Pre-Medicine Study

Pre-Medicine students are encouraged to complete the Bachelor of Science in Biological Science degree. However, because students may complete any bachelor’s degree for acceptance into most medical schools, students can work toward their degree completion from any CMC location where that degree is offered. Students should work with CMC faculty and/or counselors when choosing a degree other than Biological Science. The recommended coursework below is limited to specific CMC locations.

Foundational Coursework (see curriculum dropdown below):

• Breckenridge/Dillon: Mostly In-person
• Spring Valley: Mostly In-person
• Steamboat Springs: Mostly In-person
• Vail Valley: Mostly In-Person

Advanced Coursework (see curriculum dropdown below):

• Breckenridge: Mostly In-person
• Steamboat Springs: Mostly In-person

The AAMC-HHMI Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians states that students should have strong foundations in the following areas:

Foundational Science Knowledge: Students should demonstrate a solid understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry (including the structure and function of the human body), and comprehend scientific inquiry through research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

Thinking and Reasoning: Students should understand the scientific method, integrate knowledge and formulate hypotheses, and are expected to apply quantitative reasoning by analyzing information, solving problems, and interpreting data.

Application to Medical Practice: Students should apply foundational science knowledge to the human body and clinical care, critically assess medical research, and consider uncertainty, patient variability, and ethics.

Communication and Ethical Conduct: Students should have effective oral and written communication, ethical integrity, and cultural competence, enabling them to engage with diverse populations and uphold professionalism in all interactions.

The Pre-Medicine coursework can help a student prepare for many of the areas above, but the following are additional aspects a medical school will consider:

• Clinical Experience (observations, patient interactions, applicable training, certain jobs, etc.)
• Volunteering (clinical and non-clinical)
• Leadership (student organizations, mentoring, organizing events, etc.)
• Research (clinical, bench, field, computer, etc.)
• Interpersonal Attributes (social skills, teamwork, communication, empathy, etc.)
• Intrapersonal Attributes (reliability, resilience, self-awareness, self-confidence, etc.)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by nearly all medical schools. Students should plan to take recommended science courses, then spend dedicated time preparing for the exam.

Resources for CMC students include:

• Free prep tools through CMC Library Services (Mometrix test prep)
• Commercial prep courses, such as Kaplan, which are available online and in flexible formats

Most successful applicants prepare several months in advance and take practice exams to build both knowledge and test-taking skills.

Medical school applicants should typically demonstrate a strong foundation not only in academics but also in experiential learning and professional development. There is no single path to medical school, but successful applicants are those who actively seek out diverse, immersive, and reflective experiences that reveal their readiness for a career in medicine. Early planning, consistent engagement, and honest self-assessment are key.

Students interested in rural medicine (mentorship, clinical experience, and research) should contact Dr. Mark Deutchman , Director of the University of Colorado School of Medicine’s Rural Program mark.deutchman@cuanschutz.edu or 303-724-9725. Dr. Deutchman will help CMC students identify rural medicine students and rural physicians nearby for these interactions.

Below are core areas of engagement that competitive applicants are expected to pursue.

Mentorship:

Engaging with mentors—especially those in medicine or healthcare—is strongly encouraged throughout the pre-medical journey. Students are advised to seek both formal and informal mentorship relationships with faculty, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals. Mentors can provide:

• Guidance on academic pathways and professional goals
• Insight into the realities of medical practice
• Support for personal growth and decision-making

Clinical Experience:

Applicants should demonstrate meaningful clinical exposure, which reflects an understanding of and commitment to patient care. Clinical experience may include:

• Working or volunteering in hospitals, clinics, hospices, or rehabilitation centers
• Interacting directly with patients and healthcare teams
• Observing patient-provider dynamics in real-world settings

Patient Contact Hours:

There is no minimum national requirement, but successful applicants often report 150–300 hours of patient engagement. Medical Schools do not always list a specific number of hours and many applicants will exceed well over 200 hours, so students should strive for as many quality hours as possible. Quality and consistency are emphasized over sheer quantity. Admissions committees look for evidence of compassion, communication skills, and comfort in clinical environments. Some students are paid for these hours: CNA, EMT, Nursing, etc. The bottom line is that direct patient care experience is valued highly by medical schools. This may include:

• Hospice volunteer
• Hospital volunteer
• Phlebotomist work
• Clinical research assistant
• Medical assistant work
• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) roles
• Emergency medical technician (EMT) service
• Working as a nurse
• Scribing or other support roles with direct interaction

Physician Shadowing:

Shadowing physicians is essential for gaining firsthand exposure to medical practice across specialties. Shadowing should be intentional and varied when possible. Most medical schools expect applicants to:

• Shadow 1–3 physicians in different settings (e.g. primary care, surgery, internal medicine)
• Accumulate approximately 20–60 shadowing hours
• Reflect on observations to understand medical ethics, teamwork, and clinical decision-making

Research Experience:

Research is not required by all medical schools but is expected or strongly encouraged by many—especially those with a focus on academic medicine. Students should aim to demonstrate curiosity, analytical thinking, and the ability to contribute to a larger scientific inquiry. Experiences may include:

• Laboratory research in biology, chemistry, or related sciences—could be with CMC faculty or a summer research experience at another institution (NSF, pathwaystoscience, etc.)
• Clinical or public health research
• Independent or mentored research projects
• Poster presentations or publications (when applicable)

Most medical schools ask for 3–5 letters of recommendation. CMC does not provide a “committee letter,” so students should plan to request individual letters.

The best letters come from:

• Professors who know your academic strengths
• Research mentors who can speak to your curiosity and persistence
• Healthcare professionals who have observed your clinical experience

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your readiness for medical school. Avoid family or friends. Always give your recommenders enough time and materials (resume, transcript, personal statement draft) to write a detailed, personalized letter.