Chapter 8 Information for Premedical Students Philosophies of education, premedical course requirements, qualifications for enrollment, and systems of training vary among the nation's medical schools, but all schools recognize the desirability of a strong foundation in the natural sciences, highly developed communication skills, and a solid background in the social sciences and humanities. Many premedical students major in science, although this is by no means necessary. Whether you major in the sciences, the humanities, or the social sciences, your program must be rigorous and thoughtfully organized, since medical schools are most concerned with the quality and scope of your work. All medical schools require one year each of biology, physics, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry, all with laboratories.
Many schools also demand a year of college mathematics and English.
Advanced placement cannot usually substitute for these, but students who qualify should enroll in higher-level courses. And experience in computer science, statistics, and psychology is becoming increasingly important for all health-care professionals. Courses that fulfill the requirements for medical school must be taken for a letter grade. There is no prescribed sequence for premedical courses, but, since you will be judged on the basis of the work you have completed when you apply to medical school, you should take the required courses before senior year. Freshman premedical students usually elect one science course as well as mathematics.