Most health-professions schools also require one or two math courses and an English or expository writing course. Professional schools value research experience when they consider applicants, and Bates students have a wide array of opportunities for conducting research. Grants and stipends are available to support such work, depending on the program, both at Bates and at other colleges and universities. In addition to planning a carefully tailored course of study, one of the best ways to explore any field is to experience it firsthand. If you are interested in the health professions, it is important that you participate in as many different medically related opportunities as you can.
Many ongoing programs provide opportunities for community service.
All of these options will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience, learn to speak confidently in interviews, and be able to make a sound, satisfying career choice. A support network within the College is available to guide students headed for the medical professions. The Bates College Health Sciences Society is an active student group that meets monthly during the academic year and acts as an important resource for pre-health students. In addition, a recently established peer mentoring program allows first-year and sophomore students to benefit from the experiences of their more senior colleagues. The Committee also helps pre-health students with graduate program choices, recommendation requests, essay writing for applications, and preparation for the Medical Studies Interview, which usually takes place in the junior year for students who go directly on to a graduate medical program.