Pre-Medical
If you’re interested in attending medical school, the Pre-Medical (Pre-Med) Pathway may be for you. This pathway is not an official program; it’s the process of preparing to be eligible to apply to medical school.
While it may be helpful, you do not have to be a science major to get into medical school. As long as you complete the admissions requirements, medical school can still be an option for non-science majors. Determine if medicine is the right path for you.
Pre-Medical Resources On This Page:
- M.D. (Allopathic Medicine) vs. D.O. (Osteopathic Medicine)
- Prerequisite Coursework
- Examination
- Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Applications
- Pre-Professional Advising
M.D. (Allopathic Medicine) vs. D.O. (Osteopathic Medicine)
When preparing for medical school, you can choose to pursue an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree. Both degrees lead to careers in medicine but have different philosophies and training approaches.
Allopathic Physicians (M.D.) treat patients in a wide variety of specialties using medication, surgery, and other interventions
Osteopathic Physicians (D.O.) emphasize a more holistic approach, focusing on the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit
Prerequisite Coursework
Review the Medical School Prerequisite Courses for important information regarding coursework for medical school.
Examination
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that tests your critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences. Review sections of the MCAT.
Testing Accommodations
If you have a disability or medical condition that you believe requires an adjustment to standard testing conditions, you are encouraged to apply for accommodated testing.
Study Resources
AAMC PREview Exam
The PREview exam is a standardized situational judgment test designed to assess some of your professional skill areas, such as personal accountability and relational skills.
Testing Accommodations
If you have a disability or medical condition that you believe requires an adjustment to standard testing conditions, you are encouraged to review and apply for exam accommodations.
Resource:
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Schools calculate different categories of GPAs, such as Overall, Science, and Non-Science.
M.D. applicants can reference the AMCAS Course Classification Guide page
D.O. applicants can reference the AACOMAS Course Subjects page
Applications
Schools with M.D. and D.O. programs have their own centralized online application processing service, which you will use to apply to schools. You can apply to both M.D. and D.O. programs.
AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) for M.D. applicants.
AACOMAS (American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service) for D.O. applicants.
Fee Assistance Programs:
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program helps eligible M.D. applicants who, without financial assistance, would not be able to take the MCAT, apply to medical schools that use the AMCAS, and more
The AACOMAS Application Fee Waiver is given to qualified D.O. applicants while funds are available during the application cycle
