University of Minnesota-Duluth                 from 2010 graduate Veronica Nelson

    
1. Why is your school good for pre-meds?

There is a medical school on campus, for one, and the medical school is accessible to undergraduate students interested in understanding more about the programs offered or in pursuing science and health fields.

UMD also has strong science programs that challenge and engage students. There are myriad opportunities for students in so far as paid summer programs and internships to year-round experiences; the professors are willing to talk with students interested in pursuing the sciences outside of class and act as excellent guides and mentors. Professors are often available for discussion on progress in class as well. There are multiple multi-ethnic programs and supportive graduate and undergraduate institutions within the UMD science and medical facilities.

It is a supportive network of individuals encompassing the College of Science and Engineering as well as the many tiers involved with the Medical School.

  


2. What are some clubs pre-meds should be involved in?

I would personally encourage pre-med students to be involved in multiple clubs on campus, many of them are networking opportunities that emphasize community and/or campus service. Certainly there is the Pre-Med student group, and the American Indians in Science and Engineering (AISES) student group. Access For All (AFA) student group plans events that raise disability awareness. There are student organization fairs that allow students to explore the broad range of prospects for involvement.

  


3. Who are some good advisers?

Dr. Joanne Itami is amazing. She is so amazing that she is usually incredibly busy - still, she always found time to help me design my course schedule and saved me from being set back a couple of times. Dr. Shannon Stevenson was an unofficial adviser to me, as well as many professors who I took the time to get to know and let get to know me. 

  


4. Who are some good professors?

-Dr. Shannon Stevenson teaches cell biology and general biology and has valuable interactive learning exercises, is available outside of class for assistance, encourages continued pursuit of the sciences and can advise pre-med students on MCAT preparation and admission applications.
-Dr. Ben Clarke has a contagious enthusiasm and appreciation for exploration of the life sciences through learning and teaches immunology and microbiology.

-Lyle Shannon is a popular general biology and animal diversity instructor who presents heavy material in a playful way and who promotes creativity from his students.
-Dr. Elizabeth Minor teaches quantitative analysis and other chemistry courses. She handles challenging material in a straight forward fashion and is an advocate for students who are interested in working outside of class.
-Chad Pierson for pre-calculus and calculus has energetic lectures and expects a certain amount of work from students that adequately prepares them for exams.

I was fortunate - or it is of further testament to UMD's strong education program in the sciences - that I have not had a professor I did not like. One piece of advise, introduce yourself to your professors, ask questions in and out of class, and do not miss class, and I bet anyone can do well with any professor.


5. What classes do you recommend taking, especially for MCAT prep?

General biology I&II, general chemistry I&II, organic chemistry I&II, and physics I&II are must haves. Embryology, cell biology, biochemistry I and anatomy do not hurt to take as well and certainly help with enhancing the thought process needed to handle the material on the MCAT.
Medical schools have recommended that I take at least cell biology and calculus or statistics before applying.

  

6. What majors do you recommend?

I recommend individuals choose a major that they are passionate about and feel the fit. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies, and minored in Chemistry and Art. UMD does have a pre-med route that outlines courses that are acceptable to many if not most medical schools.

I graduated in 4.5 years with this double loaded objective and each semester had a good balance of liberal arts and science courses. I am now a preferred candidate for medical and graduate programs because I offer a diverse perspective.

  

7. What are some research and paid job opportunities?

Research opportunities are open ended. Speak with a professor of the sciences and express an interest, I guarantee there will be a lab open, in the medical school, pharmacy, environmental sciences and geology. Such experience can certainly be paid or for credit as an internship. Programs for summer and year round include: Bridges/Pathways program, Native Americans in Medicine (NAM), Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP), Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) -self directed.

8. Anything else you would like to add.

UMD is located in a beautiful place, Duluth, MN, on the shores of Lake Superior. Take time to take in the abundant wilderness, trails, vision of natural wonder in and around this area!