Cornell pre-med requirements - what do I need to know?

I'm a junior who's interested in going pre-med, and Cornell is one of my dream schools. Can anyone give me some insights into the requirements for the pre-med program at Cornell? I want to plan my academic schedule accordingly to make sure I'm on the right track. Thanks so much!

Sure, I'd be happy to help! Cornell University doesn't have a strict pre-med program, but rather offers a pre-med or pre-health advising track for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Additionally, there are multiple majors across a few undergraduate schools at Cornell that are very popular for pre-med and set students up well for success. It's important to know that as a pre-med student, you can major in any subject as long as you meet the prerequisites for medical school.

Here's a list of suggested courses that cover most medical school prerequisites:

1. General Chemistry - 2 semesters (with labs)

2. Organic Chemistry - 2 semesters (with labs)

3. General Biology - 2 semesters (with labs)

4. Physics - 2 semesters (with labs)

5. Biochemistry - 1 semester

6. English - 2 semesters

7. Mathematics - 2 semesters (usually including calculus and statistics)

8. Social & Behavioral Sciences - 2 semesters (like psychology or sociology)

Beyond coursework, it's crucial to also participate in relevant extracurriculars and gain clinical experience. This could include volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a physician, or participating in medical research. Additionally, medical schools value experiences that demonstrate your commitment to service, leadership, and teamwork.

Cornell's pre-health advising office provides support and resources for pre-med students, including helping you plan your coursework, finding extracurricular opportunities, and preparing for the MCAT. It's a good idea to contact them early in your college career to ensure you're on the right path. Remember that maintaining a strong GPA and doing well on the MCAT is essential for your medical school application. Cornell is a rigorous institution, so it's important to strike a balance between challenging coursework and your ability to maintain high academic performance.

In summary, there's no standard pre-med program at Cornell, but you can follow the above-listed courses and recommendations as a guideline. It's a good idea to speak directly with Cornell's pre-health advisors and refer to their materials to ensure you're fulfilling the necessary requirements. Good luck in your journey!