Hey everyone, I'm really interested in going the pre-med route and have heard a lot of good things about UC Santa Barbara, but I'm not too familiar with their program. Can anyone tell me more about it?
UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) doesn't have a specific pre-med program per se, but they do have a pre-med advising track. This advising track is designed to help guide undergraduate students interested in medical careers through the process of course selection, gaining clinical exposure, and preparing for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
UCSB has strong programs in the sciences, especially in biology and chemistry, which are essential for a pre-med student's education. Some popular majors for pre-med students at UCSB include Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology. Keep in mind, however, that you can major in any subject as long as you complete the required pre-med courses (basic sciences, math, and social sciences).
The pre-med advisors at UCSB offer guidance on academic planning, extracurricular activities, and the medical school application process. They can also help you find research opportunities, as UCSB is a research-focused institution with a variety of opportunities for undergraduate research.
In terms of getting clinical experience, UCSB has relationships with local hospitals and clinics, offering volunteering, shadowing, and internship opportunities for pre-med students. To further aid your medical school application, UCSB also has a variety of student-run organizations focused on healthcare and medicine, such as the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), Global Medical Brigades, and Doctors Without Walls.
While UCSB isn't typically known as a "pre-med powerhouse," its strong programs in the sciences, research opportunities, and pre-med advising support make it a good choice for students who are interested in incorporating their pre-med studies in a more comprehensive university experience. Be sure to take advantage of the resources available to you to maximize your chances of getting into medical school.
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