Arts and SciencesOctober 31, 2025

Preparing for Med School in Arkansas: Which Degrees are Best for Undergrad?

Written By: Meagan Cleveland

Students preparing for medical school in Arkansas are getting ready to make major decisions. Medical school is highly competitive but offers great rewards, such as job security, financial stability, and the ability to help others. help others. But some may wonder which undergraduate degree is best for this new career path. What tips will help set you over the top with competition? 

Most students seeking the medical field fill their class schedules with science courses (most favor biology). Some will realize a few years in that medical school is the path for them. Regardless of your paths, the University of Arkansas- Fort Smith offers a plethora of degree plans to ensure students excel in preparing for medical school.  

5 Tips for Medical School 

To better prepare you for the medical school path, check out these tips:  

1. Find medical experience to include on your resume: Medical experience will help set you off from the competition. It will that you are eager, willing to learn, and taking an initiative, and medical school programs will see you as a likely candidate. 
2. Research, research, and research: Research medical schools, complete research programs and projects, and research ways you can give back to the community while working on your undergrad.
3. Study early and study often: MCAT scores range from 472-528. The average score for medical school acceptance is around 508. The total recommended study time for students looking to get into medical school is 300-350 hours. Take practice tests, join study groups, and build a community of like-minded students who will support you and help you through undergrad and the tasks of applying for medical school.
4. Serve the community: By giving back to the community, you are welcoming medical schools to view your compassionate side. This is a key component that medical school admissions look for in candidates.
5. Find a mentor: Finding a mentor can help ease the stress of medical school admissions, studying constantly, and the feelings of loneliness when you’re struggling to find a medical school to attend.  

Which Majors Are Best?  

While there are no specific bachelor's degrees required for medical school admission, students must complete specific prerequisite science and math courses, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. The first two years of medical school have been known to be heavily science focused. 

Those who enter medical school without a background in science may find the first few months more difficult. It is recommended that students pursue undergraduate degrees they will excel in. However, students should be aware of the wealth of sciences medical school will cover.  

How can UAFS Help? 

According to the UAFS Bachelor of Science website, graduates are qualified to enter advanced programs at the master’s or doctoral levels or have career opportunities in laboratory, environmental, medical, dental, pharmaceutical, or veterinary fields.  

Some graduates choose to continue their education in medical school or graduate programs, while others benign their careers in one of many varied biological specialties including:  

• Biologist 

• Biomedical Engineer 

• Botanist  

• Medical Technologist 

• Pathologist 

• Pharmacologist 

• Toxicologist 

• Geneticist 

• Life Science Educator  

 Students work together with faculty in conducting field and laboratory research using state-of-the-art instruments. Their findings are published in leading scientific publications and presented at state, regional, and national levels. Students can choose a broad training in biology or a more specific program for those seeking careers in the biomedical professions. 

What are the Arkansas Stats? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for biology degree holders in 2023 was $70,000. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine has an approximate 25% acceptance rate. Medical schools are highly competitive.  

Though medical school is competitive, UAFS does an excellent job at providing opportunities, necessary education, and professional training/connections to set up students for success within the medical field. The Bachelor of Science in Biology prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers in the life sciences. 

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• College of Arts and Sciences
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