Would this count towards the biology prereq?

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jxnxthxn

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Hello everyone. I have a choice of biology classes to take, to fulfill the biology prerequisite. The choice is either a traditional, two semester general biology course, or a two semester introductory biology course for pre-health majors. Both have lab sections. I suspect that medical schools prefer the general biology course but I really prefer to take the more targeted pre-health one. Does anyone have an idea on this?
 

LizzyM

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Med schools won't care. Do you want to mix in with other pre-meds or not? Frankly, I'd take a look at ratemyprofessor.com and see what the hivemind at your school has to say about the instructors of the two courses.
 

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Hello everyone. I have a choice of biology classes to take, to fulfill the biology prerequisite. The choice is either a traditional, two semester general biology course, or a two semester introductory biology course for pre-health majors. Both have lab sections. I suspect that medical schools prefer the general biology course but I really prefer to take the more targeted pre-health one. Does anyone have an idea on this?

I would take the pre-health one. One would assume that a biology course made for pre-health students would satiate health school requirements, and being able to lean into your future field early into your undergrad career is a blessing, not a curse.

David D, MD - USMLE and MCAT Tutor
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eigen

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I don't think either will have a significant effect, but I'd suggest considering that a little more potential breadth as well as the ability to build a network outside of other pre-health students could be beneficial. You'll make plenty of friends with others applying to medical school later on, having a network outside that can be a really good thing.

In general, I recommend students take advantage of whatever breadth they can, whether it's small (in this case) or a chance to take electives that are not just about preparing you for medical school. The chance to explore, as well as the chance to bring something different and unique with you into your future practice are both beneficial.
 
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jxnxthxn

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Thank you everyone for your opinion on this. Still have to weigh the pros and cons before making a choice!
 
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