Gaining some practical experience in the medical field before applying to medical school can be highly beneficial. If you are a pre-med student looking for opportunities to work with patients or engage in research, liberal arts colleges often present appealing options. A well-rounded pre-med education program in these colleges encompasses scientific and non-scientific disciplines that can enhance your chances of admission to top-notch medical schools. One of the best things is they typically offer smaller class sizes, so you get the opportunity to have all the support from your professors. Without further ado, let’s get to know the best liberal arts colleges for pre med that we’ve chosen by considering important factors like acceptance rate, applicants’ number, class size, pre-med program, practical experience, and more.
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List of the best liberal arts colleges for pre med
#1. Williams College
- Williamstown, Massachusetts
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 9%
- Medical school applicants per year: around 75
- Medical school acceptance rate: 85%
Located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Williams College is renowned for its excellence in preparing students for medical school. It’s the #1 National Liberal Arts College, according to U.S. News. The Williams College pre-med program has a remarkable acceptance rate of 85% into med schools, over the national average of 32%. The high acceptance rate is evidence of the program’s quality, and that’s why Williams College ranks top in our list.
The institution’s pre-med program distinguishes itself through a rigorous academic framework encompassing biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Students interested in medical pursuits can expand their knowledge through specialized courses on health-related topics such as public health and nutrition. The pre-med program also offers various avenues for practical experience in medicine, including engaging in clinical rotations at local hospitals or medical offices and collaborating on research projects with esteemed physicians and researchers from institutions worldwide.
At Williams, the pre-med program cultivates an intimate and supportive environment, accommodating approximately 50 students per class. The comprehensive curriculum ensures students are equipped with the necessary knowledge for medical school and beyond, encompassing various subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and genetics.
Williams College prides itself on its close-knit community, where the student body totals around 2,000 individuals per year. This smaller student body promotes a familial atmosphere, and regardless of their chosen major or minor, students can always find understanding and support from like-minded individuals.
#2 Pomona College
- Claremont, California
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 7%
- Medical school applicants per year: Less than 50
- Medical school acceptance rate: 85%
Pomona College stands out as a renowned liberal arts institution nationwide, located in Claremont, California. Its reputation consistently places it among the top colleges in the nation, highly acknowledged by various esteemed sources like U.S. News & World Report.
The admission process in Pomona for pre-med students is rigorous, but the rewards make it worthwhile. It presents an all-encompassing pre-med curriculum, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Moreover, the college delivers an array of advanced courses covering genetics, neuroscience, and molecular biology.
Pomona College offers a unique opportunity to transfer students. Under this exceptional initiative, students accepted into the undergraduate program are also granted admission to the college’s medical school. It means a transfer student can transition seamlessly into medical school after four years of undergraduate studies!
Pomona College maintains a relatively small enrollment of approximately 1,500 students. Acknowledging their commitment to academic quality, Niche awarded Pomona College a perfect five-star rating during the 2018-2019 ranking period, an honor that only 11% of all colleges in the country achieved.
#3 Carleton College
- Northfield, Minnesota
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 18%
- Medical school applicants per year: around 55
- Medical school acceptance rate: On average 82% (Last 5 years)
Carleton College is a small liberal arts institution renowned for its comprehensive pre-med program in Northfield, Minnesota. Carleton takes pride in its impressive acceptance rate to medical school, offering dedicated support to students pursuing a medical career through its esteemed “Pre-Health” program.
The program prioritizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge. It is designed with a wide array of subjects, including science subjects and mathematics, as well as specialized courses, such as immunology, biochemistry, and genetics. Pre-med students at Carleton College can access a range of invaluable resources to aid them in their academic journey. These resources include personalized academic advising, hands-on research opportunities, and enriching internships. Moreover, Carleton College houses a dedicated Health Professions Advising Office.
Carleton accommodates a diverse student body of approximately 2,000 individuals from all corners of the globe. In addition to academics, Carleton College also offers a vibrant student life. The college has many student organizations, and students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, arts, and student government.
#4 Amherst College
- Amherst, Massachusetts
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 9%
- Medical school applicants per year: around 55
- Medical school acceptance rate: On average 80%
Amherst College is a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is the third oldest institution of higher education in Massachusetts. Amherst is an esteemed college with a strong focus on undergraduate research. Most of the students get the opportunity to work with faculty on independent research projects.
Amherst College offers an intensive pre-med program. The curriculum mandates students to undergo a sequence of biology, chemistry, and physics courses, alongside advanced classes covering genetics, neuroscience, and microbiology. The college furnishes various resources catering to pre-med students with academic guidance, tutoring facilities, and a pre-medical society. Additionally, Amherst College has cultivated a robust alliance with the University of Massachusetts Medical School, which opens avenues for internships, research prospects, and mentorship programs exclusively available to Amherst College students.
Amherst has a total enrolment of around 1,800 students, and its student body is diverse, with students from all over the United States and the world. It offers a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations, and there are opportunities for students to participate in athletics, the arts, and community service.
#5 Bowdoin College
- Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 9%
- Medical school applicants per year: around 40
- Medical school acceptance rate: 85% (Last 15 years)
Situated in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin is the oldest college in the state of Maine. Bowdoin is a member of the Little Ivy League, a group of highly selective liberal arts colleges in the northeastern United States.
The college presents an extensive pre-med curriculum, including science-related subjects. Additionally, the college boasts a distinctive interdisciplinary program in neuroscience, skilfully blending studies with other relevant courses like biology. Bowdoin provides personalized advising, research opportunities, and valuable internships. They offer a remarkable support system from the Health Professions Advising Committee, which diligently guides and assists pre-med students.
The college has an enrolment of around 2,000 students each year and a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. It is also a member of the Annapolis Group, a consortium of liberal arts colleges committed to academic excellence and student-centred education.
Final Words
Liberal arts colleges emphasize diverse education fields and offer excellent preparation for medical school. The best liberal art colleges for pre-med provide ample opportunities to engage in research and participate in rigorous academic practices, which can make your medical school application stand out. Whether you plan to apply to medical school immediately after graduation or switch to another field, a solid foundation in a liberal arts college will serve you well.