but that's to be expected, given the rigorous nature of the pre-med track. Introductory courses, such as general chemistry and biology, often have large class sizes and are known to be "weed-out" courses. However, if you stay diligent, seek help when needed, and keep up with your coursework, you should be able to thrive in this environment. Upper-level classes tend to be more focused and have smaller class sizes, enabling students to create closer connections with professors.

Research opportunities at UMich are vast and varied. With a top-ranked medical school and several renowned research institutes on campus, there's no shortage of opportunities for undergraduates to participate in cutting-edge projects. Many pre-med students gain experience by volunteering in labs, working as research assistants, or even conducting their own research. Reach out to professors whose work interests you, attend research-related events, and explore resources like the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) to find the best fit for you.

Support for med school applications at UMich is generally considered to be solid. The pre-med advisors offer assistance with course planning, preparing for the MCAT, selecting medical schools, assembling recommendation letters, and reviewing personal statements. Many pre-med students also benefit from peer mentorship programs, where students further along in the pre-med journey provide guidance to those just joining the track. Lastly, there's a wealth of extracurricular activities and clinical experiences available to help you develop a strong application.

While the pre-med path at the University of Michigan can be challenging, it provides exceptional resources and support to help students succeed in their medical school endeavors. If you're up for the challenge and focused on your goals, UMich could be an excellent choice for your undergraduate pre-med journey.