What exactly is pre-med?

I've heard a lot about pre-med as a college path, but I'm still not sure what it exactly means. Can someone break down the pre-med meaning for me – like, what courses or majors should I focus on if I want to be pre-med? Thanks in advance!

Pre-med is not an actual major or degree, but rather a track or a collection of required courses that undergraduate students follow to prepare for medical school. If you choose to be a pre-med student, you'll be fulfilling the prerequisites for medical school while completing your chosen major. You can major in any field and still be on the pre-med track, as long as you complete the required coursework.

Typically, the pre-med track involves taking a core set of classes in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) and mathematics (calculus and/or statistics), along with some courses in the social sciences (psychology and/or sociology). These courses provide the foundational knowledge needed for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and for success in medical school. Some schools may also have required or recommended courses in humanities or writing to improve critical thinking and communication skills.

It's crucial to perform well in these courses and maintain a strong GPA, as medical schools place a high priority on academic excellence. Beyond coursework, you'll also want to gain clinical experience (through shadowing doctors or volunteering in healthcare settings), participate in research, and demonstrate leadership and commitment to community service. These extracurricular activities can help make your application more competitive.

In summary, the pre-med track is a pathway that prepares undergraduate students for a successful application to medical school by ensuring they complete the necessary coursework and acquire relevant experiences. You can major in any subject, as long as you fulfill the pre-med requirements and maintain a strong academic record throughout your undergraduate studies.

Do be aware that if you major in a field that's unrelated to your pre-med requirements, you'll need to be highly organized to make sure you complete all of your courses, and may even need to take some summer classes or an extra term to graduate. On the flip side, majoring in something unconventional can stand out to med school admissions officers, by showing a genuine affinity for the field and an interdisciplinary mindset. So, if you do end up pursuing a pre-med track, thoughtfully weigh the pros and cons of your major options.

I hope this overview clears up what pre-med is for you!