Hello, I'm a high school junior interested in pursuing pre-med in college. I was curious about the prerequisites that I'll have to take. Can anyone shed some light on what courses I'll need to complete before applying to med school?
Hello! It's great that you're already thinking ahead about your pre-med journey. While pre-med requirements can slightly vary by medical school, there are some common prerequisite courses you can expect to take in college before applying to med school. Here's a general list of pre-med requirements:
1. Biology: Most medical schools require at least one year of biology, including lab work. Common courses include general biology, genetics, and cell/molecular biology.
2. Chemistry: One year of general/inorganic chemistry with labs and one year of organic chemistry with labs are usually required by medical schools. Some schools may also require biochemistry.
3. Physics: You can expect to take one year of physics with labs, covering topics like mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and optics.
4. Mathematics: Medical schools typically require one or two semesters of calculus or statistics. Some schools may even require both subjects. This requirement can sometimes be satisfied by high school AP credits.
5. English: Most medical schools require one year of English courses, which are usually comprised of a combination of literature and writing classes.
6. Social & Behavioral Sciences: Psychology and sociology courses are often required or recommended, as they provide a foundation for understanding human behavior and social interactions.
Additionally, some medical schools have begun to emphasize the importance of humanities and social sciences as part of a well-rounded pre-med education. It's a good idea to check the specific requirements of each medical school you're interested in applying to, as there could be slight variations.
Lastly, while not a course requirement, gaining clinical experience through volunteering, shadowing, or working in healthcare settings is critical to building a competitive med school application. This hands-on experience gives you a better understanding of the medical profession and demonstrates your commitment to the field.
Good luck with your pre-med journey!
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