UVA Pre-Med Experience?

Hi all! I've been seriously considering the pre-med track at the University of Virginia. Can any current students or alumni share their experience with the program? What are the pros and cons in terms of class size, advising, and research opportunities? Much appreciated!

Hi there! While I'm not a current student or alumni, I can definitely offer some insights about UVA's pre-med track based on the experiences of many students who've gone through the program.

Class Size: UVA, being a large university, does have large lecture classes, especially for introductory science courses required for pre-med like general chemistry and biology. However, as you progress in your pre-med courses and choose upper-level electives, the class sizes tend to become much smaller. This allows for more personalized experiences in advanced courses, with a likelihood of greater professor interaction. It's also worth noting that many introductory courses have optional smaller discussion sections or labs where you can ask questions and connect more closely with professors and TAs.

Advising: UVA has a well-structured pre-health advising program. Pre-health advisors are available to guide you through the necessary courses, preparation, and med school application process. In addition, you can take advantage of informative workshops, MDAdmit Bootcamp, and pre-health study groups. UVA also has Premedical Advisors Linking with Students (PALS), a peer advising system that pairs you with older pre-med students to help you navigate your pre-med journey.

Research Opportunities: UVA is a top-tier research institution with numerous research opportunities across various fields. As a pre-med student, you'll have access to hundreds of research labs across different departments, like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and public health. You can get involved in research as early as your first year, giving you ample time to gain valuable experience and develop relationships with faculty mentors. Joining a research lab could potentially open doors for publications, letter of recommendation or even leadership roles. In addition, UVA has a Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) which offers funded research opportunities during the summer, enhancing your research experiences further.

On the flip side, your experience at UVA could be affected by its large size like having bigger classes for introductory courses, which can create a more competitive atmosphere. To overcome this, be proactive in seeking guidance from professors, TAs, and advisors, as well as forming study groups with peers.

Overall, UVA offers a strong pre-med program with excellent advising and research opportunities. To make the most of your time there, be proactive and take advantage of the resources available to you. Good luck!