Many people think that the only medical school requirements that they need to get into medical school are good grades and science classes. While these are both needed, often schools will want to see more than just good science grades. The things that most medical school admissions offices are looking for include: GPA, Science GPA, Specific science classes, MCAT scores, extracurricular activities.
GPA : Obviously, the higher your GPA, the better. However, this is not the be-all and end-all to getting into medical school. You can get into a great school with a low GPA if you have a great supporting application. If you do have a low GPA, you may wish to talk about any specific reason why in your essay, or at the interview. Also make sure to explain why it will not happen again.
Science GPA : Again, the higher, the better. Some schools will put this higher than you general GPA, others will simply take it as another thing to back your application.
Prerequisite Science Classes : Without these, you will not even be considered for most medical schools as these are essential medical school requirements. Make sure you have them completed before applying. Although some schools have more and others may have less, these are the ones you need to make sure you have taken:
English Composition (ok, not a science class, but many med schools require it)
General Biology: Usually 2 semesters, some schools also want Anatomy
General Chemistry: Usually 2 semesters
Organic Chemistry: Usually 2 semesters
Some schools may have additional requirements which may include math classes (Calculus), other sciences, philosophy, or others. Make sure to look at what your schools require.
Make sure that you do not take onl y science classes. A doctor needs a well-rounded education and most medical schools will prefer you to have a liberal arts background than a purely scientific background.
MCAT Scores : MCAT scores are similar to GPA. While it is obvious that higher scores are better, a low score will not completely derail your chances of getting into medical school. If you haven’t taken these yet, be sure to go through a test prep program to make sure you get the best MCAT scores you can.
Extracurricular Activities : Any type of school or volunteer involvement is great. If you can volunteer at a health center, this will look really good on your application and give you experiences.
Please remember that medical school requirements include a variety of things, do not get so stuck on improving your science GPA and MCAT scores that you forget everything else!
Have any questions about medical school requirements? feel free to ask them in the comments.