Medicine Programs in Illinois Colleges

Hello everyone, I'm an aspiring pre-med student and I was wondering if there are any recommended colleges in Illinois with strong programs for pre-med studies. I would prefer to stay in-state if possible.

Absolutely, Illinois is home to several strong institutions for pre-med studies.

One such institution is The University of Chicago. This school boasts one of the top medical programs in the U.S. It's important to note that as a pre-med student, you won't be majoring in "pre-med" as this is actually an academic track consisting of courses that prepare you for medical school, not a major itself. The University of Chicago offers a vast array of majors, all of which you can pursue while also completing your pre-med requisites. One of their standout features is the Pritzker School of Medicine's Accelerated Medical Scholars Program (“AMSP”) which permits undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding potential for success in medicine to begin medical school during their fourth year in the College. This is a highly competitive, merit-award program.

Northwestern University also offers a great pre-med track. Similar to the University of Chicago, Northwestern strives for comprehensive interdisciplinary learning. They emphasize a well-rounded, liberal arts education and encourage their pre-med students to study what they are passionate about. Additionally, Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine enables undergraduate students to connect with medical research and community service opportunities.

Similarly, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) has a strong pre-med track. UIUC has a health professions advisor who works specifically with students who intend to apply to health profession graduate programs, like med school. Additionally, UIUC's Carle Illinois College of Medicine allows undergraduates to engage in research, gaining key experience for their future careers.

Ensure to look at specifics such as the course load, medical school acceptance rates, opportunities for research or internships, and access to hospitals or clinics for shadowing professionals or volunteering to understand which school best fits your needs. Lastly, keep in mind that undergraduate studies are about exploring your interests while also preparing for future studies so choose a school and a major where you will be motivated to excel. The primary goal is to have a competitive GPA, strong MCAT scores, and meaningful extracurricular activities – especially in medical or clinical settings for your med school application.