{"id":424,"date":"2015-08-11T23:54:33","date_gmt":"2015-08-11T23:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/?page_id=424"},"modified":"2026-04-02T19:31:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T19:31:38","slug":"pre-medical-advising","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/advising\/pre-medical-advising\/","title":{"rendered":"Pre-Medical Advising"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metropolitan State University of Denver BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT ADVISING HANDOUT
\nPRE-MEDICAL INFORMATION<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Last Updated October 2025<\/p>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Metropolitan State University of Denver does not have a medical school but does offer prerequisite courses for entrance to medical school.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Medical programs lead to a MD degree. Training usually consists of four years of undergraduate work [120 semester hours] culminating in a Bachelor’s degree in some major, followed by four years of medical school work. You should meet all of the requirements for a BA\/BS degree in any major of your interest, general studies and minor requirements, in addition to the following prerequisite course requirements. \u00a0You are encouraged to explore the humanities and other areas of interest in order to broaden your educational base; you will not have another chance. Since medicine is a mixture of science and contact with people, courses in social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities are of great value. Of course, you must demonstrate competence in the required science courses as well. Clinical experience is considered a necessity in order to understand the field you are entering (6 months or more recommended). <\/span>Your experience should include hands-on caring for people. Research (lab work or field work) experience is also essential (6 months or more is recommended).\u00a0 Here is the link to get research experience at MSU Denver: MSU Denver Undergraduate Research Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The following is a list of the minimum<\/strong> course requirements in order to demonstrate competency in life science, social science, physics and mathematics for admission to the University of Colorado Medical School. For the required courses for admission to other medical schools, consult Medical School Admission Requirements, published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, or go to AAMC<\/a> and click on the MSAR link.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
General Chemistry (CHE 1800 & 1801, CHE 1810 & 1811)<\/td>\n2 semesters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Organic Chemistry (CHE 3100,3110,3120,3130)<\/td>\n2 semesters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Biochemistry* (CHE 4310)<\/td>\n1 semester<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
General Biology (BIO 1080,1090, 1081,<\/span>1091)<\/td>\n2 semesters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mathematics (MTH 1110,1120 or above)<\/td>\n2 semesters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
College Physics (PHY 2010,2020,2030,2040)<\/td>\n2 semesters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Written Communication (ENG 1010, 1020)<\/td>\n2<\/span> semesters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Social Science (PSY 1001 or above & SOC 1010 or above)<\/td>\n2 semesters<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*Most medical schools now require biochemistry.\u00a0 The biochemistry lab is typically recommended but not required.\u00a0 Additionally, the MCAT is heavy in biochemistry.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

Highly recommended courses, and even required by some medical schools, include Cell Biology (BIO 3050), Genetics (BIO 3600 or 3610) , <\/b>Anatomy (BIO 2310,2320,3330),<\/strong> Physiology (BIO 2310,2320,3320)<\/strong>, Microbiology (BIO 2400), Statistics (MTH 1210) , Calculus (MTH 1400, 1410), <\/strong>and Ethics (PHI 1030 or 1060)<\/strong>.<\/span> Consider taking more challenging courses, rather than always taking the easiest ones. AP, IB, CLEP courses are accepted as long as they are listed on your University’s transcript as specific credits and not just elective credit.\u00a0 Students do not have to complete all requirements at the time of application but must do so by matriculation.\u00a0 However, a grade to submit for the prerequisites is better than a pending grade for a prerequisite.<\/p>\n

\n

Selection factors<\/b><\/span> at the University of Colorado Medical School: <\/b>Places are offered to the applicants who appear to be the most highly qualified in terms of intellectual achievement, character, motivation, maturity, and emotional stability. Selection criteria include: 1)Academics (GPA and MCAT scores); 2) Experiences such as community service, leadership activities (e.g. club officer, teaching assistant), extracurricular activities\/volunteering and community service, shadowing, and health-related activities (research and clinical) accomplishments; 3) Attributes such as life experience, teamwork activities, adaptability, social skills, cultural competence, capacity for improvement, and ethical responsibility.\u00a0 You will also be required to submit a personal statement and 3-5 letters of recommendation from college instructors and others.\u00a0 No one will be accepted without a personal interview. Current University of Colorado interviews include a group activity, a group interview and a traditional interview.<\/span><\/p>\n

The acceptance rate is the same for men and women applicants. A wide variety of undergraduate majors are considered acceptable in the selection of applicants. Demonstration of good performance in the prerequisite sciences is needed. The University of Colorado School of Medicine receives more than 10,000 applications and interviews about 700 applicants each year for 184 positions in the entering class.\u00a0 The average GPA was 3.7 and 515 average MCAT score for the class beginning fall 2025.<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t a minimum MCAT score requirement, but you need to score in the 45th<\/sup> percentile or higher if you have prerequisite courses older than 7 years that you want CU Med school to accept. CU’s average MCAT percentile the past 2 years has been 60th Percentile for accepted applicants. No student will be admitted without an interview, which is conducted about September through March.\u00a0 National 2024-2025 average GPA of enrollees into medical school was 3.77, and average MCAT score of enrollees was 511.9 nationally.\u00a0 51,946 students applied nationally to medical school and 23,156 were accepted for the class starting 2025.\u00a0 The vast majority of enrolled students in 2024 had both research\/lab experience and clinical experience when applying. If you wish to do a deep dive into med school acceptance data, check out AAMC Facts and Data<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The University of Colorado Medical School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, national origin, age or handicap.<\/span><\/p>\n

This site is handy for Colorado Medical School acceptance.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Clinical Experience:\u00a0<\/strong>There are several ways to gain clinical experience, but you need to know about the career you are entering and make sure it is an ideal fit for you.\u00a0 Hands-on experience involving direct patient care is much better than shadowing or watching.\u00a0 Being a CNA, EMT, MA, doula, hospice volunteer, scribe, or hospital volunteer are all great ways to get experience.\u00a0 Keep track of your experience in a journal to help you fill out your application or to inspire you when writing your personal statement.<\/p>\n

\n

Financial Factors<\/strong><\/span>:<\/strong> The cost of attending medical school is very high and it is important to consider your financial situation before going to medical school. Your debts need to be minimal (e.g. paying off all credit cards) before you enter medical school. It is important that you visit this website to look at medical school costs and student debts. Paying for Medical School.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Application:<\/b><\/span> The University of Colorado and most other schools use the AMCAS application. Students apply online at AAMC applications<\/a>. <\/b>\u00a0Applicant must file the AMCAS primary application which opens each May and have it submitted by October at the latest.\u00a0 THE EARLIER THE BETTER.\u00a0 The secondary application from\u00a0 the University of Colorado will be offered to applicants with a MCAT score greater than 500. It is due in November at the latest, but again, the earlier the better. Acceptance dates are the 15th of October on, until the class is filled. University of Colorado important dates: University of Colorado Important Dates for Applications to Medical School.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The secondary application is an on-line process, whereby the link is forwarded to the students whose applications have been verified by AMCAS. The University of Colorado secondary application contains one Colorado essay which is required, along with two optional choices of completing essays for consideration of becoming a member of the Rural Track or the Urban Track or the Fort Collins Branch Program. \u00a0Additionally, you must request 3-5 letters of recommendation that are transmitted electronically through AMCAS\u2019 application process. Make sure the recommender knows you well.\u00a0 FAQs on Letters of Recommendation.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips from a Metro State pre-med student who was successful getting into med school: 1) Personal Statement<\/a>, 2) Supplemental Essay<\/a>. Consider keeping a journal through your undergraduate years. This will provide you with much information to draw upon when filling out your application. \u00a0Your application needs to be “dripping” with passion for this profession and avoid pointing out any of your weaknesses that the med-school would see as a risk to accepting you.\u00a0 Other tips for a successful application include:<\/p>\n

1-APPLY EARLY, do a thorough job on the application….it takes awhile to complete and cannot be rushed.<\/p>\n

2- Make sure prerequisites are completed; have clinical and research experience.<\/p>\n

3-Check your application thoroughly for grammar and spelling.<\/p>\n

4-Don’t “overshare” your life story in your essay.\u00a0 Your personal statement needs to cover what has inspired you for this career and highlight your strengths.\u00a0 Cover how these strengths will benefit you in school and your career and what makes you unique.\u00a0 Start working on your personal essay early, as it needs to be unique and memorable.\u00a0 Have a statement to catch the reader’s attention at the beginning of your essay.\u00a0 Proofread for the use of correct spelling, grammar and syntax.\u00a0 It is not just a re-hashing of the information filled out in the application.<\/p>\n

Here is a link to a blank sample application to help you prepare. AAMC Sample Application.<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

MCAT: <\/b><\/span>You should plan on completing the required courses by the end of your Junior year so that you will be prepared to take the MCAT in the spring of your Junior year. The MCAT must be taken during or before September in the year of application. This test is described in “The New MCAT Student Manual,” published by the AAMC and is available in the Auraria Book Center; obtain this early in your pre-med career. Test results must be no older than 3 years old. You may take this exam more than once. CU always uses the best composite MCAT score.<\/span><\/p>\n

Click on AAMC MCAT Information<\/a>\u00a0to find out where and when the MCAT exams will be offered, and to register for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

MCAT (<\/span>The total score ranges from 472-528). The average total MCAT score for the\u00a0 nationwide accepted applicants to start school in 2025 was 511.9.<\/p>\n

MCAT (each of the four sections are scored on a 118-132 scale):<\/span><\/p>\n

a. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems. (General Biology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology, Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning)<\/span><\/p>\n

b. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. (Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Basic Research Methods and Statistics, Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning)<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior. (Psychology, Sociology, Culture, Basic Research Methods and Statistics, Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning)<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (critically analyze information in reading passages, include content from ethics, philosophy, culture, population health, social sciences and humanities in your answers)<\/span><\/p>\n

For more MCAT information, including official deadlines, and access to online MCAT registration, go to the AAMC about MCAT site<\/a><\/span>\u00a0and AAMC applying for MCAT site<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Preparation Resources:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Kaplan MCAT Preparation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \n
    a.\u00a0 Tuition Assistance at Kaplan<\/a>.<\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n
    b. \u00a0Help Suite at Kaplan<\/a>.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    <\/div>\n

    2. Altius Test Prep for MCAT Preparation<\/a><\/p>\n

    3. Princeton Review MCAT Preparation<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n

    The CASPer & Duet Test: <\/strong>Starting in 2019, CU medical school requires the CASPer Test (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) as part of their secondary application.\u00a0 This is an online assessment that you do not have to study for.\u00a0 It is part of the Acuity Insights which is a three-part assessment of non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values.\u00a0 It assesses ethical and moral characteristics as well as professionalism and decision-making skills.\u00a0 The latest possible date for taking it this year is in November for CU, and results<\/span> must be distributed to CU by December 31 at the latest.\u00a0 Results are only good for one admission cycle.<\/p>\n

    You will register for Acuity Insights for Medicine (UME) (CSP-10111 – U.S. Medicine).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

    Access Acuity Insights <\/a><\/span>to create an account and for more information on important dates and requirements, and the Acuity Insights assessments.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n

    Interviews:\u00a0 <\/b>CU Medical school requires interviews<\/span> which are held approximately September through February.\u00a0 Typically, there are 3 parts to the interview: a group activity, a group interview, and an individual traditional interview.\u00a0 Prepare for your interview!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Preparing for your interview: <\/span><\/strong>Career services<\/a> will provide interview tips to help you develop your interview skills. Contact them for an appointment at 303-615-1133 or stop by in Tivoli 223 or Jordan Success 320. Practice for your interview! Make sure to reread your application before your actual interview and be ready to talk about life and medical experience.\u00a0 Dress professionally for your interview and be yourself – don’t just answer what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Your evaluation criteria at CU medical school consist of the following: 1)capacity to think critically; 2)capacity for self-directed learning; 3)capacity to self-reflect; 4)communication and interpersonal skills; 5)personal experience; and 6)knowledge of the profession.\u00a0 Here is some additional information about the CU Anschutz interview<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In preparation for the interview, consider writing an in-depth self-reflective essay on one of these topics:<\/span><\/p>\n

    1. Challenges to your values and beliefs as you have encountered experiences outside of your comfort zone, including ability to detail experience and talk about exploration of values and beliefs.<\/span><\/p>\n

    2. Challenging life experiences that required creative thinking to develop solutions and be able to detail each situation and describe why the solution was considered creative.<\/span><\/p>\n

    3. A self-reflection piece that provides insight into your demonstrated conscientiousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

    4. An example of an experience in which communication proved difficult and an analysis of how the situation might have been handled differently.<\/span><\/p>\n

    5. A description of the means by which you learned about commitment to medicine, providing the reader insight into the knowledge and understanding gleaned from the experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

    6. Moral and ethical dilemmas that arose out of interpersonal relationships and how they were handled and what lessons were learned.<\/span><\/p>\n

    7. Leadership positions that taught a lesson.<\/span><\/p>\n

    8. An experience in which cultural diversity or lack thereof made a difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

    What do you do if you do not get accepted your first time to medical school? Try again! <\/strong>Contact the medical schools to see if they have suggestions to strengthen your application. Strengthen what you consider to be the weakest parts of your application. Don’t just copy and paste your previous application, make sure it demonstrates growth from previous application.\u00a0 Improve your interview skills. University of Colorado offers a feedback session available to all who are denied admission to their program.\u00a0 Consider, a Master’s or Post-Bac Program, applied experience in healthcare, shadowing experiences, science research, volunteer work, community outreach, internships and leadership activities.\u00a0 Some of these opportunities may be found at\u00a0career pathways to science.<\/a>\u00a0Grades do matter, and if your GPA is less than 3.0, consider a master’s program, and make sure you are strong in other evaluation areas (experience in healthcare, research, community service, leadership…) If MCAT needs improvement, consider a prep course.<\/p>\n

    One Year Master’s Program in Anatomy at CSU<\/a><\/p>\n

    Modern Human Anatomy Master’s Program at Anschutz<\/a><\/p>\n

    One Year Master’s Program in Biomedical Science at Regis University<\/a><\/p>\n

    Getting into Medical School:\u00a0 Cracking the Code<\/a><\/p>\n

    Post-Baccalaureate to obtain research experience at Anschutz<\/a><\/p>\n

    AAMC Postbaccalaureate Information from AAMC<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n\n\n\n
    For further information of the University of Colorado School of Medicine: <\/span>Location: \u00a0<\/strong>Education Tower II North, Fifth Floor
    \nMailing Address:\u00a0<\/strong>13001 E. 17th Pl., Mailstop C292
    \nAurora, CO 80045
    \nPhone:\u00a0<\/strong>303-724-6407
    \nFax:\u00a0<\/strong>303-724-8028 <\/span>Email <\/a><\/strong>for University of Colorado School of Medicine <\/a>Website<\/strong> for University of Colorado School of Medicine<\/a><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    CU Admissions Specialist:\u00a0 Lamar Cherry Email<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

    Digital Brochure for UCHSC Medical Program 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

    Colorado Pre-Health Society<\/a><\/p>\n

    \n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n
    For further information<\/strong> you are advised to consult with a pre-medical advisor: Biology Pre-Med Advisor: Dr. Hays, SI 2042, (303) 615-0777; haysc@msudenver.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>For other medical school links, try:<\/p>\n

    Student Doctor<\/a><\/p>\n

    AAMC<\/a><\/p>\n

    AMA<\/a><\/p>\n

    Tomorrows Doctors<\/a><\/p>\n

    Aspiring Doctors<\/a><\/p>\n

    Research during summers at Anschutz<\/a><\/p>\n

    Summer Cancer Fellowship at Anschutz<\/a><\/p>\n

    Colorado Area Health Education Center<\/a> has numerous pre-healthcare resources for students.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Metropolitan State University of Denver BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT ADVISING HANDOUT PRE-MEDICAL INFORMATION Last Updated October 2025 Metropolitan State University of Denver does not have a medical school but does offer prerequisite courses for entrance to medical school. Medical programs lead to … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":270,"featured_media":0,"parent":32,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-424","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/270"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=424"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/424\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.msudenver.edu\/haysc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}