@WayOutWestMom for medical schools…doesn’t “recommend” really mean “required”?
RE; Recommended = required
Not precisely.
Recommended means the competitive applicants will have those additional classes, but you can, in theory, be admitted without them.
One the 4 MCAT subtests is composed entirely of psych and sociology questions, along with some ethics and biological behaviorism topics.
So if a particular med school doesn’t specifically require psych &
soc, it’s still needed for the MCAT.
Ditto for stats. Tested on the MCAT. Required by a substantial number of med schools.
Pre-meds need to apply broadly to have the best chance for an admission. It does’t make sense to disqualify yourself in advance for some schools because you haven’t taken a particular pre-req. Psych, soc and stats can be used to fulfill GEs at most undergrads. Having them is a very easy way for a pre-med to make sure they are keeping all their options open.
Every med school will have its own unique list of required and recommended courses. And those requirements can and do change from year-to-year. MSAR is your friend.
--JHU requires a minimum of 24 credits in social and behavioral sciences (No more than 12 credits of which may be from AP/IB credits)
--IU specifically required one semester each of psych and soc.
--FSU "strongly recommends" one semester of psych and one semester of sociology. (Along w/ genetics )
--Even Keck/USC which does not have any hard requirements on coursework for admission, strongly recommends coursework in social & behavioral sciences for those seeking admission.