Pre-med Programs in Colleges: How Common are They?

I've decided I want to be a doctor, and I know that means I'll have to attend medical school after college. However, I'm not sure if it's common for colleges to offer pre-med programs or specific tracks to prepare me for medical school. Are there many colleges that offer these kinds of programs?

Absolutely, many colleges do offer pre-med tracks, and it's more common than you might think! Pre-med is not a major but a track or pre-professional advising system, which means it's a series of courses students are advised to take as the undergraduate foundation for medical school. The pre-med track typically includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, as well as some social science courses. Some schools might offer more structure or guidance for pre-med students than others, so it's important to research each individual school's offering.

It's also important to know that while a pre-med track can provide a clear pathway to medical school, it's not the only way to get there. Medical schools accept students from a variety of academic backgrounds, provided they've taken necessary prerequisite courses. So, don't feel like you must limit yourself to schools offering a formal pre-med program.

Moreover, some students find it helpful to major in something they have a strong interest in so that they can excel academically, while incorporating their medical school prerequisites into their coursework. This allows you to explore other interests and to potentially stand out from other applicants who may have more traditional biology or chemistry majors.

The key is to find a program and an institution where you feel confident you'll receive the academic advising, course offerings, and other resources necessary to prepare for a successful application to medical school. When evaluating colleges, consider their track record of student acceptances to medical school, the available resources for premedical students, opportunities for scientific research, and if possible, try to speak with current premedical students or alumni about their experiences.

In short, pre-med tracks are quite common, but the nature and quality of these programs can vary, so be sure to do your research!