Hey there! I've seen the terms 'pre-med' and 'pre-medical' thrown around a lot. Are these the same? If not, what are the differences between them? Any help would be appreciated!
Hello! The terms 'pre-med' and 'pre-medical' are indeed the same thing. Both refer to the undergraduate preparation and coursework that a student takes in order to prepare for medical school. This includes taking science and math courses that are part of the typical medical school prerequisites, like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and calculus.
It's important to note that pre-med is not a major, but rather a track or an intended path. You can major in any subject, as long as you complete the required prerequisite courses for medical school. Many pre-med students choose to major in the sciences (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry, for example), but it's not uncommon for pre-med students to major in other fields like psychology, sociology, or even the humanities.
While on the pre-med track, students should also focus on other aspects to strengthen their medical school applications, such as gaining clinical experience through volunteering or internships, participating in extracurricular activities related to medicine or healthcare, and preparing for the MCAT exam. Remember, a strong and well-rounded application is crucial for getting into medical school.
In summary, 'pre-med' and 'pre-medical' are interchangeable terms that describe the undergraduate preparation a student pursues to become a competitive candidate for medical school.
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