FAQ

Do I have to major in a science to get into medical school?

No! Major in something that interests you, but, be sure to take the prerequisites needed for most medical schools.

What are medical schools looking for?

Medical schools are interested in applicants with strong interpersonal skills, a clear motivation for medicine, and demonstrated compassion and concern for others. Grades and MCAT scores are also a very important factor, but medical school admission committees look at applicants hollistically.

What are the course requirements?

Medical school admission requirements vary from school to school. Most medical schools require: 1 Year of General Biology + Lab ,1 Year of General Chemistry + Lab, 1 Year of Organic Chemistry + Lab, and 1 Year of Physics + Lab. Depending on the medical school, they may also require: Biochemistry + Lab, English, Math (Statistics + Calculus), Psychology, and Sociology.

Can I use AP credit to fulfill my premed requirements?

Many medical schools accept AP credits to fulfill GE requirements, math, and introductory science courses. However, this is school specific.

Can I take pass/fail courses?

Yes! However, medical schools want to see that you've challenged yourself academically, so don't overuse the pass/fail option.

Can I take required courses during summer school?

Yes, as long as it is at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university. However, you should not overuse the summer school option unless your personal circumstances require you to.

What kind of extracurricular experiences should I seek?

You should pursue anything that interests you. Medical schools are interested in students who have been active contributors on campus, and who have a range of interests. You should choose a few things to do meaningfully and well, rather than dabble in a long list of activities. Community service is an important way to demonstrate your concern and compassion for others.

Do I need to have medically-related experiences?

Yes, it is important that you involve yourself meaningfully in a medical setting, to show medical schools that you have observed medical practice first-hand. Students do this through volunteer work in hospitals and clinics, serving as EMTs or hospice volunteers, summer jobs, internships, formal pre-med summer programs, or shadowing physicians at work, either during the school year or during school vacations.

Do I need to do research in the summer to get into medical school?

No, unless you think you may be interested in pursuing an MD-PhD. However, if you think you would enjoy it, research is a valuable experience that some medical schools view as a plus.

What is the MCAT?

The MCAT is the standardized test required by all medical schools. It is a seven hour, computer-based exam, that has sections on verbal reasoning, biological sciences, physical sciences, and behavioral sciences.

What is the timetable for applying to medical school?

You should apply to medical school in June of the year BEFORE you intend to matriculate in medical school. In other words, you would apply in June 2020 to begin school in August 2021. You should take the MCATs by July and have your letter of recommendations and personal statement written by June.

What kinds of grades will I need to be accepted?

Currently, with a strong 3.5 GPA average, both overall and in the sciences, you can apply to medical school with reasonable confidence in being accepted, assuming you have a good MCAT score and impressive non-academic experiences. The very top schools are generally only interested in applicants with 3.8 averages and above. However, there are many individual factors that come into play in the admissions process, so do not be discouraged about your GPA.

What can I do if I'm determined to be a doctor, but my grades aren't good enough?

Many applicants take a few years after graduation to strengthen their academic records. They may choose to take additional science courses at a local university or enroll in a formal post-baccalaureate program. If you find that you are doing poorly in your science courses, it may be a wise strategy to put your premed plans on hold, concentrate on subjects you like and do well in, and then do the sciences after undergrad if you are still interested in going to medical school. Medical schools care about upward grade trends. Even if you received a 2.0 GPA during your freshman year of college, as long as you work hard and show improvements each semester, medical schools will consider you.

Is it okay to take a Gap Year(s)?

Yes, an overwhelming majority of applicants opt to take at least a year between undergrad and medical school, to allow them to take a breather between two intense academic experiences, spread out the premed requirements, acquire some work experience, or strengthen their applications. Medical schools often like older applicants because of the maturity and life experience they bring to their applications.