Pre-med Requirements

Hi there! I'm a junior planning to apply to medical school after college, but I'm not quite sure about everything I need to prepare during my undergrad years. Can someone give me an overview of what I should be doing, like the courses I need to take, extracurriculars, and other crucial requirements?

Hello! It's great that you're beginning to plan out your pre-med journey. While being a pre-med student can be demanding, knowing the essential requirements and expectations will help you stay on track. Here's an overview of things you should focus on during your undergrad years for a solid pre-med foundation:

1. Prerequisite Courses: Most medical schools require applicants to have taken certain courses in college. Note that the exact requirements vary by school, but typical pre-med courses include:

- Biology (with lab): 1-2 semesters

- General Chemistry (with lab): 2 semesters

- Organic Chemistry (with lab): 1-2 semesters

- Physics (with lab): 2 semesters

- Biochemistry: 1 semester

- English: 2 semesters

- Some schools may also require courses in Calculus, Statistics, or other disciplines. It's essential to check each medical school's specific requirements.

2. High GPA: Medical schools use your GPA to evaluate your academic performance. Aim for a strong GPA, particularly in science courses (also known as science GPA or BCPM GPA, which refers to biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses).

3. MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that tests your knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Aim to take the exam once you've completed the prerequisite coursework and begin studying for it well in advance to achieve a competitive score.

4. Clinical Experience: Medical schools look for applicants who have obtained exposure to healthcare settings through clinical experiences or shadowing. Examples include volunteering at hospitals, shadowing physicians, or working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or emergency medical technician (EMT).

5. Research Experience: Although not required by all medical schools, participating in research demonstrates your scientific curiosity and ability to think analytically. It's beneficial to participate in either basic science or clinical research during your undergraduate years.

6. Extracurricular Activities: Pursue extracurriculars that showcase your passions, leadership skills, and well-roundedness. Examples include student government, sports, community service, or relevant clubs (e.g., pre-med clubs, global health organizations).

7. Letters of Recommendation: Develop strong relationships with professors, advisors, and mentors who can later provide you with positive letters of recommendation that speak to your academic abilities, interpersonal skills, and dedication to medicine.

8. Gap Year (Optional): Some students choose to take a gap year (or years) between completing undergrad and attending medical school. This time can be used for additional clinical experience, research, or personal growth. However, it is not required.

Remember that each medical school might have its specific requirements, so it's essential to research and ensure you are meeting the expectations of your target schools. Best of luck on your pre-med journey!