Academics

By now, you have probably realized that you cannot be a pre-med major at either Dordt or Northwestern.  Both schools have a premedical program, but this is different from a major.  75% of students choose majors in biology, chemistry, or another science related area, because these contain many of the courses that admissions committees expect you to have taken.  However, as long you take the required science classes, you can decide what area you want to major in, based on your own personal interest. Most medical schools recognize the value of a liberal arts education, and you may stick out as a unique student who can contribute to the diversity of a medical school class, if you decide to major in Spanish or another non-science area.

With all of the potential courses you can take in college, it may be tempting to take AP courses in high school or CLEP tests early in college.  While Dordt and Northwestern accept both AP and CLEP credits, please realize that medical schools do not have uniform policies regarding them.  If you have an idea of what medical schools you would like to attend, please look into their policies.  In general, please be advised against taking AP course or taking a CLEP test on that may be required in medical, such as writing classes, and introductory science courses.

Almost all require one year of biology, general chemistry, and physics, as well as one semester of mathematics and English.  After that, every medical school has some other additional courses they might expect or recommend you to take, for example biochemistry, advanced biology, genetics, or a foreign language. Again, if you have any idea what medical school you would like to attend, please look into their requirements. 

At Dordt, the Premed Advisory Committee has put together a suggested program for you to follow.  Note that these courses are divided into three categories. 1) Required courses (*) are those which most medical schools would require. 2) Strongly Recommended Courses (+) are courses which are not typically required, but which you should try to take to help you either in MCAT preparation, medical school application, or make the first weeks of medical school a bit easier. 3) Recommended Courses are courses which are not required, but will help in the areas noted under Strongly Recommended Courses above.

This site does not currently have a suggested program for Northwestern students.  However, we hope to have one up soon.

Your GPA is something to seriously consider.  As previously mentioned, admissions committees do not expect everyone to have a 4.0.  However, you should be working for at least a 3.5, especially in science courses.  The AAMC reports an average GPA of 3.62 (+/-0.28) for matriculates. Within the pool of matriculates, only 25% had a GPA below 3.5, and 50% had a GPA above 3.75.  If your GPA is currently below 3.5, do not be alarmed.  However, do try to raise it.