Pre-Medicine

Being “pre-med” means you are on the track to apply for medical school. While pre-med is not a specific degree, there are key courses in math and science you need to take to be eligible to apply. When you apply to medical school, you will choose a degree in either allopathic medicine (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO). 

In allopathic medicine, an MD (Doctor of Medicine) focuses on the treatment or suppression of symptoms and diseases using drugs, surgery, and other forms of conventional or mainstream medicine. 

A DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) is a licensed, board-certified physician, who has attended medical school and has completed a residency in a medical specialty. Osteopathic physicians are known to approach diagnosis and medical treatment in a holistic manner. Many DOs specialize in primary care.

The following information pertains to both degrees.

Admission to Medical School

The admission criteria vary from school to school, but usually include academic record, an entry exam (MCAT), letters of recommendation, demonstrated knowledge about and commitment to the medical profession (through coursework and experience), a personal statement, and an interview. Learn more about these requirements below.

Personal characteristics such as integrity and maturity are considered. Early in your college career you should consider exploring the medical field through volunteering, employment, shadowing, and research for credit.

Most medical schools do not require a specific major, so you may major in almost anything as long as you complete certain pre-requisite courses (listed in the next section). However, the majors, minors, and certificates below are among the most popular degree programs selected by pre-med students at UC:

Majors 

Minors & Certificates 

NOTE: Some Health Professions Schools will not accept pre-requisites taken online. All pre-requisite courses are recommended to be taken in-person.
 
  • Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
  • General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
  • Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
  • Biochemistry: CHEM 3040 or MEDS 3020(F)
  • Physics I and II with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L
  • Math: MATH 1044 or 1061 and STAT 1034 or 1031 or MEDS 3023C
  • English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
  • Psychology: PSYC 1001
  • Sociology: SOC 1001
  • *Genetics: BIOL 2083(F,S) or MEDS 3021(S)
  • *Cell Biology: BIOL 2085C(S) or MEDS 3018
  • *Microbiology: BIOL 4011/4011L(F) or MEDS 3024C(F)
  • **Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2001C & 2002C or BIOL 3020C(F,S) & 3021(F) or MEDS 4052C(F) & 3026(F,S)

*Only some schools require  

**Recommended but not required

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): A standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science, critical thinking and other areas related to the study of medicine. Learn more about the MCAT

Average GPAs of applicants and admitted students
  MD* Applicants  MD* Admitted MO** Applicants MO** Admitted
GPA Science 3.52 3.68 3.37 3.50
GPA Non-Science 3.76 3.84 3.61 3.71
GPA Total 3.62 3.75 3.48 3.60 

*Source: Association of American Medical Colleges (2023)

**Source: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (2023)

Most schools require two recommendation letters from science professors who have had you in class and one letter from a non-science professor. Some DO programs require a letter of recommendation from an osteopathic physician. Some medical schools allow you to have additional letters.

Learn more about recommendation letters for medical school

National application and acceptance data:
Type  MD* MO**
Applicants 55,188 27,277
Admitted 27,712 8,516
Acceptance Rate 41% 31%

*Source: Association of American Medical Colleges (2023)

**Source: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (2023)

Things to Consider Before Going Pre-Med

While a career in the medical field can be a rewarding choice, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pursue the pre-med route.

  • The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school
  • Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for medical school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education
  • Most applicants are eligible for federal aid
  • If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision 
  • There are some financial assistance programs for:
  • Learn more about how to finance your MD or DO education

For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college-level work depends not only on ability, but also upon preparation, motivation, organization and how well you learn how to learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-medical student demands tenacity and stamina.

Medical school admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours, the Learning Commons, and other Academic Excellence & Support Services offices.

Having a parallel plan or alternative option to medical school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to finding your alternative career path.

How to Get Started

Preparing for admission to professional schools requires careful long-term planning and accurate information. The PPAC specializes in providing students with necessary information and helping them develop good planning skills. Our staff can provide you with help through each step of the way, including course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and ways to get experience in professional settings.

To get started or learn more, register for a Pre-Health Introduction Workshop.

Pre-Health Introduction Workshop