Hi everyone, I'm a junior in high school and I'm looking into pursuing a pre-med track in college. Does anyone know the general prerequisites for med school admissions? Which courses should I be focusing on during my undergrad? Thanks for your help!
Hi there! It's great that you're thinking about medical school early on. While med school prerequisites can vary slightly by school, there are some common courses that many medical schools expect you to complete in your undergraduate years. Here's a general list of prerequisites you'll often see:
1. Biology: Typically, one year of general biology with labs is required. You may want to take additional courses in areas such as genetics, cell biology, or physiology to strengthen your foundation.
2. Chemistry: Medical schools generally require one year of general chemistry with labs and one year of organic chemistry with labs. Additionally, you may want to consider taking a course in biochemistry, as many schools have started requiring or recommending this.
3. Physics: Most med schools require one year of physics with labs. These courses should cover topics like mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics.
4. Math: A background in math, especially one year of college-level calculus, can be beneficial for pre-med students. Some schools may also require or prefer a course in statistics.
5. English: Most medical schools require one year of college English or other writing-intensive courses.
6. Social Sciences: While not always required, it's recommended that pre-med students take some courses in psychology, sociology, or anthropology, as these subjects will help you better understand different cultural and social perspectives.
All of that being said, these requirements may change based on the specific medical schools you're considering, so I encourage you to research each school's prerequisites in detail. Additionally, don't forget that pursuing a well-rounded education is important too, so take advantage of opportunities to explore other interests during your undergrad years. This will not only make you a more interesting applicant but also help you develop a strong foundation for a career in medicine.
Best of luck with your pre-med journey!
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