Every school has its prerequisites courses, so ensure that you get detailed information about the coursework required. You can also look up the official website of your preferred medical school to make sure that you have completed all important requirements. Also, understand that these schools can change their requirements at any time, so it is very important to be abreast of the latest information. The guide below will discuss the mandatory prerequisites most medical schools require.
These prerequisites are the most common in medical schools:
- Chemistry: Two semesters plus lab experience. Note that for some schools, you may need just organic chemistry or you may be allowed to choose one chemistry course in place of a biochemistry course, while other medical schools prefer both organic and inorganic chemistry courses. Ensure that you understand very well what the school you are applying for require.
- English: Two semesters.
- Biology: Two semesters in addition to lab experience.
- Math: One or two semesters. Be sure to know what type of math the school accepts. Some accept Algebra, Statistics, or Calculus.
- Physics: Two semesters plus lab experience.
Note that you are expected to take these prerequisites as part of a four-year Bachelor’s degree program at a tertiary institution that is accredited. IB or AB credits cannot be accepted as prerequisites, and it is unacceptable to take any of the prerequisite courses mentioned above at a community college. If you took these prerequisite courses during your Bachelor’s program, this shows the medical school that you took these compulsory courses at an acceptably high level.
In addition, understand that there are time limits for when you can complete these prerequisite courses in some schools. This means that there could be a deadline for when you can complete your science and non-sciences prerequisites. For instance, science prerequisites that are more than 5 years older will not be accepted by some Ivy League medical schools. Therefore, you have to confirm from your school the prerequisites you should take in addition to whether there is an expiration time for your prerequisites to know if you are eligible.
These additional prerequisite courses may be required by some schools:
- Anatomy or Physiology: One semester.
- Psychology or any other social science course: One semester.
- Biochemistry: One semester in addition to the chemistry course requirements.
In addition to the compulsory prerequisites, if a medical school “suggests” additional prerequisites, ensure that you complete them as well prior to your application. If you are able to complete these suggested prerequisites, it tells the medical school that you carefully went through their admission requirements and that you took their suggestions regarding the courses to complete. If you go all the way to take the suggested prerequisites in addition to the compulsory prerequisites, it shows the school that you are a diligent and committed applicant who is ready to put in the extra work.