Alpha Epsilon Delta Rating, Reviews and Requirements. Is it worth it?
What is the history of Alpha Epsilon Delta?
On April 28, 1926, fifteen premedical students at the University of Alabama met with Dr. Jack Montgomery, premedical adviser and professor of organic chemistry, to formalize the organization of a new premedical honor society. Baylor University, Samford University, The University of Texas, and the University of South Carolina established chapters in 1928/29. At the first national convention at the University of Alabama on April 18, 1930, ten members representing five chapters and one petitioning group were in attendance.
In February 1929 the first two women were initiated as members, making Alpha Epsilon Delta one of the earliest co-educational honor societies established. In 1949, AED was incorporated in the State of Michigan. In February 1962, the Society was reincorporated in the District of Columbia as a nonprofit, educational organization. The business of the Society is conducted by the National Officers, Regional Directors, and active chapters, with authorization of the national convention, held biennially.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) has today become the world's largest Honor Society exclusively serving premedical education, with a membership exceeding 144,000 in 186 chapters.
What are the requirements to be in Alpha Epsilon Delta?
Undergraduate Students:
- Membership is open to students currently enrolled in chosen health professions including careers in medicine (allopathic and osteopathic), dentistry, optometry, podiatry, veterinary medicine and other health care professions requiring post baccalaureate study leading to an advanced degree.
- Potential members must have completed at least 3 semesters or 5 quarters of health pre professional studies work with an overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 on a 4.0 scale (A = 4.00) and also with a cumulative GPA of 3.20 in the sciences – biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Potential members who meet the GPA and are transferring from one school to one with an active chapter will be eligible for membership after the completion of one semester or two quarters at the new school. The grade point averages used to determine scholastic eligibility at the new school will be determined by averaging all grades from both old and new schools.
What are the key benefits of being a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta?
- Public recognition of outstanding pre-health scholarship.
- Opportunity to be part of a national group of students interested in professional health as a career.
- Publications of the Society are devoted to the interests of students in the health professions.
- Opportunity to participate in activities that promote interest in pre-professional health.
- Interaction with other chapter members throughout the United States.
- Participation in the national convention and meetings of the Society.
- Opportunity to establish and pursue contacts with health professionals.
- Pleasure and satisfaction of life-long membership in an active organization devoted to the education of pre-professional health students.
- Consideration for AED scholarships.
Based on the information, here is our review:
Our first observation is: that this society provides an opportunity to participate in activities that promote interest in pre-professional health.
Our second observation was: that this GPA requirement seems to be a little higher than other societies, which makes sense given the field of work.
Our third observation was: that membership is open to students currently enrolled in chosen health professions including careers in medicine.