Duke University Pre-Med Requirements

I'm a junior thinking about applying to Duke next year, and I'm really interested in their pre-med program. Can anyone help me understand the specific requirements or prerequisites for enrolling in Duke's pre-med program?

Duke University does not have a specific pre-med "program" or major, but rather offers a pre-med track that involves completing a series of required prerequisite courses and activities. These courses are designed to prepare students for medical school applications and fulfill the requirements of most medical schools.

The required pre-med courses at Duke generally include the following:

1. Biology: Two semesters of introductory biology with labs (e.g., Biology 201L and 202L)

2. Chemistry: Two semesters of general chemistry with labs (e.g., Chemistry 101DL and 201DL), and two semesters of organic chemistry with labs (e.g., Chemistry 210DL and 202DL)

3. Biochemistry: One semester of biochemistry (e.g., Chemistry 301 or Biology 301)

4. Physics: Two semesters of introductory physics with labs (e.g., Physics 141L and 142L)

5. Mathematics: One semester of calculus and one semester of statistics (e.g., Math 111L or 121, and Sta 101 or other approved statistics course)

6. Social Sciences: Two semesters of social science courses, typically one in psychology and one in sociology or cultural anthropology

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and it may be beneficial to check with specific medical schools of interest to ensure you are meeting all of their prerequisites.

In addition to the coursework, students following a pre-med track are advised to gain clinical exposure, participate in relevant extracurricular activities, and conduct undergraduate research. These experiences help demonstrate a well-rounded commitment to medicine and will potentially make a candidate more competitive during the medical school application process.

You do not need to enroll in the pre-med track at Duke. Instead, you'll focus on completing the prerequisite courses and activities while pursuing a major of your choice. It's important to note that you can select any major and still follow the pre-med track, as long as you complete the necessary courses and prerequisites.

Lastly, Duke has a pre-med advising system through the Duke Prehealth Advising office. They can help walk you through the pre-med process, offer resources for planning your path, and provide assistance with preparing for the MCAT and medical school applications. It's highly recommended you utilize the advising resources available to ensure you're on track throughout your undergraduate journey.