By Alissa Martin
Hi, my name is Alissa and I am a second year student here at Pomona majoring in psychology on the pre-health track.
Pomona College offers an extensive pre-health advising program that accommodates students from diverse academic backgrounds, including students majoring in the natural sciences, like psychology or even the humanities, like English.
The flexibility of Pomona’s liberal arts curriculum allows me to tailor my education to suit both my pre-health requirements and passion for psychology. I have had the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers the essential sciences—biology, chemistry, and mathematics alongside my major-specific classes. Currently, I am taking Intro Stats for Psych with lab and it fulfills a major requirement and pre health requisite. This has also been my favorite class this semester because learning how to code is quite intriguing. Also, I have been able to take fun classes like pilates and ballet. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that I develop a well-rounded understanding of both psychological principles and the hard sciences, which are crucial for a career in healthcare and I get to enjoy courses outside of the natural sciences as well.
I even have a dedicated pre-health advisor to help me plan my academic path, ensuring I can meet all the prerequisites for medical school and my major. She provides guidance on course selection, extracurricular activities, and research opportunities. Some of those extracurricular activities include the 5C EMS club and hospital volunteering. As a psych major, I have seeked advice on integrating my psychological studies with my pre-health goals, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative for all of my future applications and endeavors.
In addition to academic support, Pomona offers numerous hands-on experiences that are vital for pre-health students. You can participate in research projects within the psychology department or through collaborative programs with nearby Claremont Colleges. Clinical volunteer opportunities, internships, and shadowing experiences are readily available through Pomona’s partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities. These experiences not only bolster your resume but also can give you practical insights into the healthcare field. I am currently going through the application process to work at the local hospital, Pomona Valley.
I feel a strong sense of community and collaboration among pre-health students. I have found peers who share my dedication and drive, forming study groups, and engaging in pre-health clubs and organizations like Health Bridges and pre health student mentorship programs. This supportive network is instrumental in helping me stay motivated and focused on my goals.
In summary, being a pre-health psychology student at Pomona College means I get to benefit from a flexible curriculum, personalized advising, ample research and clinical opportunities, and a supportive community, all of which will prepare me for a successful career in healthcare.
And within my next two semesters, I hope to participate in psychology based research.