Understanding the term 'pre-med'

Hey everyone! I'm a bit interested and confused about this so called 'pre-med'. I saw it appearing a lot while browsing through the community. Could someone please explain what it means and what should one do to pursue this path?

Absolutely! So the term "pre-med" actually refers to the track or preparation that undergraduate students pursue to prepare for medical school. It's not a major, but rather a sequence of required courses and experiences that qualify you to apply to medical school.

Primarily, certain prerequisite courses are needed to apply to medical schools. This often includes two semesters each of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and possibly introductory biochemistry. Each school can vary slightly, so you'll want to research the specifics for any medical schools you might be interested in.

You'll also typically need a strong performance in these courses. Medical schools often want to see that you can handle the course load of medical school, and the GPA is one of the ways they assess this.

Additionally, medical schools generally require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This is a standardized examination that tests knowledge in natural, behavioral, and social science concepts in addition to critical analysis and reasoning skills.

Volunteering, shadowing physicians, research, and other medically related experiences are also typically expected. Medical schools are very interested in your dedication to the medical field and these experiences allow you to demonstrate that passion.

Pursuing the pre-med path is a commitment, but it prepares you for the rigors of medical school and can pave the way towards a rewarding career in medicine. The best place to start is to work closely with your high school or college counselor to map out these requirements and to align your classes and outside activities to those.

Keep in mind that anyone can be a "pre-med" with any major, as long as they fulfill the needed coursework and meet these other requirements. It's about preparing for medical school, regardless of what your major is.