Prereq Question

[cetrav]

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Hi guys, sorry if there has been a thread like this before, I searched and did not see any recent ones.

I have a question, and it might sound a little dumb, but I'm just going to ask anyway...

Some of the schools I am applying to require some background in behavioral science, like psych or sociology. Well, I was a political science major in college who only decided last minute I wanted to go to med school, so only had time for the basic classes (bio, chem etc). I graduated with a 3.8 GPA. I've taken a ton of English classes, which they also require, but no pysch or sociology. So my question is.. are they strict about what they consider "behavioral" science? Technically, "political science" is considered a "social" science, so maybe I'm really stretching here, but I just REALLY don't want my chances ruined because I didn't take a psych class. :/

I know a lot of schools have their lists of "strongly recommended" courses in physiology, anatomy, and other sciences, and I feel really disadvantaged because I wasn't a science major Humph.

 

[baxt1412]

what schools require behavioral science?

if you're concerned about individual schools, contact them directly and ask what courses will satisfy a general requirement such as "6 hours behavioral science", etc.

if a specific course is required and you don't have it, you won't be allowed in. you would likely be able to complete it pre-matriculation though. those requirements are for matriculation, not applying.

if there are general requirements (like I listed above), then it would be best to contact the schools directly or refer to AACOMAS for more assistance

 

[AlteredScale]

Hi guys, sorry if there has been a thread like this before, I searched and did not see any recent ones.

I have a question, and it might sound a little dumb, but I'm just going to ask anyway...

Some of the schools I am applying to require some background in behavioral science, like psych or sociology. Well, I was a political science major in college who only decided last minute I wanted to go to med school, so only had time for the basic classes (bio, chem etc). I graduated with a 3.8 GPA. I've taken a ton of English classes, which they also require, but no pysch or sociology. So my question is.. are they strict about what they consider "behavioral" science? Technically, "political science" is considered a "social" science, so maybe I'm really stretching here, but I just REALLY don't want my chances ruined because I didn't take a psych class. :/

I know a lot of schools have their lists of "strongly recommended" courses in physiology, anatomy, and other sciences, and I feel really disadvantaged because I wasn't a science major Humph.

You are not disadvantaged by not being a science major. But you will need to take the pre requisite basic science courses.

The behavioral sciences would be considered things like psychology. Just take one at a community college to get that out of the way. Not all schools require you complete a course in it though.

As for the strongly recommend courses: those are a way for you to expose yourself to the basic sciences you will learn in medical school and see if 1) you can do well in them and 2) you find the courses to be somewhat appealing.

Good luck!

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

Also keep in mind the growing list of requirements and soft "highly suggested" (ie requirements). For instance biochem, cell bio, micro, genetics. You dont necessarily need them all (well at some schools you do), but almost every school that I can think of wants at least one of those.

Not to mention with the new MCAT you need psych/soc and biochem.

 

[Fedxup]

In my opinion it is pretty "strict." You would need to take psych or socio or any number courses that are in those majors (ex. ethic, social behavior, psychology of gender). As someone mentioned just take the intro classes at a community college and you'll be ok!

I took an english psychological themes in lit. and it did not count towards behavioral science so take that for what you will.

 

[Deranged Medic]

In my opinion it is pretty "strict." You would need to take psych or socio or any number courses that are in those majors (ex. ethic, social behavior, psychology of gender). As someone mentioned just take the intro classes at a community college and you'll be ok!

I took an english psychological themes in lit. and it did not count towards behavioral science so take that for what you will.

It can go either way. One of the schools I interviewed at accepted "Legal Issues in Emergency Medical Services" as fulfilling a portion of the behavioral sciences requirement, but they did not accept my ethics class. I didn't see that one coming...

 

[cetrav]

It can go either way. One of the schools I interviewed at accepted "Legal Issues in Emergency Medical Services" as fulfilling a portion of the behavioral sciences requirement, but they did not accept my ethics class. I didn't see that one coming...

I've taken multiple philosophy courses on "human nature" sooo I hope that one counts for something.

 

[darkeon]

I've taken multiple philosophy courses on "human nature" sooo I hope that one counts for something.

I've seen schools' sites where they require a certain amount of humanities and/or behavioral sciences. Philosophy, in their eyes, go under humanities so do take a note of that. Again, it is just with the websites of a few schools that i've looked through. In fact, AAMC's course classification has a BESS (behavior+social sci) and a separate PHIL (phil. and religion). Personally, I wouldn't count on the philosophy classes to help you meet your requirement but I think you'd be go with the new verbal section of the new mcat. All social science passages there.