Med School Requirements?

Question

Hi, what courses do I need to take premed? I am currently taking biology, chemistry, geoology, psychology and a composition class. I plan to take physics next year.

Most importantly is it true that you have to have 5 classes a semester to be taken into consideration into med school? I was planning on taking 2 intersession classes and only 4 during normal school time. Would this diminish my chances?

Answer 1

They want to see that you can handle a challenging academic load. 4 classes a semester is fine.

Each med school has its own particular set of prereq classes. You really need to check each individual school you're interested to make sure you cover everything they want. However, if you want to know the general requirements, most schools are generally the same.

I'll give you Harvard's course requirement list as an example:

General Comments Regarding Course Requirements

The Committee on Admissions considers the level of courses when evaluating academic performance and determining a candidates suitability for medicine. We require a strong preparation in the sciences and mathematics basic to medical school studies. Candidates should take courses that are comparable to courses taken by students majoring in these subjects.

In the final analysis, however, it is not the number of years in college or hours in a course, but the quality of education and the maturity of the student which determine readiness for medical school. At least three years of college work and a baccalaureate degree are required prior to matriculation in medical school.

# Required Course 1. Biology: one year with laboratory experience. Courses taken should deal with the cellular and molecular aspects as well as the structure and function of living organisms. Advanced placement credits cannot be used to satisfy this requirement; upper level courses should be taken if granted advanced placement credits.
# 2. Chemistry: two years with laboratory experience. Full year courses in general (or inorganic) and organic chemistry generally meet this requirement. A one semester course in organic chemistry which covers the relevant material supplemented by a semester course in biochemistry may substitute for the traditional year of organic chemistry. We will consider other options that adequately prepare students for the study of biochemistry and molecular biology in medical school. Advanced placement credits which enable a student to take an upper level course may be used to meet one semester of this requirement.
# 3. Physics: one year. Advanced placement credits which enable a student to take an upper level course may be used to meet one semester of this requirement.
# 4. Mathematics: one year of calculus. Advanced placement credits may satisfy this requirement (Calculus AB - 1 semester, Calculus BC - 2 semesters). A course in statistics does not meet this requirement.
# 5. Expository Writing: one year. Writing skills are important for the study and practice of medicine. This requirement may be met with any non-science courses that involve substantial experience in expository writing. Advanced placement credits cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.
# 6. Additional requirements for the HST Program: Requirements are the same as above except that calculus including differential equations and one year of calculus-based physics in college are required. A course in biochemistry is strongly encouraged before matriculation.

We will consider other course formats or combinations that are sponsored by the undergraduate institution attended and provide equivalent preparation. When advanced placement credits used to satisfy portions of the chemistry, physics, or mathematics requirements noted above, scores from the AP examination must be submitted prior to matriculation. If these credits are not shown on the college transcript, either the scores from the placement examination or a letter from the chairperson of the respective department certifying that the student has met the requirement in question must be submitted. If there is doubt about the suitability of advanced placement credits, you should contact the Faculty Associate Dean for Admissions for approval before final admissions decisions are made in February.

Recommended Courses

We encourage candidates to complete at least 16 hours in literature, languages, the arts, humanities, and the social sciences and become familiar with computers. We also recommend honors courses and independent study or research, as they offer in-depth exploration of an area of knowledge.

Answer 2

very few US med faculties would even evaluate foreign places applicants, and because doing all your scientific degree right here would not recommend you get to stay right here when you graduate, your person usa will probable make you redo some or all your training when you come back and be re-approved. you're able to desire to do your scientific training interior the rustic in which you intend to stay and artwork. US med faculties require a bachelors degree, the 12 premed training, intense college GPA and massive MCAT rankings to word. And maximum require US citizenship to boot. That leaves your possibilities of having into after college nicely decrease than 3%.

Answer 3

the guy who gave the answer to you ahead of this one is right, however it really depends on the situation and what you wanna do etc.
Im in direct 6yr med school right now and i never really had to do any of that crap he jus listed.
All my pre-reqs were done from my highschool days of biology chemistry and physics.
If you wanna start off on the right foot, i can offer some courses you will most likely end up taking within your first year.
Now, its compulsory to have fulfilled the mentioned courses above, and then you will also need biophysics (*knowing how machines like MRI and PET scans work, or ECG's and stuff*)
Organic and bio-inorganic chem with labs, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, anatomy, histology and embryology, neuroanatomy, neurobiology.
This will help you on your way to hopefully save some years if you plan on doing it through the USA. Otherwise, i suggest you pack your bags n head to a school in europe like poland, england, or hungary.