For an undergrad looking to go into med school I was wondering what is a prototypical schedule to get all med school requirements as well as gen ed, or for those of you in med school maybe you could give your schedule throughout your undergrad, it would be greatly appreciated. 🙂
Undergrad schedule
- Thread starter hs2013
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What major do you want to go into? Here is a mockup of a schedule that would work for a math major, for example, but it would be very different if you want to be a physics major or an electrical engineer.
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There's going to be variation in everyone's schedule depending on EC/work schedules, major, and how much one can successfully take on. Most students use their freshman year to explore a little and take classes that are actually interesting + Gen Chem or Gen Bio if prehealth. Typically students then select their major by sophomore year (it's also common to switch majors too, though).
Unless you're on a neurotic pre-med fast track to finish undergrad, which I don't recommend--but is must my personal opinion, I'd suggest you use your freshman year to take classes that interest you. Throw in a couple pre-med reqs (gen chem and gen bio are popular at least at UM for freshman), but don't take on too much your first semester. Use this time to adjust to college and allow yourself to enjoy it.
If you have a non-science major, you'll likely either end up having to take summer/spring courses or credit heavy semesters if you want to finish in 4 years (and complete all pre-reqs). A science major like Bio or Chem makes it easier to finish on time since the pre-reqs count toward your degree. Finishing in 5 years isn't a big deal..just pick a concentration you're interested in and that will work in your favor as a "back up" plan in case you need it.
Try to get most of your pre-reqs done by Junior year if possible (when most students take the MCAT, but this is a general guideline).
What seemed common when I was at UM (this could have changed some but will give you a very generalized idea):
Freshman/Sophomore years: Gen Chem +lab, Bio I + lab, Orgo I/II + labs, Physics I/II +labs. Most pre-meds I knew took Orgo soph/jr year.
Junior/Senior: (Physics also common among juniors it seemed...), Biochem, Genetics, P. Chem, Physiology, Anatomy, Microbio
Once you start school, talk to upperclassmen and you'll quickly pick up on what you need to take and when. Ask about the profs teaching each course and try to schedule your classes such that you're learning from those with the best reputations. Before you take the MCAT, make sure you take Physics, P. Chem, Bio, Orgo. Physiology is very helpful on the MCAT as well.
My apologies if I'm slightly incoherent or rambling...it's past my bedtime 🙂 Good luck!
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The advice for a normal 4 year BA/BS track I've heard from many pre-meds and med students is, in the first two to three years, don't take three or more pre-reqs in one semester. So for example, Gen Chem I + Lab, Gen Bio I + Lab and Calculus I in your first semester may be a bad idea. But again, I hate to make generalizations about stuff like that.
It seems the "norm" to do is to simply take all five basic pre requisites within your first three years and then take the MCAT in the spring of your junior year or the early summer between junior and senior year so your MCAT scores are in before you apply.
Since I will only be in undergrad for three years, and since I have taken IB Bio HL and AP Calc AB (comparable to Gen Bio I and Calc I according to my university), I am taking Gen Bio I, Gen Chem I, Calc I, Psych 101 and a leadership seminar my first semester. In theory, Bio and Calc will be review + some added material, as I have looked over the syllabus for both courses. Chemistry will be "new", as I took it last three years ago, as will Psych 101 and the leadership course.
Good luck with everything, and don't forget to take classes you like. English Comp and a philosophy style writing course may help you on the MCAT. Also, take note that AAMC has planned to change the MCAT in 2015, where it will include more of a humanities focus than previously, so a philosophy, ethics and english influence may help you if you are going to be testing then.
Good luck! 🙂
It seems the "norm" to do is to simply take all five basic pre requisites within your first three years and then take the MCAT in the spring of your junior year or the early summer between junior and senior year so your MCAT scores are in before you apply.
Since I will only be in undergrad for three years, and since I have taken IB Bio HL and AP Calc AB (comparable to Gen Bio I and Calc I according to my university), I am taking Gen Bio I, Gen Chem I, Calc I, Psych 101 and a leadership seminar my first semester. In theory, Bio and Calc will be review + some added material, as I have looked over the syllabus for both courses. Chemistry will be "new", as I took it last three years ago, as will Psych 101 and the leadership course.
Good luck with everything, and don't forget to take classes you like. English Comp and a philosophy style writing course may help you on the MCAT. Also, take note that AAMC has planned to change the MCAT in 2015, where it will include more of a humanities focus than previously, so a philosophy, ethics and english influence may help you if you are going to be testing then.
Good luck! 🙂
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