Choose the best Premed coursework
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Most students who are science majors tend to be premed. This may be your lifelong passion or it could be your parent’s dream. There is a desire to become a doctor, veterinarian or dentist. Do you have the determination and perseverance to be a successful candidate?
Pre-med Core Courses
Students pursuing graduate studies in the health professions should plan to complete a Bachelor’s degree prior All premed students, regardless of what major you ultimately choose, there are a specific set of prerequisite courses that most medical schools require you take:
• two semesters of General Chemistry
• two semesters of General Biology with laboratory
• two semesters of Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory
• two semesters of Organic Chemistry with laboratory
• two semesters of Math, at least one in calculus
• two semesters of Physics with laboratory
• two semesters of English
• Biochemistry
• Social science & Humanities (History, Literature, Philosophy, etc)
Students should remember the importance of the
Math & Science GPA. Medical schools rely heavily on the STEM grades and how you were able to perform in these courses. The AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application separates the science GPA from the overall GPA. Remember you can major in any subject as long as the prerequisite courses with strong overall GPA and Science GPA. You should pursue majors in which there is a vested interest and match your skill set. Competitive applicants should plan to complete coursework with grads of C or higher. All program requirements vary and may require different or additional coursework. Medical schools also use a standardized test called the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to compare applicants performance. It is imperative to observe each program course requirements and deadlines.
Time management
Students have to be aware if they are able to manage their heavy course load. Students should not sacrifice their grades if they can’t handle their courses. Its is best to take a mixture of rigorous science requirements and other liberal arts classes. Students should seek help such as tutoring, professor office hours and counselors if needed. Medical schools are observing how you use your time management skills to excel in your courses.
Extra-curricular activities
Students interested in becoming a doctor should also gain hands-on experience in their desired field. Competitive applicants will gain volunteer health-related clinical experience involving direct patient care in a medical setting. Students interested in veterinary medicine should gain clinical animal care experience in an animal shelter or vet clinic. Students also gain research experience in a laboratory setting which highlights their future career endeavors. Students can hold a leadership position in a club on campus or in their community.
Students must consider their GPA, health-related experience, MCAT scores, research experience, leadership and volunteer service when deciding to apply to these fields. This will help the admission committee decide if you can schedule your major coursework with the premed courses. This will see if you can handle the stress of medical school. These are some ways to make sure your medical school application stands out from the rest.
