Pre-Med Requirements: How To Get Into Medical School

Learn what it takes to get into American medical colleges, including class requirements, recommended majors, and options for studying at MCPHS.

So, you want to go into the medical field? Exciting! First, you must get into medical school. While it takes time and intention, you can start your journey by understanding what's expected of you. You'll need to know what classes to take, what majors to consider, and other critical components that will enable you to get into the school and onto the career path you desire.

Let's discuss the necessary classes, exams, and other considerations you need to qualify for medical school.

Pre-Med Requirements: Classes, GPA, and More

The average medical school acceptance rate is 5.5%, which means you must complete the requirements to be competitive in this field. We know it can be a bit overwhelming to think through everything that must be done before applying to school. In the spirit of helping you prepare, here's a checklist of things you'll need and about how long they'll take:

Four-Year Degree

Earning a bachelor's degree is a fundamental requirement for American medical colleges. While no specific “pre-med” major exists, most students choose fields like biology, chemistry, or neuroscience to align with medical school prerequisites. Regardless of your chosen major, completing the course requirements and maintaining a strong academic record is essential.

Typically, students spend about four years completing their undergraduate degree (BA or BS) at an accredited university. This includes fulfilling general education requirements alongside pre-med coursework.

Strong GPA

Medical schools emphasize academic performance, with most requiring a competitive GPA. A strong GPA demonstrates your ability to handle rigorous coursework and complex subject matter. Generally, a GPA of 3.6 or higher is recommended to stay competitive, especially in science-related courses.

While there's no specific timeline for obtaining this, you'll want to maintain good academic standing during every year of higher education so your GPA will be where you'd like it upon graduation.

Pre-Med Courses

One of the most important prerequisites for medical school is finishing specific classes that pertain to that degree path. These courses demonstrate your proficiency in the skills necessary to succeed in the medical industry, giving colleges a better understanding of your abilities.

The required classes for most medical schools include:

• Biology: Since almost all medicine requires an understanding of biology, studying it in school is important. This will help you learn about genetics, cells, and the framework for life, which is crucial for laying the foundation of learning later on.

• Chemistry: To understand acid-base imbalances in the body, chemistry—especially organic chemistry—helps you learn how different medications work and impact health outcomes. It's also the foundation for biochemistry.

• Physics: Physics helps you understand key concepts like force, energy, and fluid dynamics, which are essential in fields such as radiology, cardiology, and medical imaging. A strong grasp of physics also supports your understanding of biomechanics and physiological processes.

• Mathematics: A solid background in mathematics—particularly calculus and statistics—is crucial for medical school. Math is used to understand dosage calculations, data analysis, and medical research. Proficiency in math ensures you can interpret complex medical data and apply quantitative reasoning to patient care.

These courses usually span over two to three years of undergraduate study. Students typically take one year of biology, one year of general (inorganic) chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, and one year of physics. This translates into three to four years to complete these courses.

Good MCAT Score

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical component of your medical school application. This standardized exam assesses your knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking skills. A high MCAT score demonstrates your readiness for medical school and can significantly impact your chances of acceptance. The highest MCAT score you can receive is 528, and the average score for students admitted to med school in the United States in 2023 was between 511 and 512.

Preparation for the MCAT usually begins during the latter half of undergraduate study, around the third or fourth year. You may spend several months preparing for the exam before taking it.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation provide medical schools with insight into your academic performance, character, and potential as a future physician. These letters typically come from professors, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your strengths and dedication to the medical field.

Gathering letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or supervisors typically starts during the junior or senior year of undergraduate study.

Extracurricular Activities, Including Clinical Experience and Volunteer Work

Medical schools value applicants who have hands-on experience in healthcare settings. Engaging in clinical experiences, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities shows your commitment to medicine and helps develop essential skills like patient interaction and teamwork.

Engaging in clinical experiences, volunteer work, and other extracurricular activities ideally begins as early as the freshman year of college and continues throughout undergraduate study.

AAMC PREview or Casper Score, If Required

Some medical schools require additional assessments, such as the AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam or Casper, to evaluate applicants' situational judgment, problem-solving skills, and ethical reasoning. These exams help schools assess how well applicants align with the professional and interpersonal skills needed for medicine. Students should be aware of these medical school admission requirements early in their undergraduate career to prepare accordingly.

Finished Application

The final step before entering medical school is submitting a complete and well-prepared application. This includes academic records, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that highlights your motivation for pursuing medicine.

Typically, students start preparing their medical school applications in the summer before their senior year. This includes writing personal statements, completing applications, and ensuring all required documents—transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores—are submitted on time.

Recommended Majors for Pre-Med Students

While medical schools don't require specific majors, certain fields of study can better prepare students for the rigors of medical school and fulfill prerequisite courses. Ultimately, choosing a major should balance personal interests with the coursework required for medical school. Regardless of your field of study, completing the necessary pre-med prerequisites is essential to stay on track for medical school admission.

Here are the most common options you can choose from:

Biology

One of the most popular choices for pre-med students, biology provides a strong foundation in human anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology. This major ensures you fulfill most medical school prerequisites while gaining an in-depth understanding of life sciences.

Chemistry

A chemistry major helps students develop a strong grasp of organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, and laboratory skills, all of which are essential for medical school. Understanding how chemical reactions influence biological processes is crucial for your medical studies.

Biomedical Sciences

This major is tailored for students preparing for medical school, offering courses in human biology, pathology, pharmacology, and medical research. It provides a direct pathway to understanding disease mechanisms and medical interventions.

Psychology

A psychology major can be beneficial for students interested in psychiatry or behavioral medicine. It provides insight into human behavior, mental health disorders, and neuroscience, complementing the biological and social aspects of medicine.

Health Sciences

This interdisciplinary major covers various aspects of healthcare including disease prevention, healthcare systems, and patient care. It prepares you for both medical school and careers in healthcare administration and public health.

Nursing or Pre-Nursing

While nursing follows a different career path, a nursing degree provides valuable clinical experience and patient interaction skills that can benefit future physicians. It also gives you a strong foundation in human health and patient care.

Public Health

Public health focuses on disease prevention, health policy, and epidemiology. It's a great choice if you're interested in global health, community health initiatives, and medical research.

Humanities

Although less common, majors like philosophy, literature, or history can help students develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and strong communication skills. Many medical schools appreciate applicants with diverse academic backgrounds.

Engineering

Majoring in biomedical, mechanical, or electrical engineering can be beneficial for students interested in medical technology, prosthetics, or medical device innovation. An engineering background strengthens problem-solving skills and quantitative reasoning.

Pre-Med Requirement FAQs

Do you still need more clarification on what's expected of you before you apply to medical school? Here are the top questions students often ask to guide you:

Is it hard to get into pre-med school?

It takes time, attention to detail, and strong study and work habits. However, any student who applies themselves can get into medical school by completing the requirements.

Is research experience required for medical school applications?

Research experience isn't a strict requirement for medical school applications, but it's highly recommended, especially for competitive programs. Engaging in research demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to scientific inquiry. Many medical schools value applicants who have participated in research, particularly in fields related to medicine or healthcare.

Should you include volunteer work in your medical school application?

Yes, volunteer work is an important part of a strong medical school application. Admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated compassion, leadership, and a commitment to service.

Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community outreach programs, can provide valuable experience and show that you have a genuine interest in patient care. Non-medical volunteer work can also highlight your dedication to helping others and making a positive impact.

Complete Your Pre-Med Classes at MCPHS

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) was the first institution of higher education founded in Boston over 200 years ago, and you can't buy that kind of heritage. Our rich history and perfectly located campus provides students with an unparalleled learning environment and experience.

Suppose you're looking for the right major to pursue. In that case, MCPHS offers several options, including a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies (BS) and a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies - Dental Medicine Pathway (BS/DMD).

Ready to start your journey to a medical degree? Take the right first step by applying to MCPHS today.