How to Succeed as a UNC Premed

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Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 7/3/24

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Discover essential insights and strategies for success as a premed student at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

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In this guide, we'll provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you succeed in meeting UNC premed requirements and preparing for a successful career in medicine. We’ll also show you how to find academic resources, UNC Premed extracurriculars, and more. Keep reading to learn how to succeed in this prestigious medical school.

UNC Premed Requirements

Aspiring premed students at UNC Chapel Hill must fulfill specific requirements to prepare for medical school admission. Here's an overview:

Students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and clinical experiences to enhance their candidacy for medical school admission. It's essential to consult with academic advisors and the UNC premed office to ensure all requirements are met.

UNC Premed Two-Year Course Plan

Planning your coursework strategically is essential for success as a premed student. Here's a sample two-year course plan to help you fulfill the necessary prerequisites for medical school:

Year 1

Year 2

Make sure to alter the plan based on your needs, advanced placement credits, or the extra prerequisites that medical schools ask for. Regularly consult with academic advisors to track your progress so you can adjust as needed.

Strategies for Maintaining a High GPA

Maintaining a high GPA is crucial for premed students to remain competitive for medical school admission. Here are some effective strategies to help you achieve academic success:

• Effective Time Management: Develop a schedule that allocates dedicated time for studying, attending classes, and participating in extracurricular activities. Prioritize your academics and avoid procrastination.
• Active Engagement in Classes: Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and seek clarification from professors. Engaging with course material during lectures enhances understanding and retention, leading to better performance on exams and assignments.
• Regular Review and Study Sessions: Review lecture notes, readings, and course materials regularly to reinforce learning and identify areas of weakness. Schedule regular sessions and utilize effective study techniques such as active recall and concept mapping.
• Use Academic Resources: UNC offers academic resources, including tutoring services, study groups, and academic workshops. When needed, seek help from professors, teaching assistants, and academic advisors.
• Maintain a Healthy Balance: Balance your academics with self-care activities, hobbies, and social interactions. Prioritize adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation to support overall well-being and cognitive function.
• Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable academic goals based on your abilities, interests, and aspirations. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate milestones to maintain motivation and momentum.
• Seek Feedback and Improvement: Actively seek feedback on assignments, exams, and coursework to identify areas for improvement. Use feedback constructively to adjust study strategies, address weaknesses, and enhance performance in future assessments.
• Stay Organized and Prepared: Use planners, calendars, or digital tools to stay organized with course materials, assignments, and deadlines. Prepare for classes and exams in advance by reviewing materials, creating study guides, and practicing problem-solving exercises.

With these strategies consistently, you’ll maintain a high GPA, demonstrate academic excellence, and be competitive for medical school admission. Remember that academic success requires dedication, perseverance, and a proactive approach to learning.

Finding Academic Resources

Without a doubt, accessing academic resources is essential for every student to excel in their coursework and prepare for medical school. Here are effective strategies for finding academic resources:

• University Libraries: Explore UNC-Chapel Hill's library system. The library offers access to textbooks, research journals, and online databases. Use library services such as interlibrary loan and research assistance for additional resources.
• Online Databases: Access databases such as PubMed, JSTOR, and Web of Science to find scholarly articles, research papers, and academic publications relevant to your coursework and research interests.
• Tutoring Centers: Get academic resources from the tutoring services offered by UNC academic support centers. Tutoring centers provide one-on-one or group tutoring sessions in various subjects, including math, science, writing, and foreign languages.
• Study Groups: Form or join study groups with classmates to collaborate on assignments, review course materials, and prepare for exams. Study groups facilitate student peer learning, idea exchange, and mutual support.
• Online Learning Platforms: Explore online learning platforms such as Coursera, Khan Academy, and edX for supplemental educational resources, tutorials, and interactive courses in various subjects.
• Peer Mentoring Programs: Participate in peer mentoring programs offered by UNC prehealth organizations or academic departments. Peer mentors provide guidance, support, and advice to fellow students based on their own academic experiences and successes.

With these academic resources, premed students at UNC Chapel Hill can enhance their learning experience, strengthen their academic skills, and succeed in their coursework and future work. 

Selecting the Ideal Major for UNC Premed Students

Many times, applicants don't know which major to pick because there are many courses to choose from. However, UNC's five most common premed majors are biology, biochemistry, journalism, psychology, business administration, and computer science. Here are key considerations to help you select the ideal major:

• Prerequisite Coursework: Ensure that your chosen major aligns with the prerequisite coursework required for admission. Most medical schools require biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English coursework, so selecting a major that includes these courses can streamline your academic path.
• Interest and Passion: Pursue a major that aligns with your interests, strengths, and career goals. Selecting a major you are passionate about will enhance your motivation, engagement, and academic performance.
• Flexibility and Breadth: Consider majors that offer flexibility and breadth in coursework, allowing you to explore diverse subjects and disciplines. Majors with interdisciplinary or customizable curriculum options provide opportunities to tailor your academic experience to your interests and goals.
• Relevance to Medicine: Choose a major that provides relevant knowledge and skills for a medical career. Majors such as biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, and public health offer coursework related to healthcare, human biology, and medical science.
• Research and Clinical Opportunities: Select a major that offers opportunities for research experiences, clinical internships, or hands-on learning opportunities. Engaging in research or clinical work related to your major can deepen your understanding of healthcare and strengthen your medical school application.
• Consideration of Backup Plans: While pursuing a major is important, also consider your interests outside of medicine and potential backup career options. Choose a major that provides transferable skills and opportunities for employment or further education in case your plans for medical school change.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to selecting the ideal major for UNC premed students. It's essential to carefully weigh your interests, goals, and academic strengths and choose a major that aligns with your aspirations while providing a solid foundation for your future medical career.

If you’re not sure where to start, try your hand at our Which Pre-Med Major Should I Pick quiz!

MCAT Considerations

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a crucial component of the medical school application process for premed students. Here's what you need to know:

• Start preparing for the MCAT in advance to allow sufficient time for study and practice. Most premed students begin studying for the MCAT during their junior year or earlier to ensure adequate preparation.
• The MCAT assesses knowledge and skills in four main areas: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
• Aim for a competitive MCAT score that meets or exceeds the average scores of accepted students at medical schools of interest.
• Register for the MCAT exam in advance to secure your preferred test date and location. Plan your study schedule around the exam date to ensure adequate preparation and minimize stress.
• Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the MCAT exam's format, content, and timing. 
• Prepare for test day by getting a good night's sleep, eating a nutritious meal, and arriving at the test center early. Bring all required identification and materials, such as pencils and a valid ID, and familiarize yourself with the testing procedures beforehand.
• Familiarize yourself with the MCAT retake policy, which allows you to retake the exam if necessary.

If you still need help, seeking the guidance of an expert can make all the difference. Our one-on-one MCAT tutoring services can help you identify your strengths, create a personalized study plan, and maximize your overall score. Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what Stephany had to say about working with Inspira Advantage:

Final Thoughts

Getting a premed at UNC is challenging yet rewarding since you’ll be equipped with the best medical knowledge. As you choose this institution, remember the importance of resilience, perseverance, and dedication. Embrace opportunities that will help you grow academically and personally, and don't hesitate to seek support from mentors, advisors, and peers. 

Remember that setbacks and obstacles are inevitable, but they also provide valuable lessons and development opportunities. Stay focused on your goals, remain true to your passion for medicine, and trust your abilities to overcome challenges and succeed.