How is UT as a pre-med school?

Ub3rmensch

Zamboni Driver
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2011
Messages
147
Reaction score
0
I'm not sure what the pre-med environment is like at UT (Austin), and would like some further information. Are there any specific programs that are a must for pre-meds? Are there any programs/organizations that I should avoid? I heard there are a few hospitals around the campus area; is it easy to get an opportunity to volunteer during the year at one of these hospitals? I'd just like some general information, since I will be attending next fall.

I'll be taking:
Organic Chemistry I
Genetics
English
Organic Chemistry Lab
Genetics Lab
Random Elective?

What professors are the best? Is that a good schedule?

Members don't see this ad.
 
From my experience:

-WAY too many pre-meds at UT. I mean, over 900 apply to med schools (and a lot more are pre-meds are either not applying yet, or soon-to-be jumping off the pre med boat).

-A ton less clinical volunteering opportunities (super hard to find, you'll need to search months in advance)

-Limited undergrad research opportunities, as all those students pounce on em right away.

With that said, UT is still once of the most diverse schools in the US, in one of the most open-minded cities in the US as well. The experience you'll get at UT is awesome.

And your schedule looks fine.
 
yall are making me nervous

im going this spring semester and im already terrified from what ive heard. UT has alot of premeds and that means alot of gunners
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Yeah, that's what I heard, I wasn't admitted right away (blame the top 10% rule), but I got in this spring semester, however, I got admitted pretty late. Not wanting a horrible schedule/professors (also to boost my GPA), I denied, and I'll be joining next fall (CAP program). I know it's really competitive, but I'm a competitive person myself (maybe not in high school), but I think I'll manage. It's just that I'm worried about finding opportunities that will propel me to be a strong applicant.
 
From my experience:

-WAY too many pre-meds at UT. I mean, over 900 apply to med schools (and a lot more are pre-meds are either not applying yet, or soon-to-be jumping off the pre med boat).

-A ton less clinical volunteering opportunities (super hard to find, you'll need to search months in advance)

-Limited undergrad research opportunities, as all those students pounce on em right away.

With that said, UT is still once of the most diverse schools in the US, in one of the most open-minded cities in the US as well. The experience you'll get at UT is awesome.

And your schedule looks fine.

I disagree with there not being research opportunities. UT is a huge research school with a ton of graduate students. Look up labs on the UT site and find grad students emails. Send a whole bunch asking if you can work in their lab. For clinical volunteering you should go to St. Davids or brackenridge (brackenridge sucks don't go there, dont know much about St Davids). There's tons to do at UT, so make sure you take advantage of it. And to make sure your grades stay up use myedu.com to find easier high A percentage professors. Best tool ever.
 
I'm not sure what the pre-med environment is like at UT (Austin), and would like some further information. Are there any specific programs that are a must for pre-meds? Are there any programs/organizations that I should avoid? I heard there are a few hospitals around the campus area; is it easy to get an opportunity to volunteer during the year at one of these hospitals? I'd just like some general information, since I will be attending next fall.

I'll be taking:
Organic Chemistry I
Genetics
English
Organic Chemistry Lab
Genetics Lab
Random Elective?

What professors are the best? Is that a good schedule?

There are a ton of pre-meds = ton of gunners. Not everyone is, but yeah, there are some really annoying kids out there. Don't be one of those guys.

Organizations? AMSA and Alpha Phi Omega would be good places to start. There are a ton of HPOs; all of them will be handing out fliers to join the first week or two of classes, and they're usually all camped out at Welch Hall. You can also check with the Health Professions Advising office in Painter Hall for more organizations. I would get to know the HPA as soon as possible as they are very nice and very helpful.

There are a ton of other organizations outside of the HPOs, as well. Look into them, as they're a great way to make friends, network, and round out your resume.

As far as hospitals nearby, there is St. David's on 38th street, just north of campus, Brackenridge to the south on 15th, and Dell Children's on 51st, about a mile north of campus. I volunteered at St. David's and Dell; it wasn't too hard to get into either- you just have to apply the semester before you wish to start. However, of the two, I got more out of my experience at St. David's.

As far as your course load, it's not bad, but I wouldn't want to take genetics and organic in the same semester if you can avoid it. At the very least, taking two "3-hour" labs in one semester is a bit much and I would hold off on the genetics lab until later.

Check pickaprof/myedu for professor reviews. Also useful are the "course instructor surveys," which you can find once you have access to UTdirect/ROSE.

Dr. Frank is (or was) the only one who teaches the genetics lab; it's time consuming but the actual material isn't too hard, with around 30-40% A's. I can't speak for the genetics lecture course as my professor has since left the University, but be warned that genetics in general is pretty tough.

Organic is also hard, no matter who you take. How you do in this course is really up to you, independent of your instructor. Everyone tries to get into Dr. Iverson's class as he's supposedly the "easiest" but his class always ends up waitlisted because of his reputation. The organic lab is a massive, time consuming, pain in the butt. Try not to get stuck in the Saturday lab, lol.

Good luck and Hook 'em.
 
Last edited:
There are a ton of pre-meds = ton of gunners. Not everyone is, but yeah, there are some really annoying kids out there. Don't be one of those guys.

Organizations? AMSA and Alpha Phi Omega would be good places to start. There are a ton of HPOs; all of them will be handing out fliers to join the first week or two of classes, and they're usually all camped out at Welch Hall. You can also check with the Health Professions Advising office in Painter Hall for more organizations. I would get to know the HPA as soon as possible as they are very nice and very helpful.

There are a ton of other organizations outside of the HPOs, as well. Look into them, as they're a great way to make friends, network, and round out your resume.

As far as hospitals nearby, there is St. David's on 38th street, just north of campus, Brackenridge to the south on 15th, and Dell Children's on 51st, about a mile north of campus. I volunteered at St. David's and Dell; it wasn't too hard to get into either- you just have to apply the semester before you wish to start. However, of the two, I got more out of my experience at St. David's.

As far as your course load, it's not bad, but I wouldn't want to take genetics and organic in the same semester if you can avoid it. At the very least, taking two "3-hour" labs in one semester is a bit much and I would hold off on the genetics lab until later.

Check pickaprof/myedu for professor reviews. Also useful are the "course instructor surveys," which you can find once you have access to UTdirect/ROSE.

Dr. Frank is (or was) the only one who teaches the genetics lab; it's time consuming but the actual material isn't too hard, with around 30-40% A's. I can't speak for the genetics lecture course as my professor has since left the University, but be warned that genetics in general is pretty tough.

Organic is also hard, no matter who you take. How you do in this course is really up to you, independent of your instructor. Everyone tries to get into Dr. Iverson's class as he's supposedly the "easiest" but his class always ends up waitlisted because of his reputation. The organic lab is a massive, time consuming, pain in the butt. Try not to get stuck in the Saturday lab, lol.

Good luck and Hook 'em.

Forgot to say Iverson is the single greatest teacher ever and you should do everything you can to get into his class.
 
Last edited:
I'll chime in since I went to UT for undergrad and got the full pre-med experience.

UT is an amazing school and I am insanely jealous you are just getting started there! It's a HUGE school, this you already know. Because of this, there are tons of pre-meds like everyone here has mentioned. It's easy to feel overlooked and you really have to "make your own way."

No one is going to hold your hand, but doing things like asking SDN before you start is a very good idea and something that would have helped me immensely had I known about this place.

Since you are a starting freshman, by far the most important thing for you to do is worry about your GPA. You have plenty of time to get research and clinical experience, but bombing your first semester will stay with you and is difficult to correct. Whatever online professor picking website is currently used is your best friend. It will feel like you're sacrificing your dignity for good grades but it's too competitive these days and every A counts.

I would think twice about organic and genetics both in your very first semester, especially since both have a lab component. Genetics and Orgo are fairly difficult and really depend on getting a good prof. If you need to put Orgo off a semester to get into Dr. Iverson's class then do it. Same goes for genetics, not sure who the prof du jour is anymore (I graduated in 05) but it's OK to put off taking a class in order to get the easiest prof.

When I was a student, the pre-med advising was a joke. I basically learned everything from other classmates and SDN. Hopefully it's better, but you are likely going to just need to come here to the pre-allo section for questions because you will get excellent realistic advice.

The one thing I would disagree with a previous poster here is all the pre-med clubs that line up their booths in Welch Hall (where you'll be spending a lot of time since it's the main chemistry buliding) are not unique experiences. It's good to join a club if you really like it, but feeling obligated to just because 200 other pre-meds are doing it is probably the exact reason to stay away. Make your extracurricuars unique and make them important to you. Join something you truly enjoy that you can stay with for your entire time in Austin.

Mentor an at risk kid, join the non-music major's orchestra/band, something that might have nothing to do with medicine but that helps the community. Because in the current climate, two pre-med clubs, a frat, and an IM football championship isn't gonna cut it when you apply.

For research, I recall there was one organization that tried to hook up freshman with lab experience, but that is difficult to do. What normally happens is you are a sophmore/junior and get to know a decent amount of the bio/chem faculty and then you can email those profs asking for the opportunity to work in their lab. What worked for me was I asked a TA I got along with in one of my upper level bio classes and she put in a good word with her PI (Principal Investigator - the head Prof of the lab) and I got a gig that way.

For clinical experience, everyone does the volunteer at Brackenridge/St. Davids thing. I wanted to do something different so I just showed up at a clinic in east Austin (lower SES part of town) and asked if they needed any volunteers and the nurse supervisor asked for my resume and said "Sure!" and it was that easy - hands on clinical experience with no other pre-meds buzzing around cramping my style!

Let me know if you have any other questions, but UT is a great school for pre-meds because it teaches you how to get things done by yourself which will be valuable in med school and VERY valuable in residency.
 
Everything SitraAtchra said. Do that. Especially not bombing your first semester and joining unique clubs.

I graduated in '06, but I think Dr. Neubauer still teaches genetics every now and then, usually honors, though. I had him for one of the intro bio courses and he was an awesome professor; very nice, very personable. If you can, take him for genetics.

The undergrad research group is SURGe. But honestly, your best bet for getting into research is to make yourself known to your professors or cold-call others. Like SitraAtchra said, UT is a big place and you will be doing a lot of things on your own.
 
I'll chime in since I went to UT for undergrad and got the full pre-med experience.

UT is an amazing school and I am insanely jealous you are just getting started there! It's a HUGE school, this you already know. Because of this, there are tons of pre-meds like everyone here has mentioned. It's easy to feel overlooked and you really have to "make your own way."

No one is going to hold your hand, but doing things like asking SDN before you start is a very good idea and something that would have helped me immensely had I known about this place.

Since you are a starting freshman, by far the most important thing for you to do is worry about your GPA. You have plenty of time to get research and clinical experience, but bombing your first semester will stay with you and is difficult to correct. Whatever online professor picking website is currently used is your best friend. It will feel like you're sacrificing your dignity for good grades but it's too competitive these days and every A counts.

I would think twice about organic and genetics both in your very first semester, especially since both have a lab component. Genetics and Orgo are fairly difficult and really depend on getting a good prof. If you need to put Orgo off a semester to get into Dr. Iverson's class then do it. Same goes for genetics, not sure who the prof du jour is anymore (I graduated in 05) but it's OK to put off taking a class in order to get the easiest prof.

When I was a student, the pre-med advising was a joke. I basically learned everything from other classmates and SDN. Hopefully it's better, but you are likely going to just need to come here to the pre-allo section for questions because you will get excellent realistic advice.

The one thing I would disagree with a previous poster here is all the pre-med clubs that line up their booths in Welch Hall (where you'll be spending a lot of time since it's the main chemistry buliding) are not unique experiences. It's good to join a club if you really like it, but feeling obligated to just because 200 other pre-meds are doing it is probably the exact reason to stay away. Make your extracurricuars unique and make them important to you. Join something you truly enjoy that you can stay with for your entire time in Austin.

Mentor an at risk kid, join the non-music major's orchestra/band, something that might have nothing to do with medicine but that helps the community. Because in the current climate, two pre-med clubs, a frat, and an IM football championship isn't gonna cut it when you apply.

For research, I recall there was one organization that tried to hook up freshman with lab experience, but that is difficult to do. What normally happens is you are a sophmore/junior and get to know a decent amount of the bio/chem faculty and then you can email those profs asking for the opportunity to work in their lab. What worked for me was I asked a TA I got along with in one of my upper level bio classes and she put in a good word with her PI (Principal Investigator - the head Prof of the lab) and I got a gig that way.

For clinical experience, everyone does the volunteer at Brackenridge/St. Davids thing. I wanted to do something different so I just showed up at a clinic in east Austin (lower SES part of town) and asked if they needed any volunteers and the nurse supervisor asked for my resume and said "Sure!" and it was that easy - hands on clinical experience with no other pre-meds buzzing around cramping my style!

Let me know if you have any other questions, but UT is a great school for pre-meds because it teaches you how to get things done by yourself which will be valuable in med school and VERY valuable in residency.

Would it really be that difficult? I've kind of made a 4-year general plan, and deviating from it might require me to re-think what I should take. Maybe I can take biochemistry, or another biology (which one is easy?) without a lab while taking organic 1. As for organic 2, I'll probably have to take an easy biology as well, so that means I might have to take genetics my junior year.

Thanks for all the great information, I'll make sure to take it with me when I transfer next fall.
 
Would it really be that difficult? I've kind of made a 4-year general plan, and deviating from it might require me to re-think what I should take. Maybe I can take biochemistry, or another biology (which one is easy?) without a lab while taking organic 1. As for organic 2, I'll probably have to take an easy biology as well, so that means I might have to take genetics my junior year.

Thanks for all the great information, I'll make sure to take it with me when I transfer next fall.

I don't know if it would be possible for you to do a different biology, as genetics is a pre req for all other upper division biology classes. Also Bio 311c and 311d are a pre req for genetics, so unless you have credit for them you need to take them first
 
I don't know if it would be possible for you to do a different biology, as genetics is a pre req for all other upper division biology classes. Also Bio 311c and 311d are a pre req for genetics, so unless you have credit for them you need to take them first

I'm a transfer student, I'll already have finished Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2 and Calculus 1/2. I didn't know Genetics was a hard class. Is it heavily math oriented?
 
Last edited:
Members don't see this ad :)
I'm a transfer student, I'll already have finished Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2 and Calculus1/2. I didn't know Genetics was a hard class. Is it heavily math oriented?

So you're not a freshman, you're just starting at UT from another college - got it.

Genetics isn't heavily math oriented but it's very heavy on details and unlike your intro bio classes, you don't have any background in high school to fall back on. The problem with genetics is there is a ton of material and based on how good a Prof you have, they can make the test a nightmare or a reasonable one so it's important to chose a good Prof.
 
I am currently a senior at UT and my advice would be do not join a premed club. Save your money and your time.
 
I am currently a senior at UT and my advice would be do not join a premed club. Save your money and your time.

I was actually going to do that, but I'll follow your advice. Club-wise, I was thinking of joining Red Cross and a French Club. I like the Red Cross motto/philosophy, and I'd like to keep practicing my French. I'm sure they have those two clubs. I might join one or two more if they really seem appealing. I'm also gonna try to join the hockey team (club) and hopefully get a volunteer spot at one of the hospitals nearby, therefore I won't have much time for too many clubs. What do you think?
 
I was actually going to do that, but I'll follow your advice. Club-wise, I was thinking of joining Red Cross and a French Club. I like the Red Cross motto/philosophy, and I'd like to keep practicing my French. I'm sure they have those two clubs. I might join one or two more if they really seem appealing. I'm also gonna try to join the hockey team (club) and hopefully get a volunteer spot at one of the hospitals nearby, therefore I won't have much time for too many clubs. What do you think?

I think volunteering as well as joining a couple clubs is very smart. I wouldn't over-do it on the clubs though. I suggest joining red cross definitely and maybe just one other. Become involved in the two that you choose. It is better to be involved in a few clubs rather than joining a lot and not having time to contribute with them.
 
On the back end of all this, and since I felt like it was part of your original question, I'm fairly certain UT-Austin is a significant and respected feeder school for all the med schools in Texas. That alone qualifies it as very adequate premed prep for application.

I haven't started at UTSW yet, but I remember at interview, several med students mentioned that UT-Austin is a significant source of their entering classes (30% was mentioned anecdotally). While the undergrad environment may be large and competitive, being a UT premed is definitely not a disadvantage and does have its rewards because of the experience and challenge it offers.

FYI, once upon a time I started at UT-Austin as undergrad so I remember what it was like. Much later (this May) I will have finished my undergrad at UTSA.


Sent from my medical tricorder using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
On the back end of all this, and since I felt like it was part of your original question, I'm fairly certain UT-Austin is a significant and respected feeder school for all the med schools in Texas. That alone qualifies it as very adequate premed prep for application.

I haven't started at UTSW yet, but I remember at interview, several med students mentioned that UT-Austin is a significant source of their entering classes (30% was mentioned anecdotally). While the undergrad environment may be large and competitive, being a UT premed is definitely not a disadvantage and does have its rewards because of the experience and challenge it offers.

FYI, once upon a time I started at UT-Austin as undergrad so I remember what it was like. Much later (this May) I will have finished my undergrad at UTSA.


Sent from my medical tricorder using Tapatalk

That's funny, because I just finished my first semester at UTSA. What made you come here?
 
Well, there's a big gap in time between when I started at Austin and now as I'm finishing at UTSA. I live in South Texas and while I would've loved to have finished at Austin, there were many reasons, including a family, that a commute to UTSA was the only viable option for me.

If I'm inferring from your question correctly, your query is at least partly directed at why I'd choose UTSA for premed over UT-Austin since Austin is clearly the more respected school. As I said it was a matter of logistics and geography. That being said, in retrospect I don't think UTSA has a thing to be ashamed of in its life sciences/premed curriculum. If you take the right professors, and work hard, UTSA will definitely get you ready for med school (in terms of MCAT, research opportunity, and accessibility of professors for LORs, etc).

I love UT-Austin. No hesitation there. However, there's something to be said for an environment less crowded with "gunners". Rock a 3.9+, get involved, develop relationships with your professors (who will more likely remember your academic effort), and apply to med school. Each school has its pros and cons, and in the end I can't knock UTSA. My dream school didn't, and I'm matriculating there this Fall.

But if UT-Austin is your goal, or even just Austin, and you think you can thrive there, then do it. It's a long road and you need to enjoy where you are while you're on that journey. Just don't dismiss UTSA if you'd rather not. There's no need to.


Sent from my medical tricorder using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Well, there's a big gap in time between when I started at Austin and now as I'm finishing at UTSA. I live in South Texas and while I would've loved to have finished at Austin, there were many reasons, including a family, that a commute to UTSA was the only viable option for me.

If I'm inferring from your question correctly, your query is at least partly directed at why I'd choose UTSA for premed over UT-Austin since Austin is clearly the more respected school. As I said it was a matter of logistics and geography. That being said, in retrospect I don't think UTSA has a thing to be ashamed of in its life sciences/premed curriculum. If you take the right professors, and work hard, UTSA will definitely get you ready for med school (in terms of MCAT, research opportunity, and accessibility of professors for LORs, etc).

I love UT-Austin. No hesitation there. However, there's something to be said for an environment less crowded with "gunners". Rock a 3.9+, get involved, develop relationships with your professors (who will more likely remember your academic effort), and apply to med school. Each school has its pros and cons, and in the end I can't knock UTSA. My dream school didn't, and I'm matriculating there this Fall.

But if UT-Austin is your goal, or even just Austin, and you think you can thrive there, then do it. It's a long road and you need to enjoy where you are while you're on that journey. Just don't dismiss UTSA if you'd rather not. There's no need to.


Sent from my medical tricorder using Tapatalk

I understand where you're coming from. I don't completely dislike the school. For example, I got to know one of my bio lab professors quite well and he'll write me some LoRs for some research/internship programs for the summer. Bio I at UTSA was intense, to say the least. I had Cole, (4-5% make an A) and I worked every day for that class and managed to squeeze by with a 90something. The one thing negative I have to say about UTSA is how it is secluded. I feel like I'm trapped since I don't have a car. Plus, there aren't many clubs that offer real benefits. I've joined two and I don't really enjoy being a member. I just use them as a way to volunteer in the community. Although, I agree, the classes will prepare you for the MCAT, but I'm from the north and I like the city. Austin is where I would like to be.
 
I understand where you're coming from. I don't completely dislike the school. For example, I got to know one of my bio lab professors quite well and he'll write me some LoRs for some research/internship programs for the summer. Bio I at UTSA was intense, to say the least. I had Cole, (4-5% make an A) and I worked every day for that class and managed to squeeze by with a 90something. The one thing negative I have to say about UTSA is how it is secluded. I feel like I'm trapped since I don't have a car. Plus, there aren't many clubs that offer real benefits. I've joined two and I don't really enjoy being a member. I just use them as a way to volunteer in the community. Although, I agree, the classes will prepare you for the MCAT, but I'm from the north and I like the city. Austin is where I would like to be.

Then by all means, go north, young man. Austin is awesome. And as I stated in a previous post, I think the premed there is top notch and will definitely hone your abilities as a student. Anyone, anywhere will respect the UT-Austin premed experience, and while it's a lot of work, excelling there is impressive.


Sent from my medical tricorder using Tapatalk
 
From my experience:

-WAY too many pre-meds at UT. I mean, over 900 apply to med schools (and a lot more are pre-meds are either not applying yet, or soon-to-be jumping off the pre med boat).

-A ton less clinical volunteering opportunities (super hard to find, you'll need to search months in advance)

-Limited undergrad research opportunities, as all those students pounce on em right away.

With that said, UT is still once of the most diverse schools in the US, in one of the most open-minded cities in the US as well. The experience you'll get at UT is awesome.

And your schedule looks fine.

And if it helps, the Pre-Med Scumbag meme guy went to UT, I believe.
 
I miss UT, 6th street, the awesome Tex-mex, bbq, gameday & tailgaiting, gregory gym, happy hour, the co-eds, etc. 🙁

You're going to love it there. I know I did 🙂
 
I'm currently at UT Austin and I love it here. Sure, there are lots and lots of premeds but why should that matter to you? After all, truly anyone can say they are premed, but are they as focused, involved, charismatic, and determined as you? If not, then who cares? I actually feel as though the number of premeds here motivates me to do my best.

There are lots of places to volunteer, a good number of which just require an application and short interview to get placed somewhere. However, it's harder to find really valuable volunteer experiences but this is probably an issue in other places too.

The Freshman Research Initiative is what gets freshman involved in research starting 2nd semester. I think that is the program that one of the posters was getting at. Unfortunately, you aren't a freshman but you can still do well in classes and find professors to do research with. Join SURge too like one of the posters said. Also, premed organizations are good for nothing (except free pizza...which isn't really free considering that the dues are 60 bucks a semester usually).
 
I'm currently at UT Austin and I love it here. Sure, there are lots and lots of premeds but why should that matter to you? After all, truly anyone can say they are premed, but are they as focused, involved, charismatic, and determined as you? If not, then who cares? I actually feel as though the number of premeds here motivates me to do my best.

There are lots of places to volunteer, a good number of which just require an application and short interview to get placed somewhere. However, it's harder to find really valuable volunteer experiences but this is probably an issue in other places too.

The Freshman Research Initiative is what gets freshman involved in research starting 2nd semester. I think that is the program that one of the posters was getting at. Unfortunately, you aren't a freshman but you can still do well in classes and find professors to do research with. Join SURge too like one of the posters said. Also, premed organizations are good for nothing (except free pizza...which isn't really free considering that the dues are 60 bucks a semester usually).

I appreciate the advice. I'll make sure to write down a list of the important information mentioned in this thread. Can't wait to go to UT. I actually got accepted for the Spring semester, however most of the classes I wanted to take were full. Oh well, only a few months away.
 
Yes, Texas. The REAL UT.



-_-


images

You better watch what you say, son.


(Just kidding, just kidding....)
 
your going to be competing with a LOT of people. UT-Austin is a massive campus..
 
Top