Brandeis’ pre-med preparation: A winning prescription

Brandeis Stories

Brandeis' pre-med preparation: A winning prescription

By Laura Gardner
March 27, 2026

When Emma Keohane '25 first heard about Brandeis University as a high school junior, she knew it would offer the academic rigor she wanted for a career in medicine.

But once she arrived on campus, she discovered something else that proved just as valuable: the encouragement to explore beyond a single academic path.

"I knew I wanted to be pre-med, but Brandeis also presented me with an opportunity to explore subjects outside of the natural sciences while being on the pre-med path," said Keohane, now a clinical research assistant in neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis who plans to apply to medical school next year.

Alongside biology and chemistry courses, Keohane discovered sociology - and quickly realized how powerful it could be to enhance understanding both of medicine and patients.

"I was especially fascinated by the ways sociology can impact medicine and a person's health," she said. "I can't wait to combine the methodologies, strategies and knowledge of both the natural and social sciences in my future career as a physician."

Today, Keohane interacts directly with patients, conducts neuropsychological testing and contributes to ongoing clinical research. The work offers daily exposure to both patient care and cutting-edge science - excellent preparation for medical school.

Experiences like Keohane's reflect a broader approach to pre-health education at Brandeis. As a small R1 research university, Brandeis is known for its strong teaching, accessible research opportunities and individualized advising.

Early Student Advising

From the moment students express interest in healthcare, often in their first year, the university's pre-health advising team begins working with them one-on-one, said Andy Simmons, director of pre-health professions advising. Advisers help students think through course selection, internships, certifications, clinical experiences and research opportunities, while also introducing them to the many possible careers in healthcare, from medicine and dentistry to physician assistant, nursing and more.

Faculty mentorship plays an important role as well, particularly in the early science courses that many students find most challenging. At the same time, Brandeis offers something many larger universities can't: meaningful access to faculty research. Students frequently join labs early in their college careers, Simmons said, contributing to active research projects and sometimes completing honors work in their field.

"The kind of engagement a student can get with our research faculty is second to none," he said.

Students get even more personalized support through Brandeis' application preparatory program. Pre-health advisors work closely with students to build their medical school applications well before the process begins. Personal statements go through multiple drafts and receive detailed feedback, and students participate in mock interviews with coaching on how to present their experiences and motivations clearly and authentically. Advisers also help students identify the best faculty to ask for letters of recommendation and develop a list of schools to which they will apply.

Alumni Career Support

The support continues even after graduation for alumni who decide to apply later.

The results are striking. Over the past three years, 61% of Brandeis applicants were admitted to MD programs, compared with a national average of about 41%. When osteopathic programs are included, the admission rate for Brandeis students rises to 67%, Simmons said.

Still, he emphasizes that the goal of pre-health advising isn't simply to produce medical school applicants. Like many institutions, Brandeis sees students arrive convinced they want to become physicians, only to discover new interests along the way.

"You have to be ready to embrace exploration," Simmons said. "When you're 18, you're often carrying expectations you don't fully own. Brandeis is a great place for bright students because faculty really care about their interests, their exploration and their trajectory."

For Keohane, that spirit of exploration proved invaluable, helping her embrace medicine not just as a science, but as a human endeavor shaped by society, experience and care.