Minor in Pre-Medical Studies

Purpose

The Minor in Pre-Medical Studies is intended for students who plan to apply to medical school and have been approved by the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee. The minor includes courses that satisfy the prerequisite coursework for most medical schools and that cover the majority of topics on the MCAT and other entrance examinations. It also includes courses designed to increase the competitiveness of a student’s application. 

Pre-Medical Advising

The Illinois Tech Pre-Medical Advisory Committee provides assistance to pre-medical students. Committee members will monitor your academic progress and provide information about volunteer and research opportunities. The committee will also write letters of recommendation and answer strategic questions about the medical school application process.

Curriculum

Before entering medical school, you need to have an understanding of the principles of the sciences basic to medicine. In particular, you will need an in-depth background in biology, chemistry, and physics, all of which are essential to the study and practice of medicine. A firm grasp of the English language is also essential.

You may complete courses on this list as part of your major, core curriculum, or free electives. Regardless of where each course fits into your curriculum, complete all of these courses (or substitutes approved by the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee) and you will be credited as receiving the Minor in Pre-Medical Studies.

View Detailed Curriculum

Pre-Medical Studies Planning Guide

The pre-medical planning guide gives prospective and current pre-medical students the information and guidance needed to prepare for a career in medicine. The guide features a timeframe and deadlines for academics, volunteer/internship experiences, preparing for and taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), obtaining letters of recommendation, and applying to medical school.

First Year

Fall
Meet pre-medical adviser to develop a schedule
Join AMSA and/or MEDLIFE Illinois Tech chapters
Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above
Winter
Begin volunteer work or research in a medically related field
Identify research opportunities and internships for the summer
Emphasize new reading and verbal skills by reading journals, the newspaper, and novels
Spring
Meet with pre-medical adviser to develop schedule for second year
Review MCAT sample
Identify research or volunteer opportunities and internships for the summer
Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above
Summer
Conduct research or do volunteer work

Second Year

Fall
Purchase MCAT preparation books
Study organic chemistry and target a grade of A
Participate in the AMSA and/or MEDLIFE Illinois Tech chapters
Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above
Winter
Continue volunteering
Identify research opportunities and internships for the summer
Review MCAT sample questions
Spring
Meet with pre-medical adviser to develop schedule for third year
Become better acquainted with professors
Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above
Summer
Conduct research or do volunteer work
Begin studying for the MCAT
Purchase the MCAT Student Manual from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)


Third Year

Fall
Continue studying for the MCAT
Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above
Winter
Continue studying for MCAT and enroll in MCAT prep course
Fill out online application for the MCAT
Take MCAT
Meet with pre-medical adviser to develop schedule for fourth year
Ask that letters of recommendation be written on your behalf and sent to the Illinois Tech Pre-Medical Office beginning in May and no later than November 1; earlier is better
Work on personal statement for American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above
Summer
Apply to medical school by filling out AMCAS application in June or July (deadline November 15)
Receive MCAT scores
Keep track of your application file through contact with the pre-med office to make sure that all your letters of recommendation have been received by July 1

Fourth Year

Fall
Fill out secondary applications for medical schools
Interview at medical schools
Meet with pre-medical adviser
Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above
Winter
Decide if you need to retake the MCAT
Spring
Meet with chair of the Pre-Medical Advisory Committee for exit interview
Maintain GPA of 3.5 or above
Graduation
Address Inquiries To:

Incoming/Transfer Students
Office of Admission

101 Perlstein Hall
Chicago, IL 60616
admission@iit.edu
312.567.3025 or 800.448.2329 (outside Chicago)

Current Students
Kathryn Spink, Director of Pre-Health Professions Programs

146C Life Sciences Building
Chicago, Il 60616
spink@iit.edu
312.567.3441