Foreword

As of July 1, 2006, the University of Georgia Premedical Studies Office moved to Memorial Hall under the supervision of the Vice President for Instruction and now serves all University of Georgia students who seek to become physicians, dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists. This document is directed to the typical premedical student who may be described as well above average in both aptitude and motivation. Some of the suggestions may not necessarily apply to either the truly exceptional student or to those below average in ability. Students considerably older than average, particularly those who have completed the baccalaureate degree before deciding to prepare for medical school, will have special needs that may not be addressed fully. These recommendations are believed to be sound for most premedical students and are based on experiences of two UGA faculty in the Premedical Studies Office [Norman Sansing, Ph.D. (1979-1997) and R. Alan Langford, M.D. (1997 to 2006 and continuing)]. These guidelines should not, however, be viewed as a program which, if followed, will guarantee admission to medical school and a successful career in medicine. The medical profession is one of the most demanding and there are no guarantees of success. The traits that predict success in medicine are obvious and include high academic aptitude, hard work, the ability to interact well with people, good judgment, compassion, and confidence (but not arrogance).

All serious premedical students are urged to study this information then refer to it periodically to help answer specific questions as they arise. Students may also wish to share this information with parents to help them better understand what is required to complete a premedical course of study and increase the chances for admission to medical school. Questions not covered may be answered during advising appointments with the "premed" advisors or during scheduled periodic group advising sessions.

The sole purpose of this document is to offer information that will assist students in planning their undergraduate program and offer some general advice about subjects that may make an applicant more competitive. It is intended to suggest a course of action that experience has shown will aid most students. None of the advice should be viewed as absolute or required except for those courses which are minimum requirements for admission to medical school. It is the applicant who will ultimately succeed or fail when evaluated on the basis of the record earned; hence the final responsibility for making any decision regarding the academic program must rest with the student and not with an advisor.

Comments and suggestions regarding any aspect of the information and advice in this document will be most welcome and appreciated.

N.G.S./R.A.L.

(Please send all questions and comments to resa@uga.edu, Memorial Hall, Athens, GA 30602)