Business Honors & Pre-med Guide by Mays Business School

2021

BUSINESS HONORS & Pre-medicine A comprehensive guide to pursuing medical school admission as a business honors major at texas A&m university

Written by Sunjay Letchuman '22 Sarah Sriram '22 Approved by Kris Morley Director of Business Honors

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mission and Goals About the Authors BH/Pre-Med: An Introduction Academic Coursework Research Volunteering & Shadowing Outside of Healthcare BH Internship Requirement About the MCAT Studying for the MCAT TMDSAS Application Self Reflection FAQ + Answers Extra! FlexMed Program Extra! Pre-Med Fellows Ready for Success

1 2 3 4-6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 - 16 17 18 19

MISSION & GOALS

Mission Statement

Present a clear and comprehensive guide for undergraduate business students to complete pre-medical coursework and engage in clinically-relevant activities in preparation for applying to medical school.

Goals Demonstrate how Business Honors students can combine the fields of business and medicine and prepare to apply to medical school Offer the direct perspectives of two students who have accomplished the Business Honors path towards medical school Provide a comprehensive academic coursework plan which includes the prerequisite courses for medical school admission Explain the important components of a medical school application and provide tips to enhance your resume Provide insight on non-traditional paths towards medical school admission, including early-admission programs

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Sunjay Letchuman '22 Howdy! My name is Sunjay, and I am from Shreveport, Louisiana. I am the second of four boys and have two very loving parents. I have a huge passion for health policy, and I have focused on understanding the business of healthcare since coming to Texas A&M. After graduation, I will be attending the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai before (hopefully) making a career in government as a physician/health policymaker. At Mays, I am so fortunate to do healthcare research with Dr. Kayla Cline and Dr. Len Berry, who I absolutely adore. Aside from healthcare, I am involved with Texas A&M Moderates and Maroon Coats. My favorite thing about Texas A&M is that everyone is constantly trying to build each other up. I am blessed to have made the kindest friends here, and I can't wait to continue building those relationships beyond graduation. Sarah and I are pumped to share this guide with you because we both believe that business students can bring valuable diversity to medical schools.

Sarah Sriram '22 Howdy! My name is Sarah, and I was born and raised in Waco, Texas. I am pursuing a degree in Business Honors with a minor in Biology. After graduation, I hope to attend medical school in Texas. Within the Business Honors Program, I have served as a peer leader and risk coordinator. I am also a member of the Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats, the sorority Tri Delta, and a past member of the Texas A&M Collegiate Waterski Team. I am an active student researcher on campus, currently working with the Center for Health Organization Transformation (CHOT). I have completed two other research projects in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. In my free time, I work as a fitness team member at the Tone 360 Fitness Studio. I am so excited that Sunjay and I have the opportunity to share our knowledge surrounding the path to medical school. Welcome to the journey!

BUSINESS PRE-MED: AN INTRODUCTION

Taking pre-med coursework in addition to business honors coursework is not the easiest, but it is certainly rewarding. Healthcare is a business, and business acumen will serve you well as a clinician. As you go through this guide, note that this track is very flexible. There are a few things you must do, such as taking certain prerequisite courses, but outside of that, you have time to focus on your own interests. For example, maybe you want to do research on heart disease with the department of biology... or you'd rather spend time researching business solutions to healthcare challenges at Mays. Maybe you want to spend your extra time volunteering at a hospital... or you'd rather focus on becoming a leader in a student organization. Maybe you can make time for all of these activities! The first section we discuss is Academic Coursework. The interesting thing about Mays is that Business Honors itself is a major, and it is one that gives you a general but meaningful survey of business coursework. The degree plan laid out on the next page is built for a student majoring in business honors only. While choosing a second major is certainly feasible, it is challenging. If you do choose to double major, work with your advisor to pick a second major that will help you meet your academic goals while ensuring you’re able to put the time and focus into your technical science courses. When you look at the next section on courses, remember that you will most likely have to move things around. For example, not everyone can take BUSN 125 (or BUSN 225) at the same time. You may also have several AP credits. Accept these credits for history/art courses, but be very careful before accepting AP credit for science courses. Most medical schools want you to take all prerequisite science courses at your undergraduate institution. It is very important for you to take a look at the websites of medical schools you plan on applying to in order to ensure you complete all their prerequisite coursework. These requirements are relatively similar across all medical schools, but there are some small differences. On medical school websites, these requirements are usually listed as "Admissions Criteria" or "Prerequisite Courses." Your course schedule can be made substantially more manageable by taking summer classes. Medical schools want to see you make your summers productive, so if you're not taking courses, ensure that you are volunteering, interning, working, doing research, etc.

As you continue along your BH/Pre-med journey, there will be times where you doubt yourself. Remember, however, that you have two sweet advisors who are willing and ready to help. Claire and Jeff have advised many pre-med students!

ACADEMIC COURSEWORK

The following two pages contain a sample schedule of what your pre-med route could look like. Some things are really important to follow such as taking your Chemistry classes in order and taking BICH 410 before the MCAT. Other things, such as electives and the order you take your CBKs will change based on your AP/IB/Dual Credit courses. Work with Jeff, Claire and the pre-med advisors to make sure you’re on track. Everyone’s journey will look a little different.

ACADEMIC COURSEWORK Freshman and Sophomore Years

Freshman - First Semester Biology 111 (4 hrs): Introductory Biology I CHEM 119 (4 hrs): Fundamentals of Chemistry I MATH 140 (3 hrs): Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences BUSN 125 (3 hrs): Business Learning Community Communication class* (3 hrs) (accept AP credit if possible) American History* (3 hrs) (accept AP credit if possible) Freshman - Second Semester Biology 112 (4 hrs): Introductory Biology II CHEM 120 (4 hrs): Fundamentals of Chemistry II MATH 147* (4 hrs): Calculus I for Biological Sciences ( or Math 142/Math 151 from AP credit) ECON 202* (3 hrs): Principles of Economics (Macro) American History* (3 hrs) (accept AP credit if possible) Language/Philosophy/Culture* (3 hrs) (accept AP credit if possible) Sophomore - First Semester CHEM 227 (3 hrs): Organic Chemistry I CHEM 237 (1 hrs): Organic Chemistry Lab I ACCT 229 (3 hrs): Introductory Accounting (Financial) BUSN 225 (3 hrs): Business Competency ISTM 210 (3 hrs): Fundamentals of Information Systems ECON 203* (3 hrs): Principles of Economics (Micro) POLS 206* (3 hrs): American National Government (accept AP credit if possible) Communication class* (3 hrs) Sophomore - Second Semester CHEM 228 (3 hrs): Organic Chemistry II CHEM 238 (1 hrs): Organic Chemistry Lab II ACCT 230 (3 hrs): Introductory Accounting (Managerial) MGMT 311 (3 hrs): Legal and Social Environment of Business POLS 207* (3 hrs): State and Local Government Creative Arts* (3 hrs) An asterisk ( * ) indicates a class that can easily be taken over the summer if you don't have AP credit for it! It will likely be necessary for you to take summer classes, including both easy courses like Government and harder courses like Physics. Some medical schools have specific prerequisites, so check your dream med school's website to make sure you're taking everything you need!

ACADEMIC COURSEWORK Junior and Senior Years

Junior - First Semester BICH 410 (3 hrs): Comprehensive Biochemistry I BIOL 213 (3 hrs): Molecular Cell Biology PHYS 201* (4 hrs): College Physics I FINC 341 (3 hrs): Business Finance MKTG 321 (3 hrs): Marketing STAT 211 (3 hrs): Principles of Statistics I Junior - Second Semester GENE 320 (3 hrs): Biomedical Genetics (Take honors) PHYS 202* (4 hrs): College Physics II MGMT 363 (3 hrs): Managing People in Organizations SCMT 364 (3 hrs): Operations Management MKTG 441 (3 hrs): Service Quality in Healthcare

Upper Level Bios

Texas medical schools and many out-of-state schools require 14 semester hours of biology, meaning that you need to take two upper-level bio classes. These upper-level biology classes were chosen based on their applicability to the MCAT.

Senior - First Semester MKTG 443 (3 hrs): The Business of Healthcare MKTG 444 (3 hrs): HealthTech for Improving Customer Care BUSN 484 (3 hrs): Internship International Elective (3 hrs) Upper-Division Business Elective (3 hrs) Senior - Second Semester MGMT 466 (3 hrs): Strategic Management International Elective (3 hrs) Upper-Division Business Elective (3 hrs) Upper-Division Business Elective (3 hrs) An asterisk ( * ) indicates a class that can easily be taken over the summer if you don't have AP credit for it! It will likely be necessary for you to take summer classes, including both easy courses like Government and harder courses like Physics. Some medical schools have specific pre-requisites, so check your dream med school's website to make sure you're taking everything they need!

Dr. Len Berry is a marketing professor at Texas A&M, and he is a leading scholar in the field of improving healthcare service. His course called "Service Quality in Healthcare" (MKTG 441) is a 'must take' course as a BH/Pre-med student. The marketing department has created a "healthcare marketing" track with valuable health-related courses.

RESEARCH

Texas A&M is a tier-one research institution, which means that virtually every professor—regardless of what department they work in—does research. Research is truly rewarding because you are contributing to a growing body of literature that is aimed at advancing the world's prosperity. Beyond personal fulfillment, health-related research helps in your application to medical school. Research takes grit, and biomedical research is the backbone of medicine. So, conducting research can be a way for you to demonstrate your commitment to medicine. Collectively, we have both conducted research on ameliorating spinal cord injury, improving healthcare service, better understanding hospital finances, and international public health. So how do you get involved with research? There are a few common paths taken. First, determine what about healthcare fascinates you. Is it the business side of healthcare? If so, there are several professors at Mays or the School of Public Health who you may want to learn more about and reach out to in order to work with them on a research project. Reaching out through email may not result in a partnership if the professor does not know who you are. So, consider taking their class and establishing a relationship with them through that. Or coming to them with an idea in hand and kindly asking them if they would be willing to work with you on a research project to explore the question you thought of. Or maybe you want to understand a disease? Working in a biomedical research laboratory is a fantastic way to deepen your knowledge of science and medicine. On their website, the Department of Biology has a list of research labs looking for students, and each lab lists the requirements for working in their lab, including how many hours are expected of you each week. There is also a description of the type of research done. Make sure the "big picture" of the lab interests you! Keep in mind that if you are accepted into a lab, you will be working there for a significant amount of time over a course of at least several semesters, so you want to really enjoy it. To interview with a research lab, make sure you do your research before emailing them. Because many other students will also want to join the lab, you have to distinguish yourself by demonstrating your knowledge of the lab's research and explaining how their research goals align with your interests. To do this, look up the professor who leads the lab (called the Principal Investigator) on a website called PubMed or Google Scholar. Then, read a couple of papers published by the lab. In your email to the professor, include the fact that you have read some of their papers and tell them what you found interesting. Clearly explain how you see yourself helping further their research. If you are not accepted into the lab, don't be discouraged! Many labs may not be looking for students at a specific time. However, because of the high volume of emails received by professors, you may have to send a 'reminder' email after a few weeks if you don't receive a response. If you continue running into dead ends, consider approaching one of your science professors to see if they can connect you with one of their colleagues.

Research can be personally fulfilling and academically challenging. As a business student, it is important to be able to demonstrate your commitment to clinical medicine when applying to medical school. Participating in health-related research is a fantastic way to do this. Find an area of research you love and dedicate time to making new discoveries!

VOLUNTEERING & SHADOWING

The majority of successful medical school applicants have significant clinical experience, including paid work, volunteer work, and physician shadowing. These experiences display a passion for learning more about the healthcare industry's complexities and career paths. It is important to note that "Clinical Experience" is an umbrella term that encompasses all observation types. How students give weight to paid work, volunteering, and shadowing can vary substantially. However, volunteer work has been proven to hold substantial weight during the admissions process due to the work's selfless nature. Local Volunteer Opportunities CHI St. Joseph Regional Hospital, Bryan, Texas The College Volunteer Program is a great way to gain experience in numerous areas of clinical medicine. After completing a short online application and orientation program, you get to rank your top three areas within the hospital (Emergency Medicine, Oncology, etc.) and hopefully get placed within one. These experiences often include direct patient interaction and assistance. Sarah and Sunjay volunteered here throughout college! Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, College Station, Texas The College Volunteer Program at this hospital is limited to students at the sophomore level and up. It is highly competitive, as only 30 members are admitted each semester. Therefore, it is important to apply far in advance of the deadline. The semester service requirement is 40 hours, and each shift is typically four hours. Bryan Prenatal Clinic, Bryan Texas The Bryan Prenatal Clinic has served the Bryan community by drastically improving perinatal and infant mortality rates. They offer prenatal care for women and babies who need it most. To volunteer, you must submit a short volunteer application either online or in-person. *It is important to note that non-clinical volunteer experience is also a wonderful way to contribute to the local community and build your medical school application. Shadowing Opportunities Both the St. Joseph Regional Hospital and the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center offer a college shadowing program that places undergraduate students under the education of local physicians. These programs are highly competitive and fill rapidly, so it is important to be aware of the application deadlines. Personally reaching out to family members or friends who are current physicians is also a great way to find shadowing opportunities. Never be afraid to ask, the worst case scenario is that they say no.

Service is a wonderful way to expand your knowledge of the medical world while also serving your local community. Selfless service is the foundation of the healthcare industry and a key aspect of becoming a Mays Transformational Leader. Utilize service opportunities to build your communication skills, sense of empathy, and humanistic goals.

OUTSIDE OF HEALTHCARE

While holding sufficient healthcare experience is an essential component of a medical school application, it is also important to express your commitment and involvement to your college and the local community. Being an active member of student clubs, organizations, and teams can enhance your ability to become a successful medical school applicant.

Alumni Insight "A&M is an awesome place because of all the leadership opportunities there. The more important thing is to be involved deeply rather than just participate in a broader field. Participation in some medical group is a good idea, but if you have passion for other things, seek that out too. Medical schools do not want robots who just study. Rather, they want those who have passions outside of medicine. I did Fellows, Big Event committee, AMC exec committee, and a few other small involvements. I think what medical schools look at here is to see how you balance academics and other activities. Anyone can study all of the time in undergrad and come out with a good GPA. The issue here is that there is so much more information to learn in medical school, so they want to see that you are able to get good grades, have leadership qualities, and can balance the many facets of life beyond just work and involvement. For interviews and building your resume, it is important to be able to clearly say what you did in the positions/involvements, what you learned, and how you grew from them. If you can do this, the interviews you have will go much better than if you ramble... I know from personal experience." Alexander Smith, M.D., Business Honors '13 Assistant Medical Director, Emergency Medicine, UT Health San Antonio

How to Get Involved Jobs & Internships Student Government Women's & Men's Organizations On-Campus Greek Life Club & Intramural Sports Teams Mays Organizations Service Organizations & Non-profits Local Church Organizations Mays Business Fellows Program Texas A&M Foundation Maroon Coats

Hobbies Highlight Fun fact! On the TMDSAS medical school application, the "Leisure Activities" section not only includes official organization involvement but also your favorite recreational hobbies and past-times. Take time to enjoy the simple activities that you love such as running, cooking, or reading. Medical schools want to know who you really are.

Campus and community involvement is about commitment to a common purpose with groups of diverse peers. Balance is a key strength to utilize when dividing your time between obligations. Don't spread yourself too thin.

BH INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENT

As a part of the Business Honors degree plan, each student is required to complete an internship during their time as an undergraduate student to meet the requirements of graduating. This internship requirement will be explained in full-detail by your advisors; however, it is important to highlight that there may be some flexibility in what is approved as an internship for pre-med students. Experiences to Consider: An extensive shadowing program under the mentorship of a physician Summer or semester research opportunities within educational or professional organizations Medical mission trips abroad or within the U.S. Business-oriented healthcare internships within areas such as revenue cycle or management Participation within a hospital Collegiate Fellows Program Collaborative work with non-profit organizations Extensive volunteer work at your local healthcare institution Prospective Programs These opportunities have been identified to provide valuable insight into the world of healthcare. St. Jude Pediatric Oncology Education Program (summer internship) MD Anderson Revenue Cycle Internship (summer internship) *Sarah did this! Public Policy Internship Program (summer or semester internship) *Sunjay did this! Parkland Hospital Collegiate Fellows Program (summer internship) AMGEN Scholarship (summer research) Global Health Corps Fellowship (13-month fellowship) Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP)

Program Highlight The Revenue Cycle internship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a wonderful option for students interested in pursuing knowledge regarding the financial operations of the US healthcare industry. Held at the most prestigious cancer center in the world, this program offers a customized curriculum that exposes students to the major functional areas of the hospital, as well as acquaints them with vital organizational metrics.

Make sure to clear your internship idea with our wonderful Business Honors Director, Ms. Kris Morley, to make sure that you will receive credit for your experience. BUSN 484 is a required course you must take with Ms. Morley after you have completed 60 hours. Requirements of the course, including a pre-internship class, will be addressed by your advisor.

ABOUT THE MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test is designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles. It is a four-part exam: Chem/Phys, Bio/Biochem, Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS), and Psych/Soc. It is a multiple-choice examination consisting of experimental passages and free-standing questions. The overall length of the exam is 7 hours and 30 minutes, with each section being 90 minutes in length. Each section has a score range of 118 - 132, with the median being 125. Therefore, the total score range is 472 - 528. This exam covers the subjects: Biology, Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. With an exam of such rigorous nature, sufficient study time is absolutely essential to perform well on test day. Most traditional applicants take the MCAT during their junior year of college, following their first semester of Biochemistry. A typical timeline may include studying for the MCAT during your fall semester of junior year and winter break, and then taking the test the January before the spring semester begins. However, it is not necessary to have the MCAT completed until the end of summer following your medical school application. Why is it Important? Your MCAT score, along with your cumulative and science GPA, is often the first benchmark medical school admission teams use to rank your ability to be a successful student within their schools. A sufficiently high MCAT score can directly impact your ability to be considered by schools across the nation. With that being said, performing well on this exam should be a top priority when preparing to apply to medical school. Foundational Coursework BIOL 111, CHEM 101, CHEM 102, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, BICH 410, PHYS 201, PHYS 202 Sufficient knowledge in core science courses is vital for success on the MCAT. It is important to complete these classes prior to taking the exam due to their weight in tested content knowledge. Recommended Coursework BIOL 213, BICH 411, PSYC 107, BIOL 319, BIOL 320 While review materials, such as exam preparation textbooks, may cover these subjects sufficiently, taking these courses prior to the exam could prove to be very helpful. BIOL 213, in particular, is highly recommended due to its inclusion of highly-tested content.

"The MCAT requires more than just an understanding of prior content. The MCAT is a test of critical reasoning skills that rewards students on their ability to apply test content. Knowing how to interpret and solve complex problems is the key to a great MCAT score." - Kaplan Test Prep

STUDYING FOR THE MCAT

Preparing to take your MCAT exam should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint. Designating a few months of advance study time will allow you time to not only master the content of the exam but learn how to strategically analyze the test makers' passages and questions. While the beginning of your study journey should focus mainly on reviewing, learning, and understanding the content of each section, you must transition to prioritize practice before being fully prepared. It is proven that the completion of numerous practice exams before your actual test date can lead to a substantial higher score. Working to incorporate practice passages and questions within your content review can help you retain information from one subject to the next. Study Resources Study Plan It is highly recommended that you start your study journey 3-6 months in advance of your test date. Referencing free study plan guides provided by companies such as Kaplan or Princeton are extremely helpful for staying on track. In-person and Virtual MCAT Courses Companies including Kaplan and Princeton offer comprehensive courses which cover all material to be tested on the MCAT. While these courses can be very pricey, they can be extremely helpful for someone who needs a set schedule to adhere to. These courses often include a textbook set, practice exams/question banks, and all of the AAMC materials. Textbook Review Sets For a more self-paced study plan, purchasing textbook sets created by review companies can be a sufficient way to study content. However, don't forget to purchase practice materials to accompany your content review. Kaplan is highly recommended for textbooks. Question Banks Purchasing a question bank to accompany your content review is a wonderful way to reinforce concepts and familiarize yourself with the structure of the exam. The UWorld Q-bank is extremely similar to the actual MCAT and provides in-depth explanations of each question attempted. This is a great way to fill in knowledge gaps and build stamina. Anki Flashcards Anki is an online flashcard platform utilized by many current medical school students. It allows you to pace your knowledge review by reminding you to practice cards you haven't seen in a while. Khan Academy Khan Academy offers many free videos in all content areas. Especially helpful are their psychology videos if you have not taken PSYC 107. AAMC Study Materials The AAMC Prep Bundle provides you with four official practice exams (old MCAT exams administered in years past), an official prep section bank, seven-question packs, and online prep flashcards. These study materials can be considered as the most valuable asset to your study success. This is due to the fact that the material provided is an actual representation of what will be seen on test day. It is important to use these materials towards the end of your study journey, as they will accurately gauge the progress you have made. It is highly recommended that you take practice exam #1 at the very start of your time studying so that you can assess your baseline knowledge and track your progress. The ability to balance MCAT study time with semester courses, extracurricular involvements, work, and social interactions can be extremely challenging. It is vital to prioritize adequate sleep, nutrition, fitness, and mental health during this time. Give yourself grace and take breaks when needed. Believe in yourself and fall back on your support system. When it comes to the day before test day, relax and do not study! On test day, bring plenty of snacks and water, and arrive early to your testing site. Be confident in your abilities, you are well-prepared for this day.

TMDSAS APPLICATION

Picture this: you have successfully completed the majority of your medical school prerequisite classes, and you have just received a competitive score on the MCAT. You are on the home stretch. You only have one thing standing in the way of your dreams of entering medical school, and that is the application process. The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) is a centralized application system for the primary applications to all Texas medical schools. To apply to out-of-state schools, you will utilize a different platform. However, this page will focus on applying to medical schools within the state.

Application Components 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Contact information Schools applying to Application history High schools Colleges Attended Planned enrollment Education History Demographic info Socioeconomic info Financial info Military service Felonies & misdemeanors Family Essays (refer to extra info) Personal Biography Recognition Leadership Research Healthcare activities Community service Leisure Employment Meaningful experiences Planned activities 16. Transcripts 17. Letters of recommendation 3 letters

Essay Information 1. Personal Essay: Explain your motivation to seek a career in MEDICINE. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that prepare you to be a physician. 2. Personal Characteristics: Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. 3. Meaningful Experiences: Out of the previously listed activities, indicate your top three most meaningful and explain why. 4. Unique Experience (optional): Briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application which have not previously been presented. Next Steps You submitted your online application. Now what? Applications take about 2-4 weeks to be processed It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that your test scores, rec. letters, and transcripts have all been successfully submitted Check your internal messages regularly for updates Report all significant changes to your application Submit your secondary applications as soon as possible Complete the CASPer test (many schools require this) Interviews typically occur between June and January Sit back, relax, and reflect on all of your hard work & success!

Remember that everyone is on a different path and the timeline for a traditional medical school applicant may not be suited for you! Many students choose to take a gap year before applying to medical school to pursue travel, a graduate degree, or a full-time career. Follow your heart and trust the process.

SELF REFLECTION

Your motives for becoming a physician should be deeply pondered as you embark on your journey towards medical school. Earning the title of MD should not be solely driven by the pursuit of "fame and fortune." Medical school and residency require a great deal of sacrifice during the formative years of your twenties and life beyond. Identifying your values and frequently reflecting on their roles in your life will allow you to make the best decision for your professional goals. Reflecting on your passion for medicine will serve you well when preparing for your personal essay in the TMDSAS application and medical school interviews.

Questions to Consider Why are you a business major hoping to go to medical school? How does your business coursework relate to the field of healthcare? Why do you want to be a doctor? What medical specialties are you interested in? What are you willing to sacrifice? What challenges have you faced in life and how have you overcome them? What is your greatest achievement? How would you describe an ideal physician? What personal strengths will make you an ideal physician? What personal weaknesses must you overcome to be an ideal physician? What activities have you participated in to demonstrate commitment? How would you be able to contribute to the diversity of thought? Why are you interested in particular medical schools? In what ways have you demonstrated selfless service? What do you think the top challenges of healthcare are today? How do you envision using your medical education to better the world?

In 2018, Dean Eli Jones named Healthcare as one of Mays' three 'Grand Challenges.' As a business honors student, you will have many opportunities, such as PD events, where you can interact with and learn from healthcare leaders. There are important figures in healthcare who graduated from Mays, and you don't want to miss them!

FAQ + ANSWERS

As upperclassmen students successfully on track to enter medical school following graduation from Texas A&M, Sarah & Sunjay have frequently met younger students to answer all questions they have regarding their path to medicine. Here, they list some recurring questions that have been asked and answer them to the best of their ability. What major should I declare with Business Honors? Sarah and Sunjay both considered second majors, such as management and finance. Taking on a second major is certainly possible, but it can be challenging when you consider your pre-med coursework in addition to your business coursework. Think about your priorities and what you hope to gain from a second major. After exploring our options, both of us ultimately opted to be Business Honors majors alone. Do volunteering and shadowing weigh equally in the admissions process? Volunteering is active clinical exposure while shadowing is more passive, so volunteering is generally considered preferable! Should I take a prep course when studying for the MCAT? If you have a very busy schedule (you probably do), it could be extremely helpful to take a course with set deadlines and class times. However, if you think you can keep up with the material on your own, buying a book set will usually suffice. When should I take my MCAT? Be sure to schedule your MCAT at a time you know is very free. Most people aim for the end of summer or the end of winter break. Winter break is very nice because you have about a month to only focus on the test without school distractions. Does the type of research I do matter? You want to do research for a specific reason, not just "to do research." Whether that's scientific research or historical research, think about why you're interested in the subject and be able to convey that well. For many pre-medical students, doing health or scientific-related research makes sense and demonstrates one's ability to excel in the sciences. We have both conducted health and scientific related research.

FAQ + ANSWERS

How do I find internship opportunities that are applicable to the healthcare industry? Look at whether you can intern with a hospital, clinic, or even a healthcare consulting group. If you are interested in health policy-related internships, consider the Public Policy Internship Program where you can intern with an organization like the Department of Health and Human Services. Should I take honors science courses for my pre-reqs? You certainly can! One benefit of taking honors science courses is that your classes are a lot smaller, so you can connect with your professors better. This will be important when you are applying to medical school and need letters of recommendation from science professors. Sarah took honors science classes while Sunjay decided not to; however, looking back, Sunjay probably should have. Should I consider taking a gap year? Consider it, however, be sure to know why you want to take a gap year. If you have a great reason or opportunity to take advantage of, go for it! But if not, it is most common to matriculate into medical school right after undergraduate graduation. How can I find local employment opportunities to gain clinical experience? Looking at the Jobs for Aggies listings or in emails from OPSA or health student organizations can be extremely helpful! Simply calling and asking clinics if they are hiring can be successful too. What are the pros/cons of going out of state for medical school? There are numerous advantages to staying in-state. First, tuition is generally far more affordable, as out-of-state tuition can run as high as $70,000 per year. Second, you are usually closer to home, which can be a perk when you need a break and want to see your family. Going out-of-state, however, opens up more options. There are so many medical schools out there that have specific programs that may be a good fit for your interests, so it can be advantageous to apply to lots of schools out-of-state too. How can I get connected to a group of other pre-med students? Make friends in your prereq classes and start study groups. Aggies are always willing to help one another out. Do I need to know what specialty I want to go into already? No way! Clinical rotations in medical school will provide you with great exposure to all areas of medicine.

EXTRA! FLEXMED PROGRAM

Texas to New York In your sophomore year, you can apply to medical school early through a program called FlexMed. This is a program through the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. The FlexMed program is designed for students who have a strong academic passion that they want to pursue with all of their energy. The program waives many of the traditional prerequisite courses and the MCAT in order to give admitted students extra time to pursue their passions. The Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, Dr. Valerie Parkas, says that "FlexMed allows undergraduate students to delve deeper into their academic passions during their college careers, becoming leaders on campus in research, advocacy, and extracurricular activities.” The program is competitive, but gaining admission is certainly possible. If you feel like you have a strong "flex" factor, consider applying! The best advice is to really think about why Mount Sinai should waive the MCAT and prerequisites for you...what are you going to study so deeply with the extra time afforded to you by the program in the last two years of your undergraduate experience? Research this program and read about it if you feel like you may be a good fit! The application generally opens in August of your sophomore year and closes in mid-January. You should receive your acceptance around July 1st. The FlexMed program may be a great fit for you if you have a deep interest in a certain subject area, and you believe that diving deep into this subject will make you a more well-rounded doctor. We encourage you to read about the program on their website!

EXTRA! PRE-MED FELLOWS

Aggie to Aggie Doctor Another early-admission program you can apply for in your sophomore year is the Pre-Med Fellows Program within the Texas A&M School of Medicine. Students who successfully meet the program requirements and are chosen receive automatic admission to the medical school following graduation. This program was initially created to bridge the diversity gap of students within medical schools. It is designed for underrepresented minorities in medicine, however, it is not excluded to these students. This program works to give you an early glimpse of life as a medical school student by providing you with opportunities such as simulation activities, professional development events, and lectures with distinguished professors. The Pre-Med Fellows Program is highly competitive, selecting a maximum of ten undergraduate students each year to participate. There are several requirements to meet if accepted, including the completion of the MCAT examination with a designated minimum score. You must also commit to the Texas A&M medical school; applying to any other school will forfeit your position as a Fellow.

The Pre-Med Fellows Program will be a great fit for you if you are ready to jump-start your knowledge as a future physician and have identified the Texas A&M School of Medicine as one of your top choice schools. If accepted, you are a wonderful investment to the program.

READY FOR SUCCESS

You can do it You are so capable of achieving your dreams. This won't be the easiest path, but it is certainly achievable. We promise you it will be rewarding. Just look at the statistics. Business majors at Texas A&M have historically done very well in being admitted into medical school. Texas A&M publishes data on Aggies' medical school acceptance rates, and here is the chart from 2017 where you can see that business majors are killing it!

Also, remember that you have the best Business Honors support system in your advisors and peers. Never be afraid to ask for help or advice. Good luck on your Business + Pre-med journey, and we can't wait to see what medical school you go to!

Sarah & Sunjay are both two-time recipients of the Dean's Excellence Award from Mays Business School. These awards signify selection as one of the top two freshmen (2019) and sophomores (2020) within the college. This award is a collaboration between LAUNCH, the Association of Former Students, and the Texas A&M chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Being a business major + Pre-med can create a compelling story for awards like this. Reach out to us if we can ever be of help to you!