Clinical Experience --all health profession training programs require that you gain some knowledge of the profession to which you aspire before applying. In the case of medical school, there is no particular time commitment that you must make, though we recommend volunteering in a clinical setting at least once per week over the course of a semester or summer. Students interested in vet school will need extensive experience working with animals. Dental applicants also must demonstrate that they have spent a significant number of hours working or volunteering in a clinical setting (some schools will require a mimimum number of hours). Other professions will have similar rquirements.
Other Activities--Health profession training programs are interested in individuals who have strong interpersonal abilities. In evaluating your application, they will look for evidence that you have challenged yourself interpersonally through activities in which you have shown leadership, been of service to others, or have demonstrated the ability to communicate with others across cultures. You will be able to note your activities in detail as part of your applications. Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, mentors, and members of the faculty can also reveal the development of your interpersonal skills during your time at Brown University.
In your first semester--If you are just starting as a student at Brown and as a premed you should attend the Health Careers Office meeting during orientation week and then an information session for students new to the premed track sometime during the fall term. For your courses, we often recommend starting the chemistry sequence early though this depends upon your interests and academic goals. Consult the list of recommended premed courses to see which courses you will need to take. We urge you not to take more than two science courses in your first semester of study.
Time Management--All students, regardless of their post-college aspirations, need to balance their time commitments carefully. You must allow enough time to study for classes without cutting into your non-academic interests (and time for fun!) and vice versa.
Connect with Faculty and Other Mentors--they will not only provide you with intellectual stimulation but also will give you excellent guidance and support. Ultimately, they will be the individuals who can write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Concentrations--Medical and other health profession schools do not require any particular concentration. Hence, you should choose your concentration based upon your academic interests. Health profession schools will be most interested in what you've learned from your concentration as well as the rationale for your academic choices. You should also be aware that multiple concentrations do not enhance your chances of being admitted.