Pre-Medical
How do I prepare for Medical School?
While there is not a specific pre-med major here at UC Berkeley, there are ways to prepare for medical school. Keep the following in mind:
- Any major is acceptable to medical schools; they do not prefer one to another. The choice is up to you.
- Earn the best grades you can.
- Plan ahead using advising at
L&S and the Career Center (Health Careers).
Suggested Pre-medical Courses
A typical course sequence for a pre-med student should include the courses listed below. Actual pre-medical requirements may vary - be sure to check with the schools to which you will apply for their specific requirements. Your choice of courses will depend upon your major as well. For example, if your major is in the social sciences or humanities, then your pre-med courses can be spread out over all four years.
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | Math 16A or 1A Chemistry 1A |
Math 16B or 1B Chemistry 3A |
| Sophomore | Chemistry 3B Biology 1A or 1B |
Additional Chemistry course (Chem 5, MCB 100, 102) Biology 1A or 1B |
| Junior | Physics 8A Upper division biology course |
|
| Senior | Fourth additional science course | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q - Will Advanced Placement credit satisfy medical school requirements?
A - Medical schools vary in their policies concerning AP. We would advise students interested in using AP credit to satisfy a pre-med requirement to take additional work in that field to substantiate the credits and to prepare for the MCAT and medical school. For more information, consult a Pre-Professional / Pre-Graduate Counselor at the Career Center and with your major department concerning its requirements.
Q - Must all pre-med courses be completed within the first three years of college?
A - If you are an intending a biological science major or if you want to be able to take the MCAT and apply for medical school during your senior year (and begin medical school immediately following graduation), then you should plan to complete all of the pre-med requirements during your first three years. Otherwise, you can plan a program which spreads the pre-med courses throughout your entire undergraduate career.
 Freshman & Sophomore Seminars |
