Faculty Labs
Biomedical research collaborations through Howard University College of Medicine
MediumModerateStart: Sophomore Year
Pre-Med Planning Guide
Pre-Med at Howard University
Washington, DC
Located in Washington, DC, Howard University offers a comprehensive pre-med track supported by strong programs in Biology & Life Sciences, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Students benefit from the university's emphasis on research and community engagement, both critical for a competitive medical school application.
Howard University provides a solid foundation for pre-med students through rigorous coursework and access to robust health sciences programs, preparing them effectively for medical school.
Pre-Med Strength
8.8/10
- Research
- Clinical Opportunities
- Advising
- Volunteer Opportunities
- STEM Resources
Why Students Choose Howard For Pre-Med
University-specific pre-med advantages and pipeline signals.
- R2 research classification with undergraduate lab access
- Life sciences programs including Biology & Life Sciences
- Access to 4+ hospital systems near Washington
- Active pre-health community with 4+ student organizations
- Undergraduate research through biomedical research collaborations through howard university college of medicine
- Personalized planning tools in Pre-Med OS tailored to Howard 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 Howard University.
Target GPA
3.7+
Target MCAT
510+
Clinical Hours
250+
Volunteer Hours
150+
Research Experience
1–2 years
Research Opportunities
Structured pathways from freshman exploration to competitive publications.
Summer Research Programs
Summer research internships at Howard University Hospital
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 Washington, DC.
Howard University Hospital
On campus / < 5 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
High
Research
High
MedStar Washington Hospital Center
5–15 mi
Volunteer
Medium
Shadowing
Medium
Research
Medium
George Washington University Hospital
15–30 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
High
Research
High
Children's National Hospital
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
Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter
Membership: Sustained community health volunteering
Leadership: Trip leaders and chapter presidents
Networking: Non-clinical service narratives for AMCAS
AI Assessment
Pre-Med Fit at Howard University
Strengths
- Research: Active undergraduate research programs
- Clinical Opportunities: Hospital and clinic access near campus
- Advising: Pre-health advising and peer mentor networks
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community and clinical service pathways
- STEM Resources: Core science sequences and lab infrastructure
Challenges
- Competitive science coursework — prioritize science GPA early
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
- Engage early with research opportunities at Howard University Hospital to strengthen your medical school application.
How Ready Are You For Medical School?
Estimate your readiness profile while planning at Howard 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 Howard 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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