Demystifying the Pre-Med Journey

Do you have a pre-med major?

At the Dietrich School, Pitt’s liberal arts core, any of our 50+ majors—as standalones, or in combination with a second major, minor, or certificate—can prepare students for medical school. Students with an interest in medical school or other health-related graduate and professional programs work with their advisors to create academic plans that include all necessary pre-requisites.

That means students can major in any area of interest to them and still be a competitive medical school applicant.

Do I need more than good grades to get into medical school?

According to Dr. Beth Piraino, Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, she and her colleagues are looking for applicants with a proven track record within and beyond the classroom. “Grades matter and the trajectory of grades matters. And activities are very important—community service, volunteering in a medical setting, shadowing, and research experience. We’re also looking for students who are resilient, capable of overcoming problems and collaborating with others.”

With several UPMC hospitals and healthcare facilities close to campus, it’s easy for Dietrich School students to secure these essential hands-on opportunities to complement their coursework.

What’s different about the Dietrich School?

No matter what major or majors they choose, all Dietrich School students complete core requirements focused on building skills relevant to every career and industry—written and verbal communication; problem solving and strategic planning; and, cultural competence and data analysis. For students interested in medical school, this is particularly relevant.

Dr. Beth Piraino says, “Our application review process is holistic. We’re looking at academics and also the supplemental essays. We want students who have been active in their communities because we want our graduates to improve the status of health in the community.”

In addition, Dietrich School students pursuing careers in medicine or health-related professions have access to Pitt’s Pre-Health Resource Center. The Center’s team of experts can assist with your applications; identifying mentors and networking opportunities; providing specialize support for pre-health undergraduates who are underrepresented in the health professions; and much more.

What kind of research opportunities exist at the Dietrich School?

When some people think of ‘research’ they imagine labs and test tubes. But research happens in every discipline. And all Dietrich School undergraduates are encouraged to participate in hands-on, faculty-mentored research in whatever subject area interests them. Recent student projects have included a comparative study on reproductive rights in the US and UK; contemporary Hawaiian visual art; intracellular protein trafficking; and, a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention that is intended to increase light activity (classified as standing and moving) in pregnant women who are at high risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Students can also participate in Field Studies and archival research in London, New York City, and Wyoming, much of which is partially or fully funded.

While some of our students enter the Dietrich School with previous research experience, most do not. And that’s fine! We prepare you to successfully conduct research as soon as the spring term of your first year.

Any ‘pro tips’ that might help me stand out as a medical school applicant?

Be prepared.

Dr. Beth Piraino, Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, says, “We want students who want to be here. Successful applicants have investigated our school and know what we’re about.” Pitt medical school’s new curriculum uses the acronym HAIL—Healers, Activists, Innovators, Leaders—to describe both the kinds of applicants best suited for their program and the intentions those applicants should have once they graduate and begin practicing medicine.

Also, take advantage of resources like the Pitt’s Pre-Health Resource Center and the Dietrich School’s Academic Advising Center, Study Lab, Office of Undergraduate Research, and First Year Programs. The expert staff members in these units can help you meet your goals within and outside of the classroom, no matter what direction your career path takes after graduation.