Program for Pre-Med and Pre-Dental
No specific major is required for entry into medical and dental schools, but admission is highly competitive and usually requires successful completion of certain courses. Students must plan their curriculum carefully with the assistance of the program advisor.
Most Wofford pre-medical and pre-dental students major in biology or chemistry. A significant number double major, combining one of these science majors with a major in humanities, social sciences, or a foreign language. A thorough background in biology, physics, English composition and literature, and general and organic chemistry is also expected by most medical schools. Calculus and statistics are often required as well. Wofford also highly recommends courses and Interim projects in the social sciences, humanities, and fine arts.
In addition, medical and dental school admissions committees place great emphasis on scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Science faculty offer an intense MCAT review course during the Interim term, and the MCAT is offered on the Wofford campus several times each academic year.
Special Features
Clinical experience is an important part of preparation for medical or dental school. All qualified students are strongly encouraged to participate in Wofford's clinical internship program during the January Interim. This program involves the participation of hospitals, cancer centers, and health care professionals, who offer Wofford students "hands on" clinical experience in all aspects of health care. Students spend a month working one on one with health care professionals, spending evenings "on call" with residents at a local hospital, and attending classes at one of the SC medical schools. This gives students experience with virtually all aspects of health care careers, makes students more competitive for entry into medical and dental schools, and helps confirm and solidify their career plans. The Interim in dentistry also allows students to spend one week at MUSC, attending classes and meeting with admissions officers to learn about interviewing and procedures for admission to Dental School.