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.