UT pre-med prerequisites?

Hello! I'm planning to major in pre-med at UT and was wondering if there are any prerequisites or specific courses I should take in high school to better prepare myself. Any advice on what I should focus on would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Hi! It's great to hear that you're considering pre-med at UT (I assume you mean the University of Texas system). While there is no specific pre-med major, you can choose any major and take the required courses for medical school prerequisites. As for high school, there isn't a fixed set of prerequisites required by UT to enter as a pre-med student, but focusing on the following subjects will give you a solid foundation and make the transition smoother.

1. Science: Take biology, chemistry, and physics courses. Pursuing AP or IB level classes in these subjects would be helpful, as they will better prepare you for college-level coursework. These subjects are typically included in medical school prerequisites, so it's crucial to have a strong foundation.

2. Mathematics: Take classes in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Calculus is especially important, as many colleges require it for pre-med students. You'll also need a strong math foundation for the MCAT exam.

3. English: Strong writing and communication skills are vital for all college students, but they're particularly essential for pre-med students, who will need to excel on the MCAT's Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section. Focus on improving your essay-writing and reading comprehension skills.

4. Foreign language: While not required by most medical schools, learning a foreign language can be beneficial in today's increasingly diverse health care environment. Spanish, for example, is a common language spoken by many patients in the United States.

5. Extracurriculars: Get involved in activities related to healthcare, research, or community service to demonstrate your commitment to the field. Try volunteering at local hospitals, participating in medical research programs or internships, or joining relevant clubs at your school.

Remember that you can major in any discipline and still go on the pre-med track. Once you're at UT, make sure to work closely with your academic advisor to plan your course schedule accordingly, as it often requires careful balancing to meet both your major requirements and pre-med prerequisites. Good luck!