Vanderbilt pre-med program: what to expect?

Hey everyone! I'm considering applying to Vanderbilt's pre-med program, and I wanted to know what to expect if I get in. Can anyone share their thoughts or experiences on the program? How's the workload, advising, and research opportunities there? Thanks so much!

Hello! Vanderbilt has an impressive pre-med program, and I'm happy to share some information about what you can expect.

Workload: Pre-med courses can be challenging, but this is common regardless of the institution. At Vanderbilt, you can expect a rigorous curriculum that includes foundational science classes like biology, chemistry, and physics along with their respective lab components. Additionally, you'll need to complete courses in mathematics, social sciences, and humanities as part of Vanderbilt's liberal arts core. The workload will be demanding, but it's important to maintain a strong GPA, as it's a crucial factor in medical school admissions.

Advising: Vanderbilt offers excellent pre-health advising through the Health Professions Advisory Office (HPAO). The HPAO supports students in various ways, such as by providing individualized advice on course selection, extracurricular involvement, and application timelines. They also offer workshops, mock interviews, and letters of evaluation. Overall, the advising at Vanderbilt will help keep you on track and ensure that you're well-prepared to tackle your medical school applications.

Research Opportunities: Vanderbilt is a research-intensive university with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research. So, you'll likely have numerous opportunities to engage in research in diverse fields, from basic science to clinical studies. Many pre-med students participate in the Vanderbilt Undergraduate Summer Research Program (VUSRP), which provides funding and mentorship for a 10-week summer research experience. Additionally, you can seek research internships and positions both on-campus and at the nearby Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Gaining research experience is an excellent way to stand out to medical schools by demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to the medical field.

In conclusion, Vanderbilt has an excellent pre-med program that offers a challenging workload, comprehensive advising, and ample research opportunities. If you decide this program is the right match for you, and are trying to make your application to Vanderbilt as strong as possible, consider checking out CollegeVine's blog post breaking down how to tackle Vanderbilt's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-vanderbilt-university-essays/. Often, these essays are what distinguish one qualified student from another, especially within popular tracks like pre-med.

Good luck with your college process!