While most successful applicants to medical schools major in biology, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, SJSU students have been accepted from a variety of majors, including especially humanities-science double majors. In recent years, nearly half of SJSU applicants to medical schools were second baccalaureate students and about half of those accepted were second degree holders. Every medical school requires successful completion of one year of study, including lab, in biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. A full year of English composition is required, and at least one semester of calculus. Strongly recommended courses include genetics, biochemistry, physiology, histology, molecular biology, psychology, anthropology, and a foreign language.
Some medical experience is mandatory and community service is highly desired.
Pre-medical students at SJSU receive a great deal of individual attention and assistance in choosing schools and in filling out their applications. That some of our students are well prepared is evidenced by their performance on the Medical College Admission Test and in medical schools. Students who have completed the rigorous pre-medical requirements at SJSU report back from medical schools that their undergraduate preparation is the equal of that offered by any university in this country. The club arranges for speakers and events that supply valuable information about application to medical school and undergraduate pre-medical education. Return to this article group.