Faculty Labs
Undergraduate research projects in biology and chemistry departments
HighCompetitiveStart: Sophomore Year
Pre-Med Planning Guide
Pre-Med at University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, the University of Memphis provides a supportive environment for pre-med students through a comprehensive curriculum and connections to a vibrant healthcare community. While it does not have a dedicated pre-med major, students can tailor their coursework to meet medical school prerequisites and engage in relevant extracurricular activities.
The University of Memphis offers a solid foundation for pre-med students, with strong science curricula and ample opportunities to prepare for medical school admissions.
Pre-Med Strength
8.8/10
- Research
- Clinical Opportunities
- Advising
- Volunteer Opportunities
- STEM Resources
Why Students Choose of Memphis For Pre-Med
University-specific pre-med advantages and pipeline signals.
- Major R1 research institution with extensive faculty labs
- Life sciences programs including Biology
- Access to 4+ hospital systems near Memphis
- Active pre-health community with 4+ student organizations
- Undergraduate research through undergraduate research projects in biology and chemistry departments
- In-state tuition advantage for TN residents pursuing MD programs
- Personalized planning tools in Pre-Med OS tailored to of Memphis 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 University of Memphis.
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
Collaborative research with faculty focusing on molecular biology and environmental health
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 Memphis, TN.
Regional One Health
On campus / < 5 mi
Volunteer
Medium
Shadowing
Medium
Research
Medium
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
5–15 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
Medium
Research
Medium
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
15–30 mi
Volunteer
High
Shadowing
High
Research
High
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis
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
Biology Club
Membership: Clinical volunteering coordination and health career exposure
Leadership: Event leads and volunteer site captains
Networking: Connections to hospital volunteer coordinators
Chemistry Club
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 University of Memphis
Strengths
- Research: Major R1 research ecosystem with faculty labs
- Clinical Opportunities: Hospital and clinic access near campus
- Advising: Pre-health advising and peer mentor networks
- Volunteer Opportunities: Community and clinical service pathways
- Strong research ecosystem for building a competitive AMCAS activity section
Challenges
- Pre-med is inherently competitive — plan clinical and research depth 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
- Focus on building a strong GPA in core science courses to remain competitive for medical school admissions.
How Ready Are You For Medical School?
Estimate your readiness profile while planning at University of Memphis.
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Track Progress In Pre-Med OSStart Your Pre-Med Journey
Build your personalized plan for University of Memphis 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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