program biochem requirements

[stevvo111]

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Hey all, I'm looking for a list of requirements for MD/Ph.D and MSTP programs. Specifically, I want to know if many of them require biochemistry. I have to pick classes soon, and I have a choice to either take biochem, which at my school is extremely hard (will take away a lot of my time from research), or another upper level bio class (one that is much much easier, boosting my science GPA, while allowing me ample time in the lab). <--can't take both since they both take place at the same time.

I tried looking it up on here and google, but I got nothing. Some schools don't even post this (couldn't find it on VCU's MD/Ph.D page)?!

Any help pointing me in the right directions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[SBR249]

I know Hopkins and Duke requires it.

 

[soundnin]

msar helps you out and a school's individual website should list it (look at their regular md page) but most schools only recommend it. you're not really limiting yourself by not taking it.

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[stevvo111]

great, thanks for the info, I figured it would just be a pain to put myself through it when I could opt to take a more interesting/easy class that would further improve my lackluster GPA.

 

[justgo]

I would sort of caution against not taking it. There are programs (like those mentioned) that require it and that you would be missing out on applying to just off the cuff. But all or most programs recommend it and like students to have it. You will need to have it in M1 anyways, so why not get yourself ahead of the game. I think this process is scary enough without adding anything tenuous to the mix. I would take it, knock it out of the park, and highlight your amazing grades in upper division years while taking hard classes and doing research to programs.

 

[stevvo111]

I would sort of caution against not taking it. There are programs (like those mentioned) that require it and that you would be missing out on applying to just off the cuff. But all or most programs recommend it and like students to have it. You will need to have it in M1 anyways, so why not get yourself ahead of the game. I think this process is scary enough without adding anything tenuous to the mix. I would take it, knock it out of the park, and highlight your amazing grades in upper division years while taking hard classes and doing research to programs.

Knocking it out of the park is a lot easier said than done, especially with biochem, especially at my university. haha, but I do see your point. I'm gonna ask around and see what others think at my university!