If you’re thinking about a future in medicine, finding a strong pre-med program can be your first step toward becoming a doctor — or numerous other types of health care professional.
This guide covers everything you need to know about pre-med programs: what they are, how to choose the right major, what courses to take, and the options available if your path takes an unexpected turn. Whether you’re in high school planning ahead or already in college exploring your options, here’s what you should know.
What is a pre-med program?
At most colleges and universities, pre-med isn’t a major. It’s an academic path that prepares you for medical school.
Pre-med students major in all kinds of subjects. What unites them is a common set of courses — biology, chemistry, physics, and math — and experiences in research or clinical work.
While there won’t be an official declaration of “pre-med” on your college diploma, you will have completed the steps needed to help you succeed on the MCAT and meet med school requirements.
Some colleges and universities, including Penn State, Arizona State, and Notre Dame, offer degrees with titles such as pre-medicine, medical studies, or pre-health. Like other pre-med programs, these bachelor’s degree programs provide students with the education, skills, and experiences needed to get into graduate school for medicine or other health professions.
What are the best pre-med majors?
The best pre-med major is the one that keeps you engaged and confident. Medical school admissions committees care more about GPA, rigor, and competencies than the title of your major.
That said, biology is, by far, the most common pre-med major. Nationally, more than half of med school students hold degrees in biological sciences, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Other popular pre-med majors include chemistry, biochemistry, and neuroscience. These majors align well with the science-heavy prerequisites for medical school: general and organic chemistry, biology, physics, and sometimes calculus or statistics.
But don’t discount the value of non-science majors. Pre-med students also succeed with majors like public health, anthropology, and music. Your choice should reflect your interests. For example, if you are interested in patient communication, you might major in psychology or English. Or, if you are drawn to health policy, you might pair pre-med with political science.
“My major was originally biology, but when I actually got to thinking about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to improve my future patients’ lives, exercise science came up,” says Tae’ Shaun Presswood, a University of Iowa exercise science student from Des Moines, Iowa. “Growing up, sometimes in the Black community, you don’t have the knowledge of how to take care of your body and how to eat right and stuff like that. So, having that knowledge would be applicable for my life, my family, and my future patients.”
“I always reassure students that if they want to major in something like philosophy, it’s not going to hurt their chances one bit for getting into medical school,” says Kate Karacay, senior academic advisor and pre-health coordinator at the University of Iowa. “I have seen some wonderful pre-med students with majors such as English, art, and music go on to successful health careers. I always tell students, if you’re interested in the humanities, if you’re interested in social sciences, yes, it can work. And I think it can often make for a more well-rounded physician.”
Source: AAMC 2024-25 data
A student examines a rare book.
Can you get into med school with any major?
Yes. As long as you complete the required courses to get into medical school, you can major in anything from biology, to psychology, to art history. In fact, medical schools appreciate students with diverse academic backgrounds and perspectives.
“‘Why would a medical school accept a music major?’ That was definitely a question that I got a lot from people,” says Cole Rich, a second-year medical student at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine who got his bachelor’s degree in music and minor in biology from Illinois State University. “But admissions committees really appreciate diversity in their med school classes. It creates more of a personality for you and makes you more unique. While it scared me at first, I knew of people who had done the same thing, so I didn't feel like it was uncharted territory.”
The key is balance. Pursue a major you love while working regularly with your pre-med advisor to strategically schedule your coursework and stay on track.
What is the easiest pre-med degree to get?
The truth is there is no such thing as an “easy” pre-med path because all students must take the same required core sciences classes.
However, some majors may feel easier depending on your strengths. For example, some students find psychology or English more approachable than biology and chemistry because the coursework leans on their natural strengths in reading, writing, or social sciences. These majors also often allow more flexibility to take electives, which can reduce stress compared with science-heavy tracks.
Ultimately, your GPA and MCAT scores weigh more heavily in admissions than your major. So, choose a field that you enjoy — and can excel in. A solid GPA in a field you love will often outshine a mediocre GPA in a “harder” major.
Kate Karacay, senior academic advisor and pre-health coordinator at the University of Iowa, speaks about pre-med programs.
What are the best pre-med classes to take?
Most medical schools will require you to complete the following classes designed to prepare you for the MCAT and future medical coursework:
- General biology with lab
- Advanced biology with lab
- General chemistry with lab
- Organic chemistry with lab
- Physics with lab
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Mathematics (usually calculus or statistics)
- English or writing-intensive courses
If you’re aiming for top med schools, consider additional courses in advanced scientific subjects such as genetics or biochemistry. They not only support your MCAT prep but also make your application more competitive.
Take note: Every medical school has its own requirements, so you’ll want to double-check requirements when planning your schedule. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) lists medical school websites that outline required pre-medical coursework and competencies.
Some classes need to be sequenced thoughtfully across semesters. For example, you need to take general chemistry before organic chemistry, and organic chemistry before biochemistry.
Here is an example of a timeline that a pre-med student might follow:
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | General Chemistry | Principles of Chemistry I |
| Math based on placement | Math related to major | |
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Year 2 | Principles of Chemistry II | Organic Chemistry I |
| Foundations of Biology | Diversity of Form & Function | |
| Elementary Psychology | Additional Psychology/Sociology | |
| Year 3 | Organic Chem. II | Organic Chem. Lab |
| College Physics I | College Physics II | |
| Biochemistry | Advanced Biology course | |
| Summer | Take MCAT in spring or summer Apply to medical school | |
| Year 4 | Courses to complete major | Courses to complete major |
Can you finish pre-med in 2 years?
Technically? Yes. Realistically? It’s not a good idea.
Most students need four years to complete the required pre-med courses along with those from their chosen major, prepare for and take the MCAT, and develop a strong resume for med school. Rushing could result in lower grades or limited extracurricular opportunities or clinical experience.
“I always tell students that you’re building a foundation, and you want your foundation to be strong,” Karacay says. “I often encourage students to slow down. Take the courses in the sequence that you need them and don’t try to do three or four science classes in your first year. Get that strong foundation because, one, you’re not going to be as stressed out. And two, you’re going to earn better grades and really understand the material, which is important because everything builds from here on out.”
Condensing a pre-med track into two years would require entering with AP or dual-enrollment credits, taking summer classes, and maintaining a heavy academic load. Students who do this need to have strong academic foundations and be extremely clear about their goals.
Can you do a pre-med degree online?
Fully online pre-med programs are rare. Some general education and prerequisite science courses may be available online, but many programs require in-person labs and clinical experiences — key components that online courses can’t fully replicate.
If you’re considering some form of an online path, verify that the courses meet medical school standards and are from an accredited institution. Contact the med schools you’re interested in to clarify what’s accepted.
Are post-bacc pre-med programs worth it?
Post-baccalaureate (post-bacc) programs are designed for students who didn’t complete pre-med requirements during undergrad, need to improve their GPA, or have discovered an interest in medicine later in life.
These programs offer intensive coursework and academic advising to help you become a stronger medical school applicant. Many also offer clinical or research opportunities and, in some cases, partnerships with medical schools, which can improve your chances of acceptance.
Instead of a post-bacc program, some students may choose to take science classes as a non-degree-seeking student after their degree.
Applying to a post-baccalaureate program is a huge decision. Be sure to carefully research programs and discuss your options with your advisor. A post-bacc program can be expensive, but for some students, the investment can pay off.
Do you need pre-med to be a doctor?
No. What you need is the right coursework and experiences — not the “pre-med” label.
“I have students who will ghost me after the first semester and still get into a great medical school,” Karacay says.
That said, Karacay says, being part of a pre-med program can make a huge difference. Pre-med advisors help you choose courses, prepare for the MCAT, find clinical experiences, and navigate the med school application and interview process.
How Hawkeyes took advantage of pre-med resources
“My advice for students is to make sure you meet with a pre-med advisor early, even if you’re unsure about being pre-med. My pre-med program was very helpful. At the end of your third year, they start getting you thinking about committee letters and they make sure to do a practice interview with all their pre-med applicants. It was very helpful to know that there were advisors who were looking out for me and making sure I was going toward my goals. They also had a class where they prepared us to write our med school application. We also practiced writing drafts of our personal statement, and they gave us feedback.”
“I’ve taken advantage of a lot of pre-med program resources. Advising has been really important for me when it comes to the timeline, when you should take your classes, what classes you should take together, and things like that. My advisor also pointed me to different resources and discussed taking a mock MCAT, which was one of the most helpful things I’ve done because it let me see where I’m at. I’ve also joined pre-med clubs that are on campus, such as MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students). And I did SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program) when I was going into my sophomore year, which was really fun.”
How stressful is pre-med?
Pre-med can be intense. You’ll be juggling tough classes, prepping for the MCAT, and building a competitive résumé — all while trying to maintain your well-being.
“I’m not going to lie; if you were playing a video game, pre-med would be like doing it on hard mode,” Karacay says. “Most pre-meds at some point or another are going to have a really stressful stretch where they’ve got one, two, sometimes three exams all in the same week and have spent the whole weekend studying. And that part is stressful, but I remind them it isn’t always like that.”
While pre-med can be stressful, you don’t have to do it alone. Take advantage of the resources offered at your college or university. For example, University of Iowa pre-med students have access to dedicated pre-med advisors, tutoring, supplemental instruction, and robust wellness programs and resources, including stress management consultations.
Additionally, Karacay says, one of the first things she recommends students do is go to professors’ office hours.
“I talk to a lot of the faculty that teach the big pre-med courses, and they love getting questions from students, and they want to see their students succeed,” Karacay says. “So, visit them during their office hours.”
Tips to rest and recharge as a pre-med
- Make time for family and friends. Whether it’s dinner out, grabbing coffee, or watching your favorite TV show every week, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Your friends and family are there for you when needed, and vice versa.
- Practice self-care. This could be exercise, yoga, meditation, listening to music, or cuddling with a pet. Do whatever works for you as long as it relaxes you and “refills your bucket.”
- Sleep! You need sleep for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Without it, everything will decline. While a few late-night study sessions are inevitable, they shouldn’t be the norm.
- Take a break. Taking short breaks throughout the day can boost well-being and performance. They give the mind a chance to reset, helping with mood, memory, and staying sharp.
- Develop time-management skills. Prioritizing tasks, creating schedules, and minimizing distractions will lead to increased productivity, better work-life balance, and reduced stress.
What jobs can you get with a pre-med degree?
Not every pre-med student ends up going to medical school — and that’s OK. Your pre-med education will have given you strong skills in science, communication, and problem-solving that are in demand across many fields.
“I always talk to pre-med students about parallel plans, other career paths that appeal to them,” Karacay says. “And that's not to discourage a student but to keep them open to possibilities if their priorities, their values, and their interests shift and change over time.”
Karacay encourages students to visit their campus career center to talk about what else is out there.
“Students often are surprised at the variety of jobs and career paths that they could go into beyond being a doctor,” Karacay says.
Potential career paths
- Registered nurse
- Public health analyst
- Health policy coordinator
- Genetic counselor
- Physician assistant
- Medical writer or editor
- Pharmaceutical or medical device salesman
Pre-med frequently asked questions
Does choosing the right major make pre-med easier?
The “right” major is one that aligns with your strengths and interests. While all pre-med students take the same core science courses, choosing a major you enjoy can make it easier to manage workload, stay motivated, and maintain a strong GPA alongside demanding prerequisites.
What GPA do pre-med students typically need to be competitive?
Most medical schools require a minimum GPA to apply, but successful applicants often exceed that threshold. Admissions committees evaluate both overall GPA and science GPA, while also considering trends over time and the context of a student’s academic experience.
Which pre-med courses tend to challenge students the most?
Students often find general chemistry, organic chemistry, and introductory biology to be especially demanding due to the pace, volume of material, and lab components. Early planning and use of academic support resources can help students navigate these courses successfully.
How important are clinical experiences compared with coursework?
Both are essential. Strong academic preparation shows readiness for medical school, while clinical experiences — such as volunteering, shadowing, or research — demonstrate commitment to medicine and an understanding of patient care.
Is it possible to complete pre-med requirements faster than four years?
It is possible but not common. Accelerated paths typically require AP or dual-enrollment credit, summer coursework, and a heavy academic load. Many advisors recommend a traditional timeline to allow for stronger grades and meaningful experiences.
Related content
What are the requirements for pre-med?
What is the best major for pre-med?
