Do I need a "SOC" course?

[Svenson]

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Hi,

I am planning to apply for 2016 matriculation. I took the old MCAT which didn't require sociology, so I don't have a "SOC" course. I do have a course in psychology and other courses which I believe will fit the behavioral science AMCAS designation. From what I can tell, most schools are not directly requiring sociology, but I also have noticed a lot of the admissions pages haven't been updated since 2014 or 2015. (I've only seen Duke directly require a "SOC" course.) Do you think they would be updated this close to the beginning of the application cycle with new requirements? (I DO have biochemistry, statistics, genetics, etc.; sociology is my only missing course.)

Thanks

 

[Lawpy]

You don't need to worry at the moment since the schools that do require sociology can be addressed by completing the requirement before matriculation. I expect the schools to have updated their requirements already, if not prior to the AMCAS submission start date in June 2

 

[cactus8910]

MSAR (which you should purchase if you haven't already) will tell you school-specific course requirements/recommendations.

 

[Svenson]

Yeah thanks for the input. I actually have MSAR, but some of them are not correct/specific. For example, Duke lists no courses as required, when they do in fact have required courses. I've decided to enroll in an introductory sociology course as a non-matric. student after I graduate, better to be safe than sorry.

 

[samac]

Waste of money if you don't have a genuine interest. From what I know a vast majority don't require SOC. We're in a transitional period and medical schools are going to understand that. In 5 years it might be a normal requirement but in this year or next you're completely fine without it.

 

[Svenson]

Waste of money if you don't have a genuine interest. From what I know a vast majority don't require SOC. We're in a transitional period and medical schools are going to understand that. In 5 years it might be a normal requirement but in this year or next you're completely fine without it.

I think some schools will be understanding; however, I contacted the director of admissions at Duke and she told me it is required. I'd rather play it safe than not get into a school I really like because of such a small reason.

 

[northernlights15]

Pre-reqs are only checked prior to matriculation.

 

[samac]

If Duke requires it they should really update their website since we're in the next cycle. http://medschool.duke.edu/education/frequently-asked-questions#Prerequisites
What northernlights says is correct. If Duke requires it and you get accepted in December you could take it in the Spring and still matriculate.