<p>Do you necessarily need to have a pre-med major or biology/biomedical sciences major to get into medical school? </p>
<p>I've heard there are people who majored in Philosophy who became doctors... so I'm assuming one can major in just about anything they want provided they've fulfilled science requirements for med school and scored well on the MCAT? Like, would it be possible to major in IR/ECON/POLY-SCI and still qualify for medical school?</p>
<p>There is no required major to get into medical school. The traditional biology major is no longer considered the only viable major for med school admittance.</p>
<p>The required classes for med school are:
1. Calculus
2. Biology
3. Inorganic Chemisty
4. Organic Chemistry (<em>shudders</em>)
5. Physics</p>
<p>Do what you like. Don't feel obligated to pursue a science degree, because it is not required.</p>
<p>I've heard (though this is only a rumour) that it's actually harder to get into med school if you major in biology. Apparently med schools want diversity in their student body, and many, many people major in biology.</p>
<p>By having so many Bio majors apply, it is extremely easy for adcoms to make the easy decision of "who is better than another". It can also show that you did not go to far from the pathway in your undergrad education since the trip to BS-Bio is pretty much covers the route to minimum med school requirements. </p>
<p>The data that supports the belief that "GPA is Queen" are pretty convincing (MCAT is King) and it does not matter from which institution it comes. </p>
<p>When you get 2000 apps that all look alike, a Greek Classics major at least makes for a more interesting read.</p>
<p>calculus isn't required for ALL med schools and also is not necessary for the MCAT. i believe only a handful of med schools require 1 yr of calculus, most of which are very elite med schools (Duke, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, etc.). However, having calculus under your belt will allow you to take calculus based physics (also not required for MCAT) which will look good on your application and make you stand out from others that only have non-calculus based physics.</p>
<p>Does calculus-based really look better or help in any way if not a physics major? More importantly, would calculus-based physics at the least help on the physical sciences section of mcat as opposed to algebra-based?</p>
<p>"Does calculus-based really look better or help in any way if not a physics major? More importantly, would calculus-based physics at the least help on the physical sciences section of mcat as opposed to algebra-based?"</p>
<p>NO -Honestly. However, I will tell you that it does matter if you plan to apply for an MD/PhD program. If not, algebra-based physics will do just fine for the MCAT and Med School. Furthermore, taking calculus-based physics will, even, hurt you if you don't do well there -which is very likely to happen if you are not truly interested, or passionate about it. It will demonstrate that you either couldn't handle it, or that you make poor choices. So, unless you are really interested in this, don't waste your time. Especially, if medical school is what you want. I hope this helps, and best of luck! :D</p>
<p>WF</p>
<p>Does AP calculus count? I've took AP BC cal exam in HS and scored a 5. Therefore, I don't need to take any Cal in college. Does that affect my pre-med requirement?</p>
<p>"Does AP calculus count? I've took AP BC cal exam in HS and scored a 5. Therefore, I don't need to take any Cal in college. Does that affect my pre-med requirement?"</p>
<p>It is suggested, by medical schools, that you DO retake calculus in college -and the same with any other AP sciences, as they should not be used in lieu of the college classes, at least for their admission purposes. Do you really want to put yourself at a disadvantage? Think about it, especially when more than half never make it. </p>
<p>Best of Luck! :D</p>
<p>wf</p>
<p>The general rule is that any requirement set by a med school must be satisfied at the undergraduate college or during the same period of time at an equivalent institution.</p>
<p>The fact that your U/G college accepts AP credit is not binding upon med schools. They are mostly interested in whether you can handle a heavy technical course load, not whether you can do more than entry calc.</p>