Explore UAB

Illustration of an atom. Do you want to be a doctor? Then you need to have a plan. It won't be easy. There are a lot of classes you need to take, meetings you need to attend, skills you need to acquire. And you'll need to do them in a specific order to get the best results.

Overwhelmed? Don't be. That's why we're here — to help you do everything you need to do so you can pursue your dreams. Come talk to us. We will guide you through this.

Below you'll find our guidance for what you need to do. You can even download the pdf if it will help. You can check out some basic courses you're likely to need to take and receive specific guidance through our sessions and seminars. But we recommend that you make an appointment to talk to us as soon as possible. We want to help you succeed!

  • Freshman Year
    • Bookmark the Pre-Health website.
    • Be aware of your prerequisite courses.
    • Get started in Math and Chemistry.
    • Get connected to your network (one day they will write about you). Get to know your faculty (use their office hours), your academic advisor, and your pre-health advisor.
    • Learn to write (one day you will write about yourself). Practice, keep a journal of your accomplishments and what inspires you, take writing courses, and attend seminars or workshops.
    • Pick extracurricular activities (not too many), organizations (like AED), and volunteer opportunities.
    • Pace yourself for success. You need to balance your schedule so that you are able maintain a high GPA.
    • Think about summer: perhaps a job in a research lab, a hospital, or a clinic.
    • Meet with your Pre-Health advisor three times during the year.
    • Attend the Fall Freshman Meeting and the Freshman Seminar in February.
  • Sophomore Year
    • Tackle organic chemistry.
    • Attend the Sophomore Seminar in the fall.
    • Finish your science prerequisites.
    • Diversify your coursework; add courses that interest you. Develop a major that will serve you if you do not attend Medical/Dental/Optometry School.
    • Learn to speak in front of a group, debate, and interview.
    • Attend the Sophomore Meeting in the spring.
    • Attend Sophomore Assessment Interviews in the spring.
    • Keep up the GPA.
    • Think about summer: consider research, volunteer hours, and clinical experience.
    • Consider studying for the MCAT, DAT, OAT, in the summer.
    • Meet with your pre-health advisor at least three times during the year.
  • Junior Year
    • Attend the Applicant’s Meeting in January.
    • Complete the Pre-Health Application form. Meet with your advisor.
    • Concentrate on the hours you need in your Major (and your Minor).
    • Start writing your personal statement early. (December)
    • Take MCAT practice tests. (You should complete all your prerequisites before you take the MCAT.)
    • Take an MCAT or DAT prep course if you need the structure.
    • Take MCAT, DAT, OAT before summer.
    • Get an application (AMCAS, AACOMAS, AADSAS, OPTOMCAS) in the spring. Send it in JUNE. Don’t be late.
    • Request evaluation letters; have them in before the end of MAY.
    • Interview with your pre-health advisor for your composite letter in late spring or early summer.
  • Senior Year
    • Enjoy your senior year.
    • Prepare for interviews.
    • Complete any coursework you need, continue volunteer and clinical experience.
    • Keep in touch with your pre-health advisor.