Pre-Med

The Office of Pre-health Advising is here to provide support and advice for students and alumni who are considering a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health professions. Each year about 50 Carleton students/alumni apply to medical school, 2-3 to dental school, 0-2 to veterinary school, and a few more to other programs such as public health, physical therapy and nursing.

Field of study: Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies

The Pre-Med program at Carleton College is a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare students for admission to medical school and a successful career in healthcare. This program provides a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes foundational sciences, critical thinking, and research skills essential for future medical professionals. Students engage in coursework across biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, ensuring a solid grounding in the sciences that underpin medicine. The program also offers numerous opportunities for experiential learning, including laboratory research projects, clinical shadowing, and volunteer activities that foster a deeper understanding of patient care and healthcare systems.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop strong analytical and communication skills vital for effective medical practice. Carleton’s small class sizes and close faculty mentorship facilitate personalized guidance and support, helping students tailor their academic and extracurricular experiences to align with their career goals. The college's emphasis on a liberal arts education ensures students also gain broad knowledge in humanities and social sciences, fostering empathy, ethical reasoning, and cultural competence—qualities essential for physicians.

Pre-Med students are provided with dedicated advising to navigate the medical school application process, including preparation for the MCAT examination, assembling competitive applications, and interview preparation. The program also encourages participation in research projects with faculty, internships, and community service, giving students a well-rounded profile suited for competitive medical school admissions.

Carleton College’s vibrant and supportive campus environment, combined with access to pre-health resources and partnerships with local healthcare organizations, creates an ideal setting for aspiring medical professionals. Graduates of the Pre-Med program leave well-prepared, with both the academic credentials and practical experience necessary to succeed in medical school and make meaningful contributions to healthcare.

Program requirements for Carleton College Pre-Med track typically include completing a rigorous curriculum in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, alongside engaging in extracurricular activities such as clinical volunteer work, research, and leadership roles. Students are advised to take a series of science courses, including General Chemistry with Laboratory, Organic Chemistry with Laboratory, Physics with Laboratory, and Biology with Laboratory, often rated as critical prerequisites for medical school applications. In addition to science coursework, students should complete courses in English and the social sciences to develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills. Carleton encourages students to work closely with faculty advisors to tailor their coursework to their career interests and to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The college does not have a formal pre-med major; instead, students major in any discipline while fulfilling the recommended science requirements. Participation in research projects and obtaining clinical experience through volunteering or internships are strongly recommended to strengthen applications. Maintaining a competitive GPA, typically above 3.5, and gaining relevant experience are also important. Students are encouraged to explore leadership opportunities and involvement in campus organizations. Carleton's pre-med advising office offers guidance throughout students' undergraduate careers, ensuring they meet all academic and experiential prerequisites for medical school. While Carleton does not guarantee admission or provide a pre-med major, its comprehensive support and rigorous academic standards prepare students effectively for medical school applications and careers in healthcare.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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The Pre-Med program at Carleton College does not have a specific, dedicated financing studies or financial aid program exclusively for pre-med students. However, students pursuing this pathway benefit from a comprehensive range of financial aid options available to all undergraduates at Carleton College. The college is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student aid, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede a student’s educational pursuits.

Carleton College offers need-based financial aid packages that are designed to make education affordable for students from diverse economic backgrounds. These packages generally include grants and scholarships that do not require repayment, significantly reducing the financial burden associated with higher education and pre-professional studies such as pre-med. To apply for financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, which together provide a comprehensive picture of their financial situation.

In addition to need-based aid, students may explore external scholarship opportunities, some of which are specifically aimed at pre-med students or those interested in health sciences. The college’s Office of Financial Aid assists students in identifying scholarship opportunities, completing applications, and maximizing financial resources.

Students also have access to work-study programs and part-time employment opportunities on campus, which can help defray costs related to their studies. The college’s commitment to affordability is demonstrated by its strong financial support system and transparent policies.

For students planning their finances around pre-med studies, it is important to budget for expenses such as textbooks, laboratory supplies, exam fees (such as MCAT), and other preparatory costs for medical school applications. While Carleton College provides substantial financial support to reduce the overall cost of attendance, students are encouraged to plan ahead, stay informed about financial aid deadlines, and actively seek scholarship opportunities to further ease their financial commitments during their pre-med undergraduate experience.

The Pre-Med program at Carleton College is designed to prepare students for admission to medical schools and other health profession programs. While Carleton does not offer a pre-med major per se, it provides a comprehensive science curriculum and advising to support students interested in medicine. Students typically pursue majors in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields, complemented by courses in physics and mathematics to fulfill medical school prerequisites. The college emphasizes a strong foundation in the sciences, critical thinking, and research skills essential for success in health-related fields.

Carleton College offers personalized pre-health advising through its Office of the Health Professions Adviser, who assists students in course selection, extracurricular activities, research opportunities, and the medical school application process. The college encourages students to gain clinical experience through volunteering, internships, and shadowing opportunities, which are essential components of a competitive medical school application. Additionally, students are supported in engaging in research projects, often in collaboration with faculty members, to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.

The college's liberal arts focus ensures that pre-med students also engage in courses outside of the sciences, such as ethics, social sciences, and humanities, providing a well-rounded education. This broad perspective is highly valued by future medical schools, which seek applicants with diverse interests and experiences. Carleton College's supportive academic environment, small class sizes, and strong faculty-student mentorship foster a conducive setting for rigorous academic preparation and personal development.

Application to medical schools from Carleton graduates is strong, with many students gaining acceptance to prestigious programs across the country. The college regularly updates its advising and program offerings to align with current medical school prerequisites and evolving healthcare landscapes. Overall, Carleton College’s pre-med preparation emphasizes academic excellence, experiential learning, ethical reasoning, and professional development, aiming to produce well-prepared, compassionate healthcare professionals.