Pre-Med in NYC

I've always dreamed of studying pre-med in New York City. Can anyone share their experience with the pre-med programs at NYC colleges or suggest some top programs? Is there anything I should consider specifically because I want to study pre-med?

Colleges in New York City offer a wide range of opportunities for pre-med students, considering the city's extensive healthcare network and diverse population. Columbia University, New York University (NYU), and Hunter College (part of the CUNY system) are well-known for their pre-med tracks.

Columbia and NYU are highly prestigious and can provide distinct opportunities, including rigorous academic preparation, top-tier faculty, and substantial research opportunities. Going to a school with a medical school attached (like Columbia's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons or NYU's Grossman School of Medicine) can also provide an advantage in terms of research opportunities and shadowing experiences.

Hunter College, while less well-known nationally, is considered a 'feeder' school for med schools and has a dedicated Pre-Health Advising Office that offers individualized advising, workshops, and other preparation opportunities specifically for pre-med students.

Generally, when looking at pre-med programs, consider factors such as the strength of the science curriculum, opportunities for research and internships, access to volunteering experiences at hospitals or clinics (relevant to patient interaction), and the level of support for the medical school application process, including advising and committee letters.

Being in NYC, you have access to numerous hospitals and clinics for shadowing and volunteering experiences and potentially better opportunities for internships and research. However, keep in mind that the city can be a competitive environment with potentially high costs of living.

Remember, though, the specific 'pre-med' program isn't as important as giving you a strong foundation in the necessary prerequisites for medical school and offering you opportunities to gain clinical, research, and volunteer experiences. It's also crucial to find a school where you will be happy and able to maintain a strong GPA, as your undergraduate performance is a key factor in med school admissions.