FAQ’s For Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Students

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Marry

FAQ’s address common admissions questions for pre-medical and pre-dental students, covering GPA expectations, volunteering time and impact, and what it takes to enter and succeed in medical or dental school. The content outlines academic preparation, prerequisite completion, MCAT/DAT timing and competitiveness, and evidence of motivation, service, leadership, and strong application materials. It also discusses major selection, including whether science majors are required, plus guidance on organic chemistry coursework and the application process through AMCAS, AACOMAS, and AADSAS.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Admissions and Academic Requirements

GPA, Grades, and Volunteering

Major Selection and Organic Chemistry

Application Steps and Test Timing

Core Application Components

When to Take MCAT/DAT

Medical/Dental School Selection

FAQ’sFor Pre-Medical and Pre-Dental Students (Note: This Document has been Adapted from University of Syracuse, St. Mary’s College in California, Stony Brook State University of New York and Providence College pre-Health Advising websites.) Do I need to have a 4.0 GPA to get accepted to medical/dental school? No. The average GPA for admitted students to medical school is approximately 3.5 and to dental schools are approximately 3.3. You should aim to get A’s and B’s in your courses. Remember too, that every grade you get in college will be looked at by medical schools, so any poor grades on your transcripts will also be taken into account when considering your application. I know that admissions committees look at how much volunteer experience I have. How much time should I spend doing volunteer work? Quality is more important than quantity. You should commit at least four to six hours each week for the year prior to application. You should select at least one activity where you are making an impact and the work is making an impact on you. It is important to take an active role in your volunteer work. What does it take to enter and succeed in medical/dental school? 1. Motivation and intelligence 2. Well-rounded college education 3. Completion of college prerequisites for medical school entrance: 1. Good academic performance 2. High grade point average--usually, between 3.3 and 3.6 on a 4-point scale 4. Preparation for the medical college admission test (MCAT) or dental admission test (DAT) 5. Timely and successful performance on the MCAT or DAT. Competitiveness of MCAT and DAT scores varies with the institutions that you are applying to and the strength of your other credentials 6. Evidence of motivation for the profession 7. Evidence of interest in service 8. Evidence of leadership 9. Strong letters of recommendation 10. Well written personal statement 11. Timely applications to medical schools 12. Good communication skills Do I have to major in science to become a competitive candidate for medical/dental school? Many students planning to apply to medical school think they should major in science and they will be less competitive candidates as humanities or social science majors. This, however, is not the case. Premedical/pre-dental students should use the same criteria for choosing a major that other students use: What discipline is most interesting and most challenging? Which field draws best on your talents and abilities? Premed/pre-dental course work can fit into a non-science major with careful planning and advice from the premed adviser and program faculty advisers. When deciding on a major, several points are worth noting: Medical schools are interested in applicants who are challenged in the sciences and have demonstrated their abilities in science. They also want to attract candidates who have a broad background. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in the 2000-2001 entering class for medical schools nationwide, 43% of all Biology majors, 48% of all Physical Science majors and 49% of all non-science majors who applied to medical schools nationwide were accepted. Successful medical school and dental school applicants demonstrate both ability in science and that broader understanding through a strong academic record. Premedical students have majored in English, history, engineering, and psychology, as well as the more traditional science fields. Those with equally strong records have been equally successful in gaining admission. I have heard Organic Chemistry is a “weed out” course for premedical/pre-dental students? Organic chemistry is a very challenging class that covers a lot of material, and so it is similar to the kinds of classes you will encounter in medical schools and that is why the admissions committee will look closely at these grades. In addition organic chemistry is required before you take the MCAT/DAT. What are the steps to

FAQs

Do I need a 4.0 GPA to be accepted to medical or dental school?

No. The average GPA for admitted students is approximately 3.5 for medical school and 3.3 for dental schools. Aim for A’s and B’s, since medical schools consider all college grades on your transcript.

How much time should I spend doing volunteer work?

Quality matters more than quantity. Commit at least four to six hours each week for the year prior to application, and choose activities where you make an impact and the work benefits you as well.

When should I take the MCAT or DAT?

MCAT exams are usually taken in spring of the junior year, and the test should be taken the year before you plan to begin medical or dental school. MCAT is offered in April and August, and Spring is recommended due to rolling admissions. Plan to take the DAT in spring of your junior year or the summer before you apply.

Sep 17, 2026

Uploaded by Marry