A common misleading notion is that to be accepted to a medical school it is necessary to major in Chemistry or Biology. In most cases a student has the opportunity to choose almost any major, as long as specific prerequisite courses are completed in the process. Since a large number of these courses lie in the areas of math and science it is usually more expedient to choose majors accordingly, with Chemistry or Biology the most common.
Typically the requirements for entrance into medical school include:
a year of general inorganic chemistry with lab
a year of biology with lab
a year of organic chemistry with lab
a year of physics with lab
a year of mathematics
On top of those requirements it is strongly recommended that students complete additional coursework in biology and chemistry which will aid them on the MCAT and in their first year of medical school. Typical coursework is selected from offerings such as Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, and others, with the object of developing a stronger background of knowledge.
While coursework and GPA are obviously of great importance, the successful applicant will also have to furnish references, perform well on the MCAT, and demonstrate an involvement in extracurricular activities on campus and in the community. Anything a student can use to strengthen his or her application package will aid in this competitive process. At Georgia Southwestern we will supply the academic opportunity and guidance, but student success depends solely on individual commitment to a career goal.
For additional information you are invited to contact either, or both, of the following:
Biology - Dr. J. Thomas Wright
Chemistry - Dr. M. Elizabeth Gurnack
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