Predental, Premedical, Preoptometry, Preveterinary Preparation

Premedical, Predental, and Preoptometry Advisor

Elaine Magyar

Preveterinary Advisor

Rebeka Merson

To qualify for admission to dental, medical, optometry, or veterinary school, students must present a strong liberal arts background, show competency in writing, competency in their chosen academic majors, and demonstrate some knowledge of work in the laboratory sciences. Although neither a specific major nor a specific program of study is required for application, a biology or chemistry major will provide excellent preparation. In addition, most schools require the results of the student’s performance on standardized tests of verbal and quantitative analytical abilities, knowledge in certain content areas, and analytical and critical thinking.

Beginning in the freshman year, students interested in dental, medical, optometry, or veterinary school should consult with the appropriate preprofessional advisor concerning a plan of study and application procedures to a professional school. Since individual schools have specific course requirements, it is essential to consult with the advisor early in the program of study. Students should also supplement their majors with the following courses: BIOL 111, BIOL 112; CHEM 103, CHEM 104, CHEM 205, CHEM 206, CHEM 310; PHYS 101, PHYS 102; and two or three courses in advanced biology, chosen in consultation with the appropriate advisor. Premedical students should also take PSYC 110 and SOC 200 in preparation for the MCAT. It is strongly recommended that students take mathematics sequences through calculus as well as intermediate or advanced courses in modern foreign languages.

Each year the faculty is able to nominate several students who are Rhode Island residents as candidates for the Early Identification Program of the Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Students who are accepted into this competitive program and successfully complete their undergraduate coursework at Rhode Island College can be accepted into Brown’s medical school upon graduation. Complete details are available from the premedical advisor.