What Does Pre-Med Mean?
While in college, pre-med students need to take certain classes that will help them in med school. Many of these classes are required. They give you basic science knowledge that you will need as a medical student.
You must also take the MCAT exam to determine whether you understood the content of the classes.
But which classes are required? And what other courses should you take to improve your chances of getting into medical school?
We have the answers right here!
Pre-med is the term used to refer to college students taking sciences and other courses for the purpose of getting into med school.
You can choose non-science majors and still be considered pre-med. Just make sure you also take classes related to science and medicine.
Classes You Need to Get into Med School
As a pre-med student, it’s your responsibility to take all the right classes. Each school varies on the classes they require. It’s up to you to conduct all relevant research. Know what classes your desired med schools require for admissions.
Some of the classes that all medical schools in the US require include:
- English – 1 Year
- Biology with Lab – 1 Year
- General Chemistry with Lab – 1 Year
- Organic Chemistry with Lab – 1 Year
- Physics with Lab – 1 Year
- Biochemistry – 1 Semester
- Math – Either Statistics or Calculus or Both
These are not the only classes taken by pre-med students. They are only the standard ones. Some schools require you to take other courses too. So, do your research.
Keep Calm: You Got This
Do not feel discouraged and think these classes are too much for you to handle. Remember the workload will be double when you become a medical student. Isn’t it better to start adapting now?
You must show the schools you apply to that you are an exceptional student. Prove that you’re serious about working in the field of medicine. The best way to do this is to take extra science classes to show you’re willing to do more than what’s required of you.
Other classes you can take are:
- Human psychology
- Writing
- Ethics
- Foreign languages
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Why Pre-Meds Should Take Statistics in College
What is Statistics? It’s the study of:
- Data Collection
- Analysis
- Interpretation
- Presentation of Data
Medicine changes every day. Physicians continue working on ways to improve healthcare. And they can only do this effectively when they conduct clinical trials. This helps them collect the relevant information they need to determine how to change things in the healthcare industry.
What Does Statistics Teach You?
A statistics course that helps you understand the clinical study process. You’ll learn how to go through the reports all by yourself and study everything.
Once you understand the data collection process, you’ll also have the ability to analyze and interpret the data.
How impressive!
Not all clinical trials are conducted in the same way. Taking a statistics course GIVES you the upper hand when competing to get into medical school.
As a student, you’ll take part in multiple studies using various procedures.
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How does this help?
You’ll already have an understanding of how clinical studies work no matter the procedure used. That’s impressive on your med school application. And it puts you ahead of other pre-meds without this hands-on knowledge.
Understanding medical research conducted by other physicians will come easy to you. You may even decide to become a medical researcher.
Statistics isn’t just useful in studies and research. You can also apply it every day when collecting information from patients. Understanding diagnostic tests and screening needs statistical knowledge.
And you will be privileged to have this under your belt.
Remember that gaining information is never a waste of time. Taking statistics may not seem useful as a pre-med. But later when you advance in your medical studies, these sacrifices will pay off.
Take all the classes required of you. And go the extra mile. It will all be worth it in the end!
Your MCAT Test Score
The MCAT exam is taken by pre-med students or anyone trying to get into medical school in the US. You then send your results to your desired school as part of your med school application package.
This test helps prove that you have mastered the knowledge from the pre-med classes you took in high school and college.
As you can see this is an important exam. You can’t afford to joke around with it. The highest score you can get is 528. Most schools require a score of 509 or more.
The MCAT is a 7 ½ hour test whose topics include:
- Physical, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Worried about getting into medical school? Concerned about getting a good score on the MCAT? MedSmarter is here to help.
We offer MCAT review courses and 1:1 tutoring taught by board-certified physician instructors. Learn in small classes in a clinical-like environment on our Suwanee, GA campus or online via web conferencing.
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