Pre-med is a term used by students who are planning to attend medical school after completing their undergraduate studies. It is not a major in itself, but rather a declaration of intent to pursue a career in medicine
. Pre-med students typically take a set of core classes as part of their application to medical school, focusing on science, math, and liberal arts courses
. Some key aspects of pre-med include:
- Coursework : Pre-med students usually take at least one year of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics (all with labs), along with biochemistry, math, and English classes
- Majors : Students can choose any major they want while pursuing a pre-med track, as long as they complete the required courses for their chosen major
- Advisors : Pre-med students often have two advisors, one from the pre-professional office to help with course selection, and one specifically for their major
- Extracurricular Activities : Pre-med students often participate in activities such as job shadowing, volunteer work, or employment to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field
- Community Service : Engaging in community service is an important aspect of the pre-med experience, as it helps students develop a commitment to serving others in their future careers
Pre-med students can come from various backgrounds and majors, as long as they meet the specific requirements for their chosen field. Some popular majors for pre-med students include biology, biochemistry, and philosophy, but other fields like English, foreign languages, and liberal arts can also be suitable
