Frequently Asked Questions
Don鈥檛 I need to take Calculus?
A few medical schools (Harvard, John Hopkins and a few others) require two semesters of calculus but the vast majority of medical schools do not.
What English course should I take?
While there is some variation in what Medical schools require for English courses, we recommend that you take at least one course that concentrates on writing composition and at least one course that focuses on reading comprehension. Taking additional courses that focus on reading comprehension are also beneficial because the format of the MCAT requires the ability to read complex and then answer questions related to those passages. consider the various offerings and take what you think you would enjoy.
Can Humanities count as an English course?
We have had a few students argue successfully that Humanities satisfies an English requirement. For most students, the best option is to just take an English course, otherwise it is up to you to convince the medical schools that Humanities should count.
I received credit for Biology (or Chemistry or Physics) in high school; do I have to take them over?
This is a tough question. Most medical schools definitely prefer applicants to have had their requirements at college, not from AP credit or from some program where high schools students receive college credit. If you major in the sciences, and go on to take more biology and chemistry, then medical schools are likely to accept credits awarded for work before college.
Appreciate that the curricular requirements of medical schools are in place for multiple reasons: (1) to make sure that students coming into medical school have some basic knowledge, (2) to compare applicant performance in comparable courses and (3) to make sure that students taking the MCAT have some basic knowledge to be utilized for that exam. Credit for work done prior to college serves none of these factors very well.
May I take these required classes at other schools?
Yes, but it is not preferred, especially if it looks as though you are just trying to take them somewhere easier than 91亚色. If you have a particular reason to take them elsewhere (you switched majors, you are a double major, illness, etc.) schools will be accepting; but otherwise it may be held against you.
Which physics sequence should I take?
The medical schools will accept either calculus based physics (PHYS 123-126) or non-calculus based physics (PHYS 113-116). Since calculus is not required by the medical schools you should not feel obligated to take the calculus based sequence.