Pre-Medicine
Explore the categories below to learn more about academic preparation, the application process, and experiential opportunities that can enhance your pre-medical experience at UCCS.
Choosing a Major
Upon starting your undergraduate education, one of the first decisions you are faced with is choosing a major. It is important to choose a major that you both enjoy and can excel in academically.
In addition to selecting a major of your choice, you have the option to select the UCCS Pre-Medicine Track. Click Here to access the Program Catalog for the Pre-Medicine Track Information
IMPORTANT: The Pre-Medicine Track is not a major or a minor, but a listing of prerequisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission to the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/medicalschool/
Other medical schools may have different requirements. Students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan to apply. For more information about medical school and osteopathic school requirements, visit: Required Premedical Coursework and Competencies | Students & Residents and Choose D.O. Explorer | AACOM
Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree
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Medical schools differ in their testing requirements. Most medical and osteopathic schools require the MCAT, and many also require the CASPer Exam. The AAMC PREview Exam is also required by some medical schools.
The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is designed to assess knowledge and skills related to the study of medicine including knowledge of scientific concepts and critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
To learn more about what is included on the on the MCAT exam, visit: What's on the MCAT® Exam? | Students & Residents
The MCAT is offered multiple times per year. The calendar for this year can be found at: 2025 Schedule for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Most applicants take the MCAT the spring or summer before applying to medical school, which is typically the year before you plan to attend medical school. For information about when to take the MCAT, visit: When is the Right Time to Take the MCAT® Exam? Three Questions to Ask Yourself. | Students & Residents
To register for the MCAT, visit:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam
- The Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) exam is a situational judgment test designed to assess one's personal and professional attributes, including: Collaboration, Communication, Empathy, Equity, Ethics, Motivation, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Resilience, and Self Awareness.
- It is a virtually proctored assessment. Each section contains a video-based and word-based scenario and open-ended questions.
For more information, visit: About Casper - Take Casper
The AAMC PREview™ professional readiness exam that assesses pre-professional competencies that medical schools have found to be important indicators for success.
To learn more about the AAMC PREview™ exam, visit: https://students-residents.aamc.org/aamc-preview/5-things-know-about-aamc-preview-exam
For registration information, visit: https://students-residents.aamc.org/aamc-preview/aamc-preview-eligibility-and-registration.
Shadowing
Shadowing provides an opportunity to follow and observe a physician as they perform their jobs and to gain a “day in the life” perspective.
When identifying a physician to shadow, many students select a general practitioner of family medicine or internal medicine to gain an overall perspective. If you find yourself interested in a particular field, you can opt to seek out physicians that specialize in that area or similar fields.
To learn more about shadowing, visit: Shadowing a Doctor | Students & Residents
Clinical Experience
Another way to get clinical experience is to seek out entry-level employment or earn a certification to work in the healthcare field. More information about some of these opportunities can be found here: Entry Level Healthcare Jobs and Certification Info | T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center
To read more about clinical experience options, visit: Five Ways to Gain Experience Without Shadowing | Students & Residents
Conducting research is another way to enhance your medical school application. You should not pursue research just to ‘check a box’ but rather because you are interested in the competency of scientific inquiry. A good way to find out about research opportunities is to reach out to the faculty.
Department of Biology
https://biology.uccs.edu/researchDepartment of Chemistry and Biochemistry:
https://chemistry.uccs.edu/undergraduate/chemistry-and-biochemistry-researchHuman Physiology and Nutrition:
Go to your faculty members directly for research interest. Check their website here for current internship opportunities: https://johnsonbethel.uccs.edu/hpnu-programsUCCS Center for Student Research:
https://studentresearch.uccs.edu/CU Anschutz Opportunities for Undergraduate Students: https://www.ucdenver.edu/lynxconnect/undergraduate-research/other
Research and Course Credit:
In some instances, you can line up academic and/or laboratory research with course credit. Students can enroll in a Research Practicum with a faculty mentor to earn credit for research. You can also earn credit for your Research or Creative Work and Register for 9499. The course will appear as ‘Undergraduate Research’ on your transcript. Reach out to the UCCS Center for Student Research at: email- CSR@uccs.edu
Community Engagement and Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteerism is another way to strengthen your medical school application. Numerous nonprofit and community organizations in the Colorado Springs area offer volunteer opportunities.
UCCS Student Clubs and Organizations: