Common prerequisites for med school?

Hey, I'm trying to plan out my high school and college courses, and I want to make sure I'm covering the usual med school prerequisites. Can anyone help provide a list of those typical prerequisites? Any advice on how to best prepare for med school would also be appreciated!

Sure, happy to help! Most medical schools have a set of common prerequisites that they require from applicants. Keep in mind that these requirements can vary slightly between schools, so it's best to research the specific requirements of any schools you're interested in. Here's a general list of typical medical school prerequisites:

1. Biology: 1 year, with lab

2. General (Inorganic) Chemistry: 1 year, with lab

3. Organic Chemistry: 1 year, with lab

4. Physics: 1 year, with lab

5. Mathematics: Some schools require 1 year of college-level math, often including Calculus or Statistics.

6. English: Most medical schools require 1 year of college-level English or writing-intensive coursework.

In addition to these, many medical schools are now also strongly recommending or requiring a semester or two of biochemistry, and sometimes courses in psychology or sociology as well. Some schools even require coursework in the humanities, but this varies.

To best prepare for medical school:

1. Strengthen your foundation in science and math during high school by taking honors or AP courses in those subjects if possible.

2. Participate in extracurricular activities that show an interest in medicine or service, such as volunteering at a hospital, shadowing a doctor, or participating in a medical club or research opportunity.

3. In college, choose a major you're passionate about that allows you to complete the required pre-med courses. You don't have to major in a science, but you'll still need to take the prerequisite courses.

4. Maintain a strong GPA, as medical schools pay close attention to both your overall GPA and science GPA.

5. Get involved in meaningful extracurricular activities during college, demonstrating your passion for medicine, research, and community service.

6. Prepare for and score well on the MCAT, which requires an extensive understanding of the prerequisite courses and strong critical thinking skills.

Lastly, keep in mind that medical schools value unique and well-rounded applicants, so pursue your interests and participate in activities that highlight your strengths, dedication, and passion for medicine. Good luck!