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Getting Started

College success requires balancing many competing demands.

To get started right...

Prioritize your academics

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Build strong study habits (utilizing available supports as necessary).  In addition to developing strong science competencies (in the classroom and laboratory), explore non-science courses that expand your understanding of our complex world and about people, particularly those with lived experiences different from your own.

Strategically plan your course of study. Work with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisor to understand what is recommended as you prepare for your future career and map out a plan for completing courses and gaining experience

Find community

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Connect with others through student clubs and organizations, identity-based centers, community-based activities, your Residential Learning Community, a Career Interest Group, etc.  Connect with fellow students and alums on UVM Connect through the Health Professions Interest Group (HPIG).

Take care of yourself

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Balance your school and other responsibilities with activities that bring you joy.  Remember to eat, hydrate, exercise, and sleep!

UVM's Center for Health & Wellbeing

 

Gain exposure to healthcare

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Find creative ways to keep your pulse on healthcare-related issues by following the news, and engaging with people in the field through networking, volunteering, shadowing, and paid experiences.

Ways to Get Experience

Follow the Health Professions Collection in Handshake for access to healthcare employers, events, and work opportunities.

Build your character

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Reflect on who you are and way you can grow into the professional you want to be.  The guide below outlines the professional competencies defined by the Association American of Medical Colleges (AAMC).

Advanced Placement

AP Credit

Schools vary in their AP credit acceptance. Students wanting to use AP credit for required science courses are advised to take an equivalent number of credits in upper-level courses in the same discipline. Those with English AP credit, should take at least one English/writing-intensive course.
Two students studying together at a table

Community College & Summer Coursework

Med schools generally prefer that prerequisite courses be taken at a 4-year institution during the regular term. Students who took summer/community colleges course, should plan to take upper-level courses in the same disciplines at UVM and be prepared to demonstrate competency in on the MCAT.
Study abroad collage of images from New Zealand, the Azores, Finland, and more.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a great way to develop your Core Competencies & is encouraged. Plan ahead to fit this into your course of study. We advise against taking general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, or intro psychology abroad as they may not prepare you well or be accepted

Path-Specific Course Recommendations & Resources

A wealth of resources available to all UVM students, advisors, faculty & staff.

A note on Competency-Based Admissions (Med School)

As many institutions move to a competency-based admissions process, understanding and articulating your skills and competencies is a critical part of preparing to apply to medical or dental school.

Programs are seeking candidates who are mature, self-reflective, and dedicated to developing their skills, knowledge, traits, and abilities.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has outlined 15 Core Competencies that demonstrate your preparedness for medical school, which align closely with the competency domains outlined by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).  These range from dispositions and behaviors to specific skills and abilities. 

Familiarize yourself with these competencies and find examples of how others have demonstrated their competencies in action.  Ask yourself honestly...

  • which of these competencies come naturally to you, and which you may need to spend more time developing.
  • what kinds of experiences will push you in advancing your awareness, knowledge, and skills?
  • how will you showcase these competencies and experiences in your application materials?

Reflecting on your competencies is a fluid and on-going process that you should re-visit throughout your time as an undergraduate and after graduating.  Download the Anatomy of an Applicant Self-Assessment Guide from the AAMC Resource page and challenge yourself to fill it out yearly leading up to your application to medical, dental, or physician assistant school. A realistic assessment of your relevant skills, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses will prove invaluable.