So what does it mean to be a premedical student? You can find a typical track of a premedical student by clicking here.
Go to the undergraduate page for details about the general requirements you will have to fulfill as a premedical student, applying to medical school, and some recommendations for extracurricular activities that will strengthen your appeal as an applicant. (Click here)
Go to the post-undergraduate page for details about fulfilling premedical requirements after your undergraduate years through a post-bacc program, and other degrees to pursue in combination with the medical degree you get from medical school. (Click here)
The truth of the matter is there is no one right way to be a premedical student. Sure, there are set requirements for courses that anybody applying to medical school must complete. And yes, many premedical students take a "typical track," fulfilling all of their premedical requirements during college and majoring in Biology or Chemistry. But this is not the only way to enter medical school. You have options.
In 2005, nearly 40% of medical school matriculates had received bachelor's degrees in fields other than biology or the specialized health sciences. Premedical requirements do not have to take over all of your undergraduate career. You can fulfill some of these requirements in summer school or a post-bacc program.
Remember, applying for medical school is just like applying for college or a job, you want to sell yourself as capable and unique. It is important for your classes and activities to reflect your personal interests and passions.
Here is a general overview of one possible track of a premedical student could take. Keep in mind that this is only one option among others you will find within this website. It's only here to give you a general feel of what the process could look like.
Freshman-Junior Year: Take the following course requirements throughout your undergraduate years
-A year of general chemistry
-A year of organic chemistry with laboratory courses
-A year of biology with laboratory courses
-A year of physics along with laboratory courses
-A year of English
-A year of calculus or other advanced math classes, including Statistics
Junior Year: Take the MCAT in April so that medical schools will have this information available with the rest of the application you will send in towards the end of this school year.
Junior Year: Apply towards the end of this year, aim to have your application in by late June.
Senior Year: Complete interviews with medical schools as you receive requests
Senior Year: Choose the medical school you will enter