For those who are looking into getting into the best medical schools, you will first have to focus on doing well in your undergraduate course. This means looking into taking the proper pre-med course to help you get started on learning about the field of medicine. Medical schools will require undergraduate preparation, with students needing to study certain subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, which is the minimum requirement!
With that in mind, which pre-med courses are best to pursue to be prepared for medical schools? Here are the best pre-med courses to look into as you learn more about how to get into medical school:
- Biological Sciences
Over half of medical school applicants are majoring in biological sciences! After all, in biology and related fields, there is a major link between the requirements for your course and the as a pre-med. Furthermore, if you are interested in biological sciences, then there’s a strong chance that you’d like to become a doctor.
Under the biological sciences are various options beyond biology, including medical science, zoology, biotechnology, neuroscience, and more! All the courses under the biological sciences are applicable towards your pursuit to medical school, so select a major you are passionate about.
- Physical Sciences
Besides biological sciences, physical sciences is also a great option, with many medical school applicants also majoring in this field. When you complete your coursework for majors in chemistry, physics, and other related fields, you can fulfill many major and pre-med requirements simultaneously.
- Social Sciences
Around 10% of medical school matriculants are social sciences majors. This is because some of the requirements would overlap with the pre-med curriculum. That said, it’s best to opt to choose electives that will help you complete your pre-med requirements.
- Math and Statistics
Math and statistics majors don’t make up a huge chunk of medical school applicants, though they do have the highest mean GPA and MCAT scores! Under this field have major requirements overlapping with pre-med requirements, though you’ll need to use most of your electives to complete the pre-med requirements.
That said, this major will help you prepare for the many challenges medical school will give you.
- Humanities
Fewer than 4% of medical school matriculants are humanities majors. Don’t be daunted by that number, as majoring in humanities subjects will set you apart against other applicants! However, you will need to plan your coursework strategically to meet your major and pre-med requirements.
If you would like to major in humanities, do take up higher-level science courses, which admission officers will look out for as they study your transcript. Besides this, it’s best to have a natural science minor for you to take in higher-level science courses such as biology or chemistry.
Wrapping It Up
Every medical school will have their own specific sets of prerequisite courses, which would change now and then. That’s why it’s crucial to do your research and see what medical schools need before selecting the pre-med course that works best for you.