FAQs - Premedicine Post-baccalaureate Certificate Program
1. Is the Premedicine Program only for students interested in applying to medical school?
No. Students who intend to apply to graduate programs in dentistry, podiatry, optometry and veterinary medicine are also admitted to the Premedicine Program.
2. I have already taken some science courses; can I still apply to Premedicine Program?
Some of our students come to the Premedicine Program having already taken one year of their basic science requirements. However, our program is not intended for students who wish to enhance a past academic record. Therefore, if you have taken the bulk of the required science courses already, regardless of the grades that you received in them, our program would not be appropriate for you and you should not apply. The AMCAS web site has helpful information about alternative premedical programs.
3. Is an interview required?
Generally speaking, students are not required to meet with an admissions committee prior to applying or during the application process.
4. Should I explore volunteer opportunities in my chosen career field before applying to the Premedicine Program?
Though it is not mandatory, exploring your chosen career field is the best way to decide if that field is the right one for you. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to spend some time in the desired health care setting before applying to our program.
5. Am I eligible to apply for admission to the Premedicine Program if I am graduating with my bachelor's degree this term?
Yes, you do not need to wait until you complete the undergraduate degree before applying for admission. In many cases, the admissions office can make an admission decision pending the receipt of your final transcript verifying the completion of your undergraduate degree. However, you will need to provide an updated transcript that verifies the completion of your bachelor's degree.
6. Am I eligible to apply for admission to the Premedical Program if I am an out-of-state resident?
Yes. Northwestern University is a private school, which means Illinois state residency is not a factor in either admissions or financial aid criteria.
7. Do you accept applications from international students?
If your degree is the equivalent to a bachelor's degree from a college or university in the U.S., then yes, you are eligible to apply.
It is important to consider the challenges faced by non-U.S. citizens and individuals who are not permanent residents who hope to enter U.S. medical schools. Not all medical schools will consider international applicants. As an international student, medical school admission is extremely competitive. Less than 10% of applicants gain acceptance to medical school, and most admitted international students have attended a U.S. college or university.
Some schools require that international students provide proof that they are able to meet the cost of four years of medical school and living expenses. As a general rule, no federal financial aid is available for non-U.S. citizens. It is imperative for international students to thoroughly research the medical schools that they are interested in applying to before taking any premedicine courses.
8. How do I know if my bachelor's from overseas is accredited?
To verify accredidation, you must contact the school from which you received your bachelor's degree.
9. When are admissions decisions made?
Applications for the Premedicine Program are not evaluated on a rolling admissions basis. Applications will be evaluated after the application deadline has passed. Admission letters will be sent within two weeks of the application deadline.
10. What is the typical course of studying the program?
View our sample course plan.
11. When are classes held?
During the fall, winter and spring quarters, lectures are held one evening a week from 6:15 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on the Evanston campus. Labs are held on Saturdays, also on the Evanston campus.
12. May I take other courses beyond the program requirements?
Students are able to take any of the courses that are offered through the School of Continuing Studies. However, any additional courses listed as 'electives' are NOT eligible for financial aid; only the courses that are required for the post-baccalaureate certificate are eligible for financial assistance. Many students take upper level biology courses, such as Biochemistry, Immunobiology and Anatomy. Courses in the humanities and social sciences are also popular, such as Philosophy of Medicine and Medical Sociology.
13. Does the Premedicine Program have any linkages with the area medical schools?
Students who complete our program have not only admitted to all of the Chicago area medical schools, but to medical schools nationwide. Further, students who complete our program usually perform exceptionally well in their medical education. However, we do not have any linkage agreements to any medical schools.
14. What types of support services are available to premedicine students?
Students enrolled in the Professional Health Careers Certificate program have access to the following support services:
Advising
- In-person advising on both Evanston and Chicago campuses
- Phone and e-mail advising to accommodate for busy schedules
- Workshops both in groups and through webcasts
Academic Support
Recommendation File Support
- Compiles letters of recommendation that have been solicited by students. Once students have applied to professional schools, a packet of letters are sent out to those schools, upon student request to the Recommendation File Service.
Career Services
- Mock interviews to prepare for medical school or other graduate school interviews-- offered through University Career Services and SCS
Northwestern University Pre-Health Professionals (NUPP)
- Student organization consisting of all SCS students interested in the health professions
- Allows the opportunity to network with other students who have similar interests
- Brings in admissions representatives from area medical schools to talk about the admissions process
15. What is the "glide" year and is there any way to eliminate it?
The "glide year" is the time between beginning the application process to medical school and actually enrolling in medical school. In almost all cases the glide year is inevitable. Students are encouraged to take higher level biology courses, statistics/calculus courses, or foreign language courses; pursue EMT or CPR certification; or pursue additional clinical and research experience during the glide year.
16. Is campus housing available for students in the Post-baccalaureate Program?
Campus housing at Northwestern University is reserved for degree seeking students. Certificate students are not eligible for campus housing. Students are encouraged to view the NU Off-campus Resources page, for more information.
17. Is financial aid available for the Premedicine Program?
Students of the Premedicine Program are eligible for financial aid. Students should speak with an academic advisor or financial aid officer for information regarding financial assistance. Please see Tuition and Fees for program costs.
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