Meet Abayo: College of Liberal Arts at the U of M, Twin Cities Abayo is applying to med school in 2011
Why the College of Liberal Arts at the U of M?
I think CLA is a great choice for pre-meds that also allows them to explore and
be exposed to not just area's of science but other area's as well. The CLA pre
med experience is what you make it. While still very rigorous and a majority
science it can allow you to explore other non science related areas such as for
an example the Biology, Society and Environment area which is 2/3 the
traditional biology major while the other 1/3 focuses on the social sciences
such as anthropology sociology and other vastly different areas. This can
broaden a person's horizon while giving them exposure to new things and it also
allows you to make connections between medicine and the way it influences and
is influenced by all of these other fields of study such as other non science
related majors.
While all this is true you can still make your path as heavily science related
as you would like with majors such as physiology or chemistry.
What Clubs for Pre Meds?
The clubs pre meds should join include MAPS, COG, Pre-Med Honors Society,
Biology Without Borders etc....
Advisors
There are many great pre med advisors and pre health advisors in CLA from what
I have heard as well as major advisors that have vast experience with pre med
students the only ones I can vouch for are Sue Stirling and Lisa Brownell
Professors
Great professors include Karen Sue-Taussig (Medical Anthropology Professor)
Chris Douglas (O-Chem Prof)
Many of the chem profs are the same for both CLA and CBS students as well as
Physics Profs
Great CLA majors for pre meds include
Biology, Society, and Environment
Physiology
Chemistry
Psychology
and other non science majors
Hello from Hawa: She is applying to Med School in 2010
Why CLA for pre meds?
CLA offers the most diverse majors and has a lot of flexibility. You can double major, minor, or even create your own major. In my opinion the majors in this college allow you to choose from a variety of classes and explore many interests while preparing for medical school and taking the required courses.
What clubs should pre meds join?
C.O.G. (Circle of Giving)
One Person Can Change the World. Be The Change. Our group is dedicated to empowering students interested in becoming change agents both locally and internationally by offering opportunities to engage in group volunteer projects, fundraising activities for a scholarship fund, workshops for leadership development, and developing individualized service projects. In particular, our group is focused on working with underserved communities and addressing health disparities.
M.A.P.S. (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students)
The mission of Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) is to guide and assist minority pre-medical students explore and gain insight into professional healthcare careers by coordinating and implementing informational programs, providing helpful academic resources, and organizing volunteer opportunities. MAPS will also strive to create awareness about healthcare disparities among minorities and work towards eliminating them.
Cultural Clubs are also a great way to stay involved and meet new people...many of which may also be interested in pre-health sciences.
(La Raza, Black Student Union, Asian American Student Union, Middle Eastern Student Association...and the list goes on)
http://www.sua.umn.edu/groups/directory/
What advisors are great for pre meds?
I have experience with the advisors in MLK. They have been great as far as I know. I also know that many people get help from MCAE (Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence)
What research or paid jobs are available for pre meds?
There are many jobs and research positions available for pre-meds. I advise you think about what it is you are interested and start asking around. Ask people you know are in research positions how they got to where they are and network. Also, as you take classes, get to know your professors and what they are involved with. Many professors are involved with research and/or know other contacts. These are just two examples of great places to try to find positions.
Programs in Health Disparities Research
Masonic Cancer Center
Also, as you advance in your coursework, consider being a TA for a class that you did well in! Great opportunity and leadership position.
Who are great professors?
This is not an all inclusive list but if these professors are offered I would take them! Most of them are tried and proven, consistent, and fair.
Biochem: Robert Roon
Organic I: Mark Distefano
Organic II: Jane Wissinger (some do not like her teaching style but she has been around for a while and knows what she is doing)
Physiology: Lisa Anderson 3051 Human Phys
Physics: changes each semester no one prof stands out
Spanish: Maria Lopez 1044 Medical Spanish
When possible check ratemyprofessor.com and look up the instructor to see what other people think. Also ask around but remember...you are NOT going to have the exact same experience someone else had. Make each class your own and approach all professors with an open mind.
What are majors for pre meds?
The best thing to do is pick a major that interest you. After all, you will be working at it for about 4years! Many students that are pre-med enjoy science majors that integrate other components such as behavioral science. Also, you can always minor or double major. Some interesting majors are:
Biology, Society, and the Environment (CLA)
Physiology (CBS)
Biology (CBS)
Family Social Science (CEHD)
Neuroscience
What else do you love about CLA
One of the best things about CLA is the flexibility! The major programs and courses really allow you to structure your college career and explore interests of all types- no matter how disconnected! Where there is a will there is a way! CLA helps you find that way.
Meet Dame: Currently a College Senior at the U of M, CLA (and CBS) Applying to med school in 2010
Why CLA?
The students are so so so diverse. You meet so many interesting people, with very different career goals, talents, interests, etc. It's an enriching experience because it exposes you to different fields and ideas you wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.
COG!!! MAPS, BWB, STLF, Students against hunger, MSA, CBS/CLA student board, Several groups for certain ethic backgrouds i.e. black, Somali, Oromo, Ethiopian, Hmong, and so on. Why I love CLA
I love the diversity of CLA in which I get to see more than just science
related material although I love the science its nice to have one class a
semester that greatly differs I also think that the language requirement of CLA
is beneficial since most med schools like applicants to have two years of a
second language and with CLA that is already planned into your graduation plan
so you don't have to try to find extra time for it.