Faculty Labs
Undergraduate research projects in biology and health sciences with faculty mentors
MediumModerateStart: Sophomore Year
Pre-Med Planning Guide
Pre-Med at Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake University offers a supportive environment for aspiring medical students through its strong biology, health sciences, and nursing programs. The university encourages a well-rounded education with opportunities to engage in research and community health initiatives that enhance pre-med readiness.
Drake University provides a solid foundation for pre-med students, with comprehensive course offerings and access to clinical experiences that prepare them well for medical school applications.
Pre-Med Strength
6.8/10
- Research
- Clinical Opportunities
- Advising
- Volunteer Opportunities
- STEM Resources
Why Students Choose Drake For Pre-Med
University-specific pre-med advantages and pipeline signals.
- R3 research classification with undergraduate lab access
- Life sciences programs including Biology & Life Sciences
- Access to 3+ hospital systems near Des Moines
- Active pre-health community with 4+ student organizations
- Undergraduate research through undergraduate research projects in biology and health sciences with faculty mentors
- Personalized planning tools in Pre-Med OS tailored to Drake 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 Drake 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 local healthcare providers on public health studies
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.
MediumModerateStart: Junior Year
Clinical Opportunities Near Campus
Hospitals and health systems accessible from Des Moines, IA.
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
On campus / < 5 mi
Volunteer
Medium
Shadowing
Medium
Research
Medium
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
5–15 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
High
Research
High
Broadlawns Medical Center
15–30 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
High
Research
High
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
Psychology Club
Membership: Sustained community health volunteering
Leadership: Trip leaders and chapter presidents
Networking: Non-clinical service narratives for AMCAS
AI Assessment
Pre-Med Fit at Drake 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 Des Moines
Challenges
- STEM Resources 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
- Leverage Drake’s connections with Des Moines hospitals early to secure clinical volunteer hours and internships.
How Ready Are You For Medical School?
Estimate your readiness profile while planning at Drake 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 Drake 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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