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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/1/24
Each and every year, Cornell pre-med students move onto medical school. And just last year, an impressive 402 Cornell students made that dream a reality.
From meeting Cornell's strict academic requirements to actively engaging in extracurricular activities, these aspiring physicians demonstrate commitment and resilience on their path to success.
In this blog, we'll take a look at the specifics of Cornell's pre-med program, its rigorous academic curriculum, unique extracurricular opportunities, and the support systems in place to help students get ahead.
Whether you're a current Cornell pre-med student or considering joining the program, this blog aims to provide insights and guidance to help you succeed on your journey to medical school. Let’s get into it.
If you’re eyeing the pre-med program at Cornell, its a good idea to get familiar with the Cornell pre-med requirements.
Sticking to Cornell's requirements is key for your medical school path. So, do your best to ace these classes.
Planning your academic trajectory as a Cornell pre-med is key to reaching your goal of medical school acceptance. A well-crafted two-year course plan ensures you meet prerequisites while maximizing your academic and extracurricular opportunities.
By strategically choosing courses, balancing your workload, and seeking guidance from advisors, you can enhance your academic journey and increase your chances of achieving your goal of becoming a physician.
To keep your GPA high at Cornell, make use of campus resources, plan your courses well, think about taking summer classes, prioritize self-care, and ask for academic help when needed. Stay engaged in class, seek feedback, and balance academics with extracurriculars for long-term success. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tips.
As a Cornell pre-med student, finding academic resources is crucial for navigating your journey toward a career in healthcare. Cornell's Arts & Sciences Student Services offers valuable guidance on exploring health careers, designing academic plans, and managing mental health during your studies.
Plus, the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) serves as a central hub for pre-health advising and support. Alongside these, various student services partners provide resources for career development, identity support, writing assistance, and academic diversity initiatives, ensuring you have the tools you need to succeed on your path.
Cornell pre-med students have a range of majors to choose from that match their interests and career aspirations. While majors like biology and biochemistry are popular due to their alignment with medical school prerequisites, students can also explore diverse fields such as psychology, sociology, or public health.
Don't feel limited to traditional science majors—interdisciplinary programs or minors can offer valuable perspectives on healthcare. Ultimately, the best major is one that reflects your passions and strengths while preparing you for a successful career in medicine.
When deciding when to take the MCAT at Cornell, consider your course progression, study time, and application timeline. For students not planning a gap year and starting pre-med courses early, aiming for late fall or early winter of junior year is often best.
This allows ample time for course completion and dedicated study during winter break, with the option for a retake if needed.
Before the MCAT, completing specific courses covering tested material is recommended, including chemistry, biology, physics, and biochemistry. While biochemistry is important, subjects like sociology and psychology are also tested and can be self-studied alongside coursework for thorough preparation.
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Cornell students can engage in various extracurricular activities, including tutoring, serving as teaching assistants, participating in service projects, and networking with healthcare professionals for shadowing opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at each of these opportunities.
At Cornell University, they stress the significance of both clinical and community volunteering in shaping a well-rounded pre-medical education. These experiences demonstrate a student's dedication to helping others and offer valuable insights into healthcare and patient interactions.
For community involvement, students have various options to show their commitment to service. They can serve as teaching assistants, tutors, or student advisors in academic departments or support programs like the Learning Strategies Center (LSC) and the Knight Writing Institute.
Additionally, volunteering with local organizations or participating in service projects through the Public Service Center allows students to connect with diverse communities and address societal needs.
In terms of clinical experiences, networking is key. Students are encouraged to utilize their connections with healthcare professionals, including family physicians, and take advantage of resources like Cornell's Career Development services to explore shadowing opportunities.
Platforms like Handshake offer an easy way to find available positions in clinical settings while reaching out directly to local practitioners through email or phone, demonstrating proactive initiative.
For hands-on clinical exposure, students can explore roles such as medical scribes, certified nursing assistants, or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Working in these capacities provides valuable direct patient care experience, helping students develop essential skills in communication, empathy, and teamwork within healthcare environments.
Overall, Cornell's emphasis on clinical and community volunteering highlights the institution's dedication to fostering well-rounded and compassionate future healthcare professionals.
By actively participating in these experiences, students not only enhance their medical school applications but also gain a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities and the significance of service in the field of medicine.
Cornell's affiliation with Weill Cornell School of Medicine offers great shadowing opportunities.
To find shadowing opportunities, students can:
While it may take a bit more effort compared to universities with medical schools on-campus or in larger cities, Cornell students can still access valuable shadowing experiences to support their pre-med journey.
Cornell pre-medical students can find research opportunities through CURB and other programs, especially during the summer or by working with Weill Cornell School of Medicine. Let’s take a look at each of these resources.
CURB plays a central role in guiding students through their research journey. They organize events and initiatives that showcase student research achievements, fostering a vibrant research culture on campus. Whether through symposiums or mentorship programs, CURB provides a platform for students to explore their academic interests.
Cornell offers a wide range of research opportunities across colleges, departments, and institutes. These initiatives provide students with diverse research projects and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, enriching their experiences and broadening their horizons.
Summer is an ideal time for pre-medical students to dive into research. There are numerous summer research programs available in the US and abroad, allowing students to explore cutting-edge topics and develop valuable skills under experienced mentors.
For instance, the Travelers Summer Research Fellowship Program 2024 focuses on addressing the health needs of underserved populations. Similarly, the Gateways to the Laboratory Summer Program aims to increase diversity in medicine and science, preparing students for successful careers in biomedical research and academic medicine.
Weill Cornell School of Medicine offers exceptional opportunities for hands-on research experience. Through summer programs and collaborations with faculty, students gain insight into biomedical research and clinical practice, contributing to advancements in medical science.
In short, Cornell supports pre-medical students in their research. Through resources like CURB, cross-institutional initiatives, summer opportunities, and collaboration with Weill Medical School, students can prepare for success in medicine.
As you plan your extracurricular activities, it's essential to consider why they matter to you, what you aim to gain from them, and how they align with the Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students outlined by the American Association of Medical Colleges.
Remember, health professional schools don't prioritize activities—they want to understand why you find them meaningful. So, rather than viewing your activity list as a checklist, focus on the significance behind each one.
Take advantage of resources like the Pre-Health Activities guide for assistance in designing your activities, and don't hesitate to seek advice from Career Development if you need help planning.
Cornell's pre-med program is known for its high acceptance rate, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering successful medical professionals. Students receive support and guidance throughout the medical school application process, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers in medicine.
The Cornell pre-med acceptance rate is 76%. Over the years, the Berry Career Institute has diligently tracked this rate, demonstrating Cornell's effectiveness in preparing aspiring medical professionals.
This number, which includes reapplicants, demonstrates Cornell's dedication to assisting students throughout the medical school application process. As a result, Cornell achieves a higher acceptance rate, surpassing the national average of 40%.
Despite the competitive nature of medical school admissions, Cornell pre-med students stand out among applicants. For instance, Weill Cornell Medical College receives a staggering 7,000 applications for just 106 positions in the entering class.
However, Cornell's pre-med students demonstrate their readiness and qualifications by earning a significant number of interview invitations for both the M.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. programs.
Cornell's impressive pre-med acceptance rate highlights the university's commitment to top-notch medical education and student readiness. With thorough support and resources, Cornell ensures its pre-med students are fully prepared to navigate the demanding medical school admissions process, paving the way for rewarding careers in medicine.
Getting into Cornell as a pre-med student involves using the resources available at the Cornell Career Services office, especially the Cornell Health Careers Advising Program. This program helps students with the medical school application process by providing useful advice and debunking common myths.
As you approach the application year, working closely with the Career Services office becomes important, especially when it comes to drafting the committee letter—a summary of your achievements and recommendations.
Many medical schools require this letter, so it's crucial to follow the Health Careers Advising Application Preparation Process (HCA-APP), which includes completing modules, quizzes, an application, and submitting your personal statement for review. Following this process will help you navigate the medical school application journey effectively.
To sum it up, succeeding as a Cornell pre-med boils down to hard work, smart choices, and resilience. By staying focused on academics, getting involved in meaningful extracurricular activities, building relationships with mentors, and maintaining a balanced life, you can set yourself up for success on the path to medical school.
It won't always be easy, but with determination and a positive attitude, you can overcome challenges and reach your goal of becoming a successful physician. Keep pushing forward, and remember that your efforts today will pay off tomorrow.
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