What defines a Pre-Medical student?

Hi everyone, I'd love to get some more info on what exactly makes a student 'pre-medical'. Is it solely based on their major or are there specific classes and activities to be involved in?

Hello! A pre-medical student is an undergraduate student who intends to attend medical school after completing their bachelor's degree in order to pursue a career as a physician, surgeon, or other medical professional. Pre-med is not a specific major, but rather a track or set of academic and extracurricular activities designed to prepare students for success in medical school and the medical profession.

While there is no specific pre-med major, many students pursuing this track tend to choose majors related to the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, or neuroscience, as these subjects have significant overlap with medical school coursework. However, it is possible to major in a non-science field while still being pre-med, as long as the student completes the prerequisite courses.

Pre-med students are expected to take certain courses during their undergraduate years to fulfill medical school requirements. While these course requirements can vary slightly among medical schools, in general, they include:

- One year of biology with lab

- One year of general chemistry with lab

- One year of organic chemistry with lab

- One year of physics with lab

- One semester of biochemistry

- One year of college-level math (often including statistics)

- One year of English or writing-intensive coursework

In addition to coursework, pre-med students should also pursue extracurricular activities related to healthcare and medicine. These activities may include volunteering at hospitals or clinics, shadowing physicians, conducting medical research, or participating in medical outreach programs. These experiences are essential for building a competitive medical school application, as they demonstrate the student's commitment to medicine, provide insight into the field, and develop relevant skills.

Finally, pre-med students are typically required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) during their undergraduate years. The MCAT is a standardized exam that measures a student's aptitude for medicine and their potential success in medical school. Earning a competitive MCAT score is crucial for gaining admission to medical school.

In summary, a pre-medical student is one who focuses on fulfilling medical school prerequisites through coursework and extracurricular activities while aiming for a strong academic record and an impressive MCAT score to increase their chances of getting into medical school.