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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 3/11/24
Looking to fast-track your journey to becoming a doctor? The Brown premed program, PLME, offers a direct path to a medical career. Let’s get into it.
Lasting eight years, the PLME program is the only combined baccalaureate-MD program in the Ivy League. Students can choose from various undergraduate degrees, including sciences and humanities.
Brown's PLME is a fantastic opportunity for those passionate about medicine. With proper preparation, navigating the admissions process can lead to a fulfilling medical education. So, let’s take a look at the requirements, some expert tips, and more.
Brown's PLME program doesn't have strict requirements, but it's recommended that applicants take honors or AP courses in high school. They should also complete coursework in English, math (up to Calculus for STEM-bound students), science (with lab experience), history, and foreign language.
Taking advanced courses in their intended major area is advised, and Brown values students who show academic curiosity and readiness for challenge. Though it isn’t one of the premed requirements at Brown, it’s also wise to maintain a high GPA - let’s take a look at some strategies to help you do just that.
While Brown University doesn't calculate GPAs, maintaining high grades is crucial for the Brown PLME program. Here are some strategies for achieving and maintaining a high GPA:
By incorporating these strategies into your academic routine and striving for academic excellence, you will not only enhance your competitiveness for the Brown PLME program but also develop the skills and habits necessary for success in college and beyond.
PLME students at Brown University have many academic opportunities like extra activities, research, and studying abroad, along with support for medical school applications and global health initiatives. Let’s take a closer look at these PLME academic resources.
Choosing the right major as a Brown University premed undergrad offers a unique advantage compared to traditional pre-med paths. While many pre-meds stick to majors like biology or psychology, PLME students have the freedom to explore diverse fields like political science or English without worrying about their med school prospects.
Essentially, you can pursue your passions, whether it's becoming fluent in Italian or delving into Asian literature, without it impacting your future in medicine. This flexibility allows for a well-rounded education while still preparing for medical school.
Just remember, if you're seeking an accelerated path to becoming a doctor, the PLME program might not be the best fit. It's all about embracing a breadth of education and enjoying the journey toward your medical career.
For PLME students, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is not mandatory for matriculation into The Warren Alpert Medical School if they are in good academic standing.
However, if you apply to The Warren Alpert Medical School as a regular medical school applicant, it is required.
The MCAT is a prerequisite for all AMCAS applicants applying directly to The Warren Alpert Medical School. Scores from tests taken within the three-year period prior to matriculation are acceptable. For instance, applicants to the 2024 first-year entering class must present MCAT scores dated from January 1, 2021, onward.
It's highly recommended to take the MCAT exam as early as possible during the application year. For details regarding the MCAT test schedule and general instructions, refer to the AAMC website. The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University considers all applications completed by our deadline of November 1, 2023. All scores received prior to the deadline are considered for the current cycle.
There is no specific requirement for a minimum MCAT composite score. However, the median MCAT for the past three classes was 516, 516, and 515, respectively.
However, keep in mind that if you're applying to the PLME program, you typically do not need to take the MCAT. The requirement only applies to regular medical school applicants, not PLME candidates.
Pre-med students at Brown University have a variety of extracurricular options, like volunteering with CHAP and Project Inspire or doing research through programs like Summer Research Assistantships and BrownConnect. These activities help students gain practical experience, get motivated, and prepare for medical school. Let’s take a look at them.
Volunteering opportunities at Brown, such as CHAP, Child Health, and Project Inspire, allow PLME students to engage with their community, develop essential skills, and gain insights into healthcare beyond the classroom. Let’s take a look at each of these programs.
These volunteering opportunities not only allow PLME students to give back to their community but also help them develop leadership, communication, and empathy skills essential for their future careers in medicine.
It’s also important to consider taking a gap year to pursue extracurriculars that would elevate your professional and personal experience in the medical field. Some students even decide to extend the eight-year PLME program to allow them to take a gap year job or pursue other initiatives outside of the program.
PLME students at Brown University can join research programs like Summer Research Assistantships, focusing on topics like infectious diseases and global health, while also accessing internship opportunities through BrownConnect. These experiences allow students to work closely with faculty mentors and contribute to various fields of study. Let’s get into them.
These resources offer PLME students the chance to engage in meaningful research experiences, develop important skills, and contribute to advancements in various fields of study.
The Medicine in Action Program (MIAP) at Brown University offers a valuable opportunity for both medical students and undergraduate PLME students to shadow physicians. Participants can explore various clinical settings, observe physician-patient interactions, join medical teams on rounds, and gain insights into different medical careers.
To participate, students can send an email indicating their specialties of interest and preferred shadowing period. Physicians can sign up through a dedicated form and once matched with a student, they coordinate the visit directly with the student.
To get into the Brown premed program, knowing your application options, preparing well for virtual interviews, and emphasizing your passions and leadership are important. Discussing your research or clinical work, meeting coursework requirements, staying organized, and exploring financial aid are also wise. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tips.
When applying to The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, it's crucial to understand the various admission routes available.
Whether you opt for the standard AMCAS route or the unique PLME route designed for high school seniors, each pathway has its specific requirements and deadlines. Take the time to research and familiarize yourself with these routes to ensure you choose the one that aligns best with your academic and career goals.
Make sure to thoroughly prepare for those virtual interviews. Practice the usual questions and make sure your answers show off your love for medicine, your leadership skills, and your dedication to helping others. Interviews are your chance to shine and show why you're a top candidate for med school.
Highlight your intellectual curiosity, research or clinical experience, and dedication to serving others during the application process.
The admissions committee at Brown values diversity, so emphasize how your unique background and experiences contribute to a diverse medical student body. By aligning with the evaluation criteria and emphasizing your strengths, you'll enhance your chances of acceptance.
Ensure you meet the minimum coursework requirements, including prerequisites in quantitative reasoning, biology, chemistry, physics, and writing. Pay attention to details and provide accurate information to demonstrate your competency in foundational sciences. Adhering to these requirements showcases your readiness for medical school.
Do your best to transparently communicate any accommodation needs. The admissions office is there to support you throughout the process, so don't hesitate to seek guidance if you require accommodations. By being proactive and transparent, you ensure a smooth application experience.
Stay organized and manage your application timeline effectively. Adhere to deadlines for submission, secondary application completion, and interview scheduling to avoid any delays. Utilize available resources, such as workshops and webinars, to navigate the application process smoothly and maximize your chances of success.
Check out financial aid options like scholarships, grants, and loans to support your medical education, and don't hesitate to ask for guidance. Whether you're an international applicant or a DACA candidate, there are resources to help ease financial burdens, so make sure to seize these opportunities to pursue your medical education without worrying too much about money.
You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re eager to get into Brown’s PLME program, reach out for help. Our medical school admissions consulting services can support you as you navigate the challenging admissions process.
With start-to-finish consulting, you'll receive expert insights and support for every stage, from primaries and secondary essays to interviews, giving you a competitive edge and maximizing your chances of acceptance into medical school.
If you are admitted to the Brown University PLME program, you do not need to apply separately to medical school. The PLME program is an eight-year combined baccalaureate/MD program where students are accepted into both undergraduate and medical school simultaneously.
As long as PLME students maintain good academic standing and fulfill program requirements, they are guaranteed a spot in the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University without the need for a separate medical school application process.
The Brown premed acceptance rate is approximately 2%. This makes gaining admission to the PLME program more competitive than gaining admission to the general student body of many prestigious colleges, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.
For the Class of 2027, out of 4,192 applicants, only 74 were admitted to the PLME program, while the majority, 4,118 applicants, were denied admission. These figures underscore the selectivity of the program.
Looking back, the Class of 2019 saw 61 students entering the PLME program. The average SAT scores for matriculants over the past three years were 742 for ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and 770 for Mathematics. Additionally, the average ACT composite score was 34.
These statistics highlight the rigorous standards and academic excellence expected of students admitted to the PLME program. Applicants should be prepared for a highly competitive admissions process and demonstrate outstanding academic achievements to maximize their chances of acceptance.
For those considering a career in medicine, exploring opportunities like the Brown premed program can provide a direct path to achieving their goals.
Getting through the admissions process for medical school takes some serious planning and prep work. It can be stressful and overwhelming, but the payoff of a guaranteed spot in medical school makes it all worthwhile. If you're aiming for a career in healthcare, you need to tackle this journey head-on, showing your dedication and love for medicine every step of the way.
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