I'm really interested in Ohio State University for pre-med. Can anyone tell me more about the requirements, what type of classes I'll need to take, and any other info that might be helpful?
Ohio State University (OSU) does not have a specific "pre-med" major, but it offers an excellent environment for pre-health students, including those pursuing medicine. As a pre-med student at OSU, you can choose any major that interests you, as long as you fulfill the prerequisite courses required for medical school admission alongside the courses required for your major.
Here are some of the fundamental courses you should aim to complete:
1. General Biology: At least one year, often including labs
2. General Chemistry: One year, often including labs
3. Organic Chemistry: One year, often including labs
4. Physics: One year, often including labs
5. Biochemistry: At least one course, sometimes with a lab component
6. English: One year of composition and literature courses
7. Mathematics: College-level math, including statistics and/or calculus
8. Social Sciences: Courses in psychology, sociology, anthropology, or other social sciences
Some medical schools may also require additional coursework, such as genetics or microbiology. It is recommended that you research specific requirements for the medical schools you're interested in applying to.
Apart from academics, getting involved in extracurricular activities will strengthen your application for medical school. Consider joining clubs and organizations related to healthcare and service, like the Pre-Med Club or American Medical Student Association (AMSA), or volunteering at local hospitals. Research opportunities, internships, and job shadowing experiences are also highly valuable in the pre-med journey and can be found on-campus and around Columbus.
Additionally, OSU offers various formal resources specifically for pre-med students, such as the pre-professional advising office or the College of Medicine's medical student panels. Utilize these resources to help guide you through course selection, and to connect with faculty, alumni, and medical professionals.
Lastly, make sure you focus on maintaining a strong GPA, preparing for the MCAT exam, and building relationships with professors and mentors who can write strong letters of recommendation. All these components are crucial for your medical school application.
In summary, OSU has numerous resources and opportunities for pre-med students to succeed academically and gain valuable experiences. Be proactive in seeking out these resources, pursuing extracurriculars, and preparing for your future medical school application. Best of luck with your pre-med pursuits!
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