The phrase “pre-med” is frequently used when referring to students who want to study medicine in the USA. The phrase is often solely used to describe one’s future job path, such as becoming a doctor. In truth, there isn’t a distinct degree or major called “pre-med” in the US. Any science-related degree that includes the academic requirements for medical school is considered pre-med.
A medical university admissions process takes preparation. The majority of students opt to select coursework that is appropriate for medical schools. A certain set of courses or disciplines must be taken in order to study medicine. You may be sure that you’ll be able to study medicine later if you choose these courses for your undergraduate degree.
This article focuses on the well-liked degree programmes or disciplines pre-med students select, as well as the top colleges that provide them. Continue reading to learn more about foreign students’ costs and qualifying requirements.
Best pre-medical courses in USA
Similar to pre-med courses in Canada, pre-med courses in the USA also often need a bachelor’s degree in a scientific or related field. ‘Preparation programmes’ or ‘foundation years’ are offered by several colleges, and they can run up to 12 months. These initiatives might not be as noteworthy to medical colleges.
It is important to make the proper major choice in order to fulfil pre-med requirements. Considered to be a close match are the programmes listed below.
- Biology
- Human Biology
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Zoology
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Public Health
Not all prospective medical students are science majors. In reality, many people who take the MCAT come from areas other than science, according to a survey by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Additionally, students with majors in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and other sciences (engineering, information science, etc.) can apply to medical schools.
No matter what major a student chooses, it is critical to make sure their undergraduate degree contains the following courses:
- At least one year of lab-based biology, chemistry, and physics
- Math subjects (Statistics, Calculus, or both)
- English
Foreign students’ entry criteria
The US requires the submission of SAT or ACT results for admission to undergraduate programmes. The grades determine which institution or university a student is admitted to. Higher test results and a robust student application increase the likelihood of admission to prestigious colleges.
The following criteria are often set by institutions for overseas applicants. The specific university may have extra requirements. Students should visit the websites of their desired best medical universities to see a complete list of entrance requirements.
- A certificate from a higher secondary school with at least 50%
- Subject prerequisites: Maths and Laboratory Science
- English proficiency of at least 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent
- Official academic transcripts
- ACT/SAT scores
- Recommendation letters (required by some universities only)
- Purpose Statement (required by some universities only)
Application procedure for pre-med courses for overseas students
The majority of colleges accept “Common Applications” for undergraduate programme applications. Please be aware that not all institutions accept applications sent through the “Common Application,” as is the case in the UK with UCAS. Some American institutions could require applicants to submit their forms online.
Documents needed to apply through the “Common Application” may or may not contain
- Copy of high school transcript
- SAT/ACT scores
- A list of academic accolades and professional experience
- Essay (650 words)
Students may select only up to 20 colleges. Application costs differ. A total of 448 colleges don’t charge an application fee, and others may waive it depending on the financial status of the applicant.
Cost of pre-medicine courses for students from other countries
The price list for colleges below is based on an estimate of international students’ yearly tuition costs. Insurance, college-specific fees, books, supplies, housing costs, and other living expenditures are not included in these sums. In reality, studying in the US is more expensive.
Future prospects for pre-medicine students in the US
Students can opt to continue their education in their choice major through a master’s programme after receiving an undergraduate degree, or they can pursue medical studies.
Studying Medicine in the US
Candidates must take the MCAT exam in order to be considered for admission to US medical schools. A place at any of the top colleges may be obtained with the aid of strong academic performance and higher MCAT scores. Additionally, medical schools look for strong work experience from volunteers or in the clinical setting.
It takes four years to study medicine in the US. Three to seven years longer are needed for residency under the direction of a qualified physician. Students who want to become doctors in the US must pass the US Medical License Exam.
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