<p>Hey there, </p>
<p>I've gotten various indications that I don't necessarily need English courses to satisfy the english requirement for medical schools. </p>
<p>I've taken 1 semester of English, "Introduction to Literary Analysis", but don't technically have a second semester semester of English. My pre-med advisor said that most schools, save a few state schools, require "one year of courses emphasizing expository writing", rather than specifically English. As I go to a small liberal arts college, this seems silly to me, because I write all the time in all of my classes. She told me I might be able to get away counting other courses I've taken in the philosophy or religion department alternatively...so I shouldn't worry about taking another english course.</p>
<p>For anyone who is applying or has applied, how does the english requirement work? How strict are they about it? Should I take another?</p>
<p>It is my general feeling that there is never a need to roll the dice and force yourself to explain to ANY school that you've completed their requirements. Do two semesters of classes with an ENGLISH course heading and you don't have to worry about it. It will save you a lot of hassle and heartache at the end when you actually apply.</p>
<p>Think about it this way - medical schools have hundreds to thousands of applications to sort through each year. What's the simplest way to cut some of those numbers down? Automatically rejecting students who don't have the required courses - it's no fuss, simple, and leaves rejected students with no further questioning of the decision because they didn't meet the requirements. </p>
<p>Basically, you never want to give admissions committees reasons to reject your application on a technicality.</p>
<p>These are all admissions requirements for matriculation, not for acceptance. You do realize? Many schools accept students who haven't completed all the requirements because they're finishing them up their senior year. So, that's not really too much to worry about.</p>
<p>It's safer to take two courses in the English department. For some schools, you might be able to convince them to accept credit in some other humanities department but it's not worth the risk. Some schools are specifically looking for English, not writing, courses.</p>
<p>I would go with something which is clearly an English class -- but that might include Literature or Writing. Philosophy and Religion strike me as being too much of a gamble, though.</p>
<p>Squirrel, you do realize that the AMCAS does ask you to label your anticipated courses for senior year, thus allowing medical schools to check that you've met/are likely to meet their requirements???</p>
<p>Further, you do realize that I'm actually in medical school, right? And as such, might have some idea about what I'm talking about...seeing how I've gone through the process already (successfully) and all? I don't normally play that card, but you seemed so deserving...call it my christmas gift to you.</p>
<p>Please refrain from being so condescending in the future.</p>
<p>OP. Was this really your plan? </p>
<ol>
<li>Post what appears to be a sincere question.</li>
<li>Receive a well thought out answer from an experienced poster.</li>
<li>Respond with a catty juvenile dismissive response.</li>
</ol>
<p>CC can be better than this. Try a little harder.</p>