Faculty Labs
Undergraduate research projects in molecular biology and health sciences
LimitedModerateStart: Sophomore Year
Pre-Med Planning Guide
Pre-Med at DePauw University
Greencastle, IN
Located in Greencastle, Indiana, DePauw University offers a liberal arts education with robust programs in Biology & Life Sciences, Health Sciences, and Nursing that support pre-medical studies. Its intimate campus environment encourages close faculty mentorship and undergraduate research, which are critical for aspiring medical students. Pre-med students benefit from interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning to build a competitive medical school application.
DePauw University provides a solid foundation for pre-med students, with strong science programs and opportunities to prepare competitively for medical school admissions.
Pre-Med Strength
6.8/10
- Research
- Clinical Opportunities
- Advising
- Volunteer Opportunities
- STEM Resources
Why Students Choose DePauw For Pre-Med
University-specific pre-med advantages and pipeline signals.
- Strong life sciences pipeline (12.2% bio/health degrees)
- Access to 3+ hospital systems near Greencastle
- Active pre-health community with 3+ student organizations
- Undergraduate research through undergraduate research projects in molecular biology and health sciences
- Personalized planning tools in Pre-Med OS tailored to DePauw students
4-Year Plan
Pre-Med Roadmap
Year-by-year milestones from freshman year through application cycle.
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Join Pre-Med Club
- Begin Volunteering
Your Pre-Med Journey
Track each phase in Pre-Med OS.
Successful Pre-Med Student Profile
Competitive targets for students at DePauw University.
Target GPA
3.5+
Target MCAT
505+
Clinical Hours
250+
Volunteer Hours
150+
Research Experience
1–2 years
Research Opportunities
Structured pathways from freshman exploration to competitive publications.
Summer Research Programs
Collaborations with faculty on biomedical topics
MediumCompetitiveStart: Sophomore–Junior Year
NIH / Federal Opportunities
Competitive national programs — strong GPA and prior lab experience recommended.
LimitedCompetitiveStart: Junior Year
Clinical Research
Hospital-affiliated clinical studies and patient-oriented research near campus.
LimitedModerateStart: Junior Year
Clinical Opportunities Near Campus
Hospitals and health systems accessible from Greencastle, IN.
Putnam County Hospital (Greencastle)
On campus / < 5 mi
Volunteer
Medium
Shadowing
Medium
Research
Medium
Indiana University Health West Hospital (Indianapolis)
5–15 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
High
Research
High
St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital (Indianapolis)
15–30 mi
Volunteer
Medium
Shadowing
Medium
Research
Limited
Pre-Health Student Organizations
Build leadership, service, and networking depth for AMCAS.
Pre-Med Society
Membership: MCAT study groups, guest physician panels, application workshops
Leadership: Officer roles in programming and outreach
Networking: Peer mentors and alumni physician connections
Health Sciences Club
Membership: Clinical volunteering coordination and health career exposure
Leadership: Event leads and volunteer site captains
Networking: Connections to hospital volunteer coordinators
Nursing Student Association
Membership: National pre-health honor society recognition
Leadership: Chapter officers and service project leads
Networking: Inter-chapter and national pre-med network
AI Assessment
Pre-Med Fit at DePauw University
Strengths
- Clinical Opportunities: Hospital and clinic access near campus
- Advising: Pre-health advising and peer mentor networks
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community and clinical service pathways
- Access to multiple hospital systems near Greencastle
- Robust STEM and life sciences curriculum depth
Challenges
- Research may require extra initiative compared to R1 peers
Recommended Strategy
- Join research or a structured lab by sophomore year
- Begin sustained clinical volunteering freshman or sophomore year
- Complete MCAT prep with a diagnostic by spring junior year
- Build strong physician and science faculty recommendations over 2+ semesters
- Focus early on completing core science prerequisites with strong grades to build a competitive med school application.
How Ready Are You For Medical School?
Estimate your readiness profile while planning at DePauw University.
Enter at least one metric above to see your estimated readiness score.
Track Progress In Pre-Med OSStart Your Pre-Med Journey
Build your personalized plan for DePauw University with GPA tracking, MCAT prep, and medical school match tools.
- GPA Tracking
- MCAT Planner
- Clinical Hours Tracker
- Volunteer Tracker
- Research Portfolio
- Medical School Match
- Application Timeline
- AI Advisor
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