Each med school's requirements may vary, but we'll be working off these U of M med school required courses. 

Chemistry - HIGH PRIORITY

• Usually two semesters of general chemistry and then 1-2 semesters of organic chemistry.

• If no prior college credit, usually start with the general Chem 1061/1065. Only start with the life science-specific Chem 1081/1065 if you're very certain about majoring in life sciences. 

Biology - Medium Priority

The best class depends on your major, so it's often better to take this only once you're pretty sure of your major (see below). 

• College of Biological Sciences ("CBS") majors: Start with Biol 1951/1961, preferably after you've started college chemistry. 🚫Biol 1009 and AP Bio do NOT count towards CBS majors.🚫

• Other majors: Usually start with Biol 1009, but some majors may sometimes accept Biol 1951/1961. Check major requirements for details.

Physics - low priority

Two semesters of calculus-based physics are often required eventually, but they're often taken later in college for two reasons:

• 1. It does not serve as a prerequisite for core pre-med courses in chem and bio. 

  2. The med school entrance tests (MCAT) uses physics, so it helps to take physics closer to the test date after junior year of college.

So if you want to take physics in PSEO, which should you take? 

• Easier first physics course, even if it won't count for pre-med or science majors: CI 1563, Phys 1001W, or Phys 1101W

• If you want to do pre-med but won't major in science: Phys 1101W + 1102W

• If you're set on a science major, but not whether it'll be biology-focused: Phys 1301W + 1302W is most flexible.

• If you're very sure you'll pick a biology or life science major: Phys 1221 + 1222.

Math

• We recommend taking at least through Calculus 1, Math 1271 or an equivalent course.

• 🚫 Math 1241 is a CBS-specific calculus option. It is generally closed to PSEO students.

Drawing on the U of M Medical School's recommended course list, here are a few common ways to complete those recommendations:

• Ethics: Phil 1003W, "Intro to Ethics," or Phil 3305, "Medical Ethics"

• Psychology: Psy 1001

• Statistics: Depends a lot on your chosen major, so check the major requirements to ensure you don't take the wrong one.

  • Stat 1001: Intro course that doesn't usually count for majors.

  • Stat 3011 (most common):  Solid first stat course. Also counts towards some life science majors.

  • Stat 3021: First stat class course that requires calculus 2 to access. Required in some science & engineering majors.

• Biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology: These usually come later in your college career. If you've already taken intro bio and chemistry and want to start working on these, check with your PSEO advisor for options.

The first thing to know is that there's NO "BEST" MAJOR FOR PRE-MED. You don't even need to major in a science, as long as you're completing the pre-med requirements above! Some reasons pre-med students might pick different majors:

• Develop a skill set to help you as a physician.

• Prepare for another career should you later decide to not pursue med school. 

• Pursue a personal passion. 

It's important that you feel connected to your major - and not just for some vague "pursue your passion" reason. Honest connection to your major makes you a better med school applicant. Articulately showing med schools how your major has helped you grow and how it will influence you as a physician is far more impactful than just saying, "yeah, I majored in biology because I figured it was good for pre-med, I guess." 

Three common pre-med major categories:

Check out the Pre-Health Student Resource Center's major guide and the PSEO majors & careers guide for more.