There are certain med schools that do not have prereq courses such as UVA,NYU, Stanford, USC, Tulane etc... However they do recommend that you take them. I know you all will say recommended=required. In addition, I know that you have to show comment to in the subject area as well. Can that be done via the MCAT? Does not having all the prereqs for schools without course requirements prevent you from getting in?
Med Schools that do not require prerequisites
- Thread starter Bwilber
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Best to look at the admissions websites of different schools and see what they have to say. The only way you can answer your second question is to apply without pre-reqs and see what happens.
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Adding onto this, taking prerequisites cover all your bases.
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lulz
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It is generally acknowledged that biochemistry is now of central importance to the MCAT. To take biochemistry one must generally complete courses in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. Also, given the 2015 MCAT changes almost every applicant is now taking courses in psychology and/or sociology (or related fields). By removing any formal prerequisite requirements these schools are just telegraphing that they will be relying on the MCAT to do the work for them.
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Here's what two random schools have to say (Wake-Forest and Keck):
Academic Requirements - MD Program Admissions
Wake Forest School of Medicine seeks future physicians who have mastered a broad science curriculum that includes the knowledge base and promotes the problem-solving skills required by the practice of medicine. In addition, we seek applicants who have thoughtfully prepared to meet the social and emotional needs of patients by including in their formal education a rich exposure to the social sciences and humanities. At least 90 hours of college coursework is required to apply and advanced placement (AP) and other credits are acceptable.Unless noted otherwise, all science courses should have a laboratory component.
RECOMMENDED COURSES MAY INCLUDE:
https://keck.usc.edu/education/md-program/admissions/
Prerequisites of the Keck School of Medicine
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. The school has no specific course requirements. Strong applicants will have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of study and have demonstrated competency in the sciences at the time of their application. Please see the MSAR for recommended coursework. Please discuss any coursework preparation with your pre-health advisor.
So what so you think that they're requiring, if anything?????????
I submit that people trying to take the easy road will end up running into a massive roadblock.
Academic Requirements - MD Program Admissions
Wake Forest School of Medicine seeks future physicians who have mastered a broad science curriculum that includes the knowledge base and promotes the problem-solving skills required by the practice of medicine. In addition, we seek applicants who have thoughtfully prepared to meet the social and emotional needs of patients by including in their formal education a rich exposure to the social sciences and humanities. At least 90 hours of college coursework is required to apply and advanced placement (AP) and other credits are acceptable.Unless noted otherwise, all science courses should have a laboratory component.
RECOMMENDED COURSES MAY INCLUDE:
- Biology: Introductory biology, molecular/ cell biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, neuroscience
- Chemistry: Inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry (with or without lab)
- Physics: Introductory physics
- Mathematics: Algebra, statistics
- Psychology: Introductory psychology, behavioral psychology, abnormal psychology
- Sociology: Introductory sociology, course work with special emphasis on health disparities
- Humanities: foreign language (especially Spanish), philosophy (especially medical ethics), literature
https://keck.usc.edu/education/md-program/admissions/
Prerequisites of the Keck School of Medicine
Applicants must have completed a baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation. The school has no specific course requirements. Strong applicants will have distinguished themselves in their chosen field of study and have demonstrated competency in the sciences at the time of their application. Please see the MSAR for recommended coursework. Please discuss any coursework preparation with your pre-health advisor.
So what so you think that they're requiring, if anything?????????
I submit that people trying to take the easy road will end up running into a massive roadblock.
So can I substitute courses that I did not take to demonstrate competency with the MCAT?
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There are no shortcuts.
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If you choose to apply to only schools without pre-requisites, you are severely limiting your chances to attend a medical school.
You need to prove competence in the sciences. Most medical schools use pre-requisites to accomplish that. The schools you're talking about choose not to require specific courses, but you have to prove competence somehow. I would suggest taking the classes that most schools require to keep your options open, but that's up to you. Good luck!
You need to prove competence in the sciences. Most medical schools use pre-requisites to accomplish that. The schools you're talking about choose not to require specific courses, but you have to prove competence somehow. I would suggest taking the classes that most schools require to keep your options open, but that's up to you. Good luck!
