Pre-Health FAQs
Pre-Health FAQs
Health professional schools expect applicants to demonstrate growth in four areas of holistic development:
- Academic accomplishment
- Community service and leadership experience
- Clinical experience
- Research (Research is not required, though it provides helpful experience)
These four key areas of preparation are critical to a successful application process. There is no checklist of activities required in each of these categories. Your experiences in the areas of holistic development will depend on your own personal interests and passions.
Because the largest number of pre-health students at Oxford plan to go to medical school, the information below will focus on preparing for admission to medical school. Other health professional schools have similar requirements. For more detailed information, please visit the website of Emory’s PreHealth Mentoring Office: prehealth.emory.edu
It is important for future healthcare providers to be
- Lifelong learners,
- Intellectually curious, and
- Comfortable and competent in the sciences.
When applying to medical school, you will be evaluated in terms of your cumulative GPA from all college coursework and your BCPM GPA. The BCPM GPA includes all biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses taken as an undergraduate. Courses that are crosslisted with a BCPM designation may be counted towards your BCPM.
While there is no particular GPA cutoff for medical school, most successful applicants have at least a 3.4. Medical schools like to see consistent grades, or an upward trend in grades over the course of your college career. You should also take progressively challenging courses—don’t try to pad your transcript with what you expect to be “easy” classes!
While there is no particular GPA cutoff for medical school, most successful applicants have at least a 3.4. Medical schools like to see consistent grades, or an upward trend in grades over the course of your college career. You should also take progressively challenging courses—don’t try to pad your transcript with what you expect to be “easy” classes!
The following science courses are required by almost every medical school:
- Chemistry 150, 202, 203, and 204 with labs
- Biology 141 and 142 with labs
- Physics 141 and 142 with labs OR 151 and 152 with labs
The majority of medical schools have no math requirement. Among those that do have a math requirement, it is typically a semester of statistics (QTM 100 OR Math 117Q). A handful of medical schools require a semester of calculus (Math 111). You should take calculus if your major requires it, or if you are interested in one of the medical schools that requires it. Columbia University has compiled a document with the prerequisites at accredited medical schools in the U.S.
Statistics (QTM 100 or Math 117Q) provides excellent background for topics on the MCAT and in medical school, and therefore it is recommended for pre-medical students.
Statistics (QTM 100 or Math 117Q) provides excellent background for topics on the MCAT and in medical school, and therefore it is recommended for pre-medical students.
Many medical schools require a year of English or writing classes. At Emory, continuing writing courses (those tagged as W courses) in the English language fulfill this requirement for most medical schools.
The MCAT contains a section on “Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.” To prepare for this section, you should take at least two semesters of social science in the anthropology, psychology, and/or sociology departments. The specifically recommended courses for MCAT preparation are Sociology 101 or 230 AND Psychology 110 or 111.
The MCAT contains a section on “Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.” To prepare for this section, you should take at least two semesters of social science in the anthropology, psychology, and/or sociology departments. The specifically recommended courses for MCAT preparation are Sociology 101 or 230 AND Psychology 110 or 111.
If you plan to apply to medical school for admission immediately following college graduation, you will need to complete all of the eight required science courses by the end of your junior year. Many pre-med students take two semesters of science in their first year, four semesters in their second year (two science classes each semester), and the last two semesters in their third year.
Many students plan to take a gap year after college and start medical school a year (or more) after graduating from college. In this case, you would have all four years of college to complete the required courses, so there is more flexibility in planning.
Many students plan to take a gap year after college and start medical school a year (or more) after graduating from college. In this case, you would have all four years of college to complete the required courses, so there is more flexibility in planning.
Due to scheduling and other circumstances, some students do not start the required science courses in their first semester. Don’t worry about this! Your goal in planning your course schedule with your advisor should be to plan a class schedule that allows you to complete the required courses while setting yourself up for success! If your science background was weak in high school, waiting to take science classes may be the best decision for you.
There is no need to rush and overload with science courses in your first year. Many students have the mistaken idea that they should get their pre-medical course requirements "out of the way" during their first two years of college. In fact, the majority of applicants to medical school in recent years have waited until their senior year rather than their junior year to apply to medical school. This allows students four years to fulfill the pre-med requirements. In some cases, students take some or even all of the pre-medical requirements after they graduate from college.
There are many routes to completing the required courses during your time at Emory. At Oxford, the required chemistry and biology courses are offered every semester*, so you could begin either of these sequences in the fall or spring. (Physics 141 and 151 are only offered in the fall semester.) You may also take one or two of the science courses during the summer.
*For your planning purposes, you should be aware that Emory only offers Chemistry 150 and 203 and Biology 141 in the fall semester and Chemistry 202 and Biology 142 in the spring semester. Chemistry 204 is offered every semester.
There is no need to rush and overload with science courses in your first year. Many students have the mistaken idea that they should get their pre-medical course requirements "out of the way" during their first two years of college. In fact, the majority of applicants to medical school in recent years have waited until their senior year rather than their junior year to apply to medical school. This allows students four years to fulfill the pre-med requirements. In some cases, students take some or even all of the pre-medical requirements after they graduate from college.
There are many routes to completing the required courses during your time at Emory. At Oxford, the required chemistry and biology courses are offered every semester*, so you could begin either of these sequences in the fall or spring. (Physics 141 and 151 are only offered in the fall semester.) You may also take one or two of the science courses during the summer.
*For your planning purposes, you should be aware that Emory only offers Chemistry 150 and 203 and Biology 141 in the fall semester and Chemistry 202 and Biology 142 in the spring semester. Chemistry 204 is offered every semester.
Medical schools have differing policies for accepting AP/IB credits to fulfill prerequisites. Many schools do accept AP/IB credits in lieu of required courses, but you should confirm the policies of the specific schools you are interested in. Some medical schools recommend that students complete upper-level coursework in subjects where they redeem AP credit for introductory courses. For example, if you exempt Chemistry 150 with AP Chemistry credit, you could take a 300-level course (biochemistry, or something else) to complete four semesters of college-level chemistry.
Yes! (Just not in your first semester.) Medical schools want to see that you can succeed in a rigorous course schedule, and this includes doubling up on lab sciences for at least one semester, or preferably for a full year. The best time to take two lab sciences together is after you’ve succeeded in one lab science course (preferably a “B” or above).
It depends. Withdrawing from a class can be a good option if you find that you are ill-prepared for the class, or your overall workload that semester is overwhelming. While it’s not ideal to withdraw from a class, one “W” on your transcript will not cause you problems in the application process. A “W” is better than finishing the course with a “D” or “F.” If you find yourself in a position where you need to withdraw from classes in multiple semesters, you should talk to your advisor about scheduling classes in a way to set yourself up for success. Rushing through your classes and earning poor grades will do you no favors!
There is no one “best” order. Depending on your math and science placement and your interests, you may choose to start with chemistry, biology, or physics in your first year. All students who complete OCCP (Oxford College Chemistry Prep) by the deadline can take Chemistry 150. You may be able to start Biology 141 in your first semester; your placement will depend on your high school background. You need to have a basic understanding of calculus to take Physics 141; your placement in physics depends on your math placement. (Physics 151 requires higher math; Math 112 is a co-requisite.) Oxford offers all of the required chemistry and biology courses every semester; Physics 141 and 151 are only offered in the fall semester.
Medical schools like to see that you have succeed in a rigorous course of study. For this reason, you should take a full course load (15-19 hours) whenever possible. Medical schools do not like to see a lot of semesters with fewer than 15 credit hours. It says to them that you are trying to keep your GPA up by avoiding hard work. One semester with a light load is alright, but don't overdo it.
It is normally better to take the required sciences during the regular academic year than over the summer, if possible. If you start your pre-med requirements after your first semester, it’s OK to take one or two science classes in summer school. You should not take more than two science classes in the summer. It’s not helpful to take science classes during the summer just to get ahead if you started taking science classes in your first semester.
Be aware that between your first and second years, you can attend summer school at another institution, but that after your sophomore year, you can normally only attend Emory summer school. Note that some medical schools may not accept credit for science courses taken at a community college; therefore, you should take any transient study credits at a four-year college or university.
Be aware that between your first and second years, you can attend summer school at another institution, but that after your sophomore year, you can normally only attend Emory summer school. Note that some medical schools may not accept credit for science courses taken at a community college; therefore, you should take any transient study credits at a four-year college or university.
You should major in a field you love! College students whose personal interests align with their major earn higher grades. You have a wonderful opportunity at Oxford to explore your academic interests through taking courses in a variety of areas. You may be interested in something you didn’t even know existed. Use this time to cultivate a passion!
Emory does not have a pre-health or pre-med major. You can major in anything and apply to medical school. You do need to demonstrate that you can handle upper-level science courses. Choose a major that you are interested in, and make time to take upper-level science courses.
Emory does not have a pre-health or pre-med major. You can major in anything and apply to medical school. You do need to demonstrate that you can handle upper-level science courses. Choose a major that you are interested in, and make time to take upper-level science courses.
The medical school application process takes over a year; if you plan to start medical school immediately after graduating from college, you will need to begin your application in your junior year. Emory’s PreHealth Mentoring Office offers a composite letter service for all medical school applicants who complete their process, which begins two years before you would begin medical school. You will also need to take the MCAT by April of the year you plan to apply (a full year before you would begin medical school—so, April of your junior year, if you plan to start medical school immediately after college).
A “gap year” is also worth considering. This is a year (or more) between the end of your undergraduate studies and the start of medical school. Frequently, the reasons for a gap year center on an applicant’s need for more time to participate in medically-related volunteer and lab experiences, strengthen GPA or MCAT scores, pay down debt, working on becoming a stronger candidate, or simply take a break. Taking a gap year (or more) gives you four or more years to make yourself a strong candidate for medical school, while matriculating straight from college only gives you three year to complete your requirements (since the application process takes a year). Furthermore, if you are interested in pursuing something besides medicine (travel, fellowship program, working in a different field), then before starting medical school is the best time to do this. Once you’ve started medical school (and likely have the debt to show for it), it’s harder to push the pause button!
To apply to most medical schools in the United States, you’ll use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This application is due in June the year before you would begin medical school. Schools often request additional information for applicants in the form of a secondary application. After you submit the secondary application, you may be invited for an interview.
A “gap year” is also worth considering. This is a year (or more) between the end of your undergraduate studies and the start of medical school. Frequently, the reasons for a gap year center on an applicant’s need for more time to participate in medically-related volunteer and lab experiences, strengthen GPA or MCAT scores, pay down debt, working on becoming a stronger candidate, or simply take a break. Taking a gap year (or more) gives you four or more years to make yourself a strong candidate for medical school, while matriculating straight from college only gives you three year to complete your requirements (since the application process takes a year). Furthermore, if you are interested in pursuing something besides medicine (travel, fellowship program, working in a different field), then before starting medical school is the best time to do this. Once you’ve started medical school (and likely have the debt to show for it), it’s harder to push the pause button!
To apply to most medical schools in the United States, you’ll use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). This application is due in June the year before you would begin medical school. Schools often request additional information for applicants in the form of a secondary application. After you submit the secondary application, you may be invited for an interview.
Yes, they do. When applying to medical school, you will be required to disclose any honor code or conduct code violations from any institution you attended prior to applying. The Oxford College and Emory College Honor Codes and Codes of Conduct are in effect during your tenure at these colleges. Violations to any of these codes will be on your permanent Emory record. Criminal background checks are also performed for acceptance to most medical schools. If you plan to apply to medical school, you need to be very careful of the choices you make as an undergraduate student!
Your score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will play a large factor in your application review. The MCAT has four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Yes! Medical schools typically require between 3-4 recommendation letters. At least one of these letters should be from a science faculty member, and one should be from a PI or research supervisor if you participated in research at Oxford, Emory, or another institution.
When thinking about who to ask, the most important consideration is who knows you the best and can write you a quality letter. A quality relationship is more important than having made a certain grade in a course or having a letter writer from a prestigious faculty member. It is always important to choose the individuals who know you well and can speak about the competencies you have developed and why you would be a good candidate for the program.
You should ask any potential letter writers in the fall semester before you begin applying to medical school. Do not wait until the last minute to do this! You should provide them with your resume and personal statement and answer any further questions they may have.
When thinking about who to ask, the most important consideration is who knows you the best and can write you a quality letter. A quality relationship is more important than having made a certain grade in a course or having a letter writer from a prestigious faculty member. It is always important to choose the individuals who know you well and can speak about the competencies you have developed and why you would be a good candidate for the program.
You should ask any potential letter writers in the fall semester before you begin applying to medical school. Do not wait until the last minute to do this! You should provide them with your resume and personal statement and answer any further questions they may have.
Yes! The PreHealth Mentoring Office offers composite letter writing as a service to students applying to medical, dental, optometry, and podiatry school. A composite letter is a summative and evaluative review of an Emory undergraduate student’s experiences, including academic and extracurricular experiences based on information from recommendation letters and other application materials. As a snapshot of the undergraduate experience, the composite letter places Emory students in context with their peers. Emory students, as well as alumni who have graduated in the past two years, are eligible to apply for composite letters.
While most schools do not require composite letters, they are held in high esteem by admission boards. Therefore, it is in your best interest in preparing a strong application that you do include a composite letter.
While most schools do not require composite letters, they are held in high esteem by admission boards. Therefore, it is in your best interest in preparing a strong application that you do include a composite letter.
Health professional schools expect applicants to demonstrate growth in four areas of holistic development: academic accomplishment; community service and leadership experience; clinical experience; and research. (Research is not required, though it provides helpful experience.)
a. Community Service and Leadership Experience
It is important for future healthcare providers to
- Want to help others,
- Be team players, and
- Enjoy working with people.
You can demonstrate these traits by your engagement in community service and leadership activities. (Note that these activities are considered part of the same category. While it is important for all pre-med students to volunteer in the community and demonstrate leadership, excellence in either of these areas will demonstrate these characteristics to medical schools.)
It is critical to choose activities that are meaningful to you. Quality (sticking with the same organization for a number of years) is better than quantity (many different but brief experiences). You should be able to communicate passion about your experiences and the organizations you work with.
b. Clinical Experience
Clinical experience can help you learn more about careers in the health professions, determine whether you enjoy working in the medical field, and demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in medicine. There are several ways to gain exposure to the clinical setting:
- Clinical volunteering
- Shadowing
- Informational interviewing
- Scribing
- Working in a clinical setting
- Clinical research
You should aim to gain a variety of high-quality experiences in clinical settings. Any of the above activities are fine; you do not have to specifically shadow in order to apply to most medical schools. (You should check with the schools you are interested in to verify if shadowing is a prerequisite.)
c. Research
Research is not required, but most applicants from Emory have some exposure to research. If you decide to pursue research, it can be in any field—physical sciences, biomedical sciences, social sciences, or humanities. Students who show commitment to a project over a number of semesters, take ownership of their projects, demonstrate growth, and present their research will excel in this area.
Note that some activities can count in two of these categories. For example, clinical research is both clinical experience and research. Volunteering in a clinical setting is both community service and clinical experience.
It is helpful to keep an activity log as you go through college. List all of your activities that fit into one of the four categories above, the organizations you worked with, what sorts of things you did, and approximate the number of hours you spent on this activity and the time range. An activity list is a required part of the composite letter application through the PreHealth Mentoring Office, and it’s best to keep track of your activities as you go.
- Consider all the career paths available to you. Medicine may be a good fit for you, but it is not the only possibility. Don’t let your future be decided by a default pathway!
- Start taking the required science classes and recommended non-science classes.
- Take a wide variety of classes to help you cultivate a passion (i.e., a future major).
- Get to know professors (one per semester is a good guideline) outside the confines of the classroom—working with them in an independent study or even chatting during office hours will help them get to know you so that they can write excellent recommendation letters for you in the future!
- Get involved on campus, but don’t go too crazy! One or two experiences that you really care about are more impactful than running yourself ragged from dabbling in ten clubs.
- Consider how you want to gain clinical experience. You may want to shadow or volunteer while you’re home in the summer; there are also many opportunities for clinical experience at Emory hospitals and clinics once you’re at the Atlanta campus.
- Consider the possibility of doing research. You may find a professor you want to work with while at Oxford; summer and your time at Emory College are also good opportunities for carrying out research.
- Stay in touch with the PreHealth Mentoring Office—they are a great help at Oxford and beyond!
- Plan to complete the PHMO Mandatory Check-Up during the fall of your sophomore year. The PHMO comes to Oxford several times during the fall semester to conduct group meetings; you will then schedule a 1:1 follow-up with a PHMO advisor.
- Contact Dr. Neuman if you have questions about classes, research, or summer plans: annette.neuman@emory.edu, OSB 404