If you’re wondering how hard pre-med really is, the honest answer is that it’s challenging — but not impossible.
Students often describe pre-med as one of the toughest undergraduates tracks out there, in part because of the demanding classes, long lab hours, and high expectations.
“If you were playing a video game, pre-med would be like doing it on hard mode,” says Kate Karacay, senior academic advisor and pre-health coordinator at the University of Iowa.
Pre-med programs are designed to prepare you for the rigors of medical school. The students who succeed aren’t necessarily the ones who find every class easy; they’re the ones who learn how to manage their time, seek help when needed, and stay motivated by their long-term goals.
Here’s a closer look at what makes pre-med challenging and how you can navigate it successfully.
Advice from pre-med and medical students
“Pre-med was definitely stressful. The biggest thing that helped me was just focusing on my own interests. I loved psychology, I loved being involved in anything related to psych. And while I was not doing any of that for my med school application, building upon those interests helped me put together an application that I think was unique to me and my own story.”
“Pre-med can honestly be very, very stressful. The best things for me to do is, one, to hang out with friends. I say, ‘This can wait. I need to go be with friends. I need to just relax.’ Going to the gym has really been impactful for me to let off some steam. And then also, I’m very spiritual, so praying has been really freeing.”
What is the toughest pre-med class?
Ask almost any pre-med student which classes keep them up at night, and you’ll hear the same answers: organic chemistry, general chemistry, and introductory biology.
These are often referred to as “weed-out” classes because of the large volume of material and the pace at which it’s taught. On top of the content, most of these courses also include lab components, which add significant time outside of lectures.
These classes may be demanding, but there are steps you can take to make them manageable:
- Form a study group. Talking through concepts helps you retain them.
- Take advantage of resources such as tutoring or supplemental instruction.
- Focus on consistent review throughout the week rather than cramming on the night before.
- Visit your professor during office hours. They can help out if you’re stuck — or if you just want to confirm you’re on track.
“There's a room in the library with a whiteboard wall, and we’d get a big group of people down there for every class that we were in to study together. That helped so much. Most of my grades can probably be attributed to working with others in that room. Bottom line, if you find a study group, you’re going to do just fine.”
What is the hardest pre-med degree?
This depends entirely on the student.
“I have pre-med students who find a major like biochemistry to be a breeze, because they love those classes. But they would find a major like English to be hard, because that's not what they're interested in or what they're good at,” Karacay says. “It all goes back to students picking a major that fits their talents and interests.”
Related reading: What is the best major for pre-med?
Not all majors are created equal, and some majors are considered harder than others.
- Biology is a common choice as a pre-med major because it overlaps with medical school prerequisites, but it also involves many advanced science courses.
- Chemistry majors face advanced math and extensive lab work.
- Neuroscience combines biology, chemistry, and psychology, making it intense but rewarding.
You don’t have to choose one of these majors. Students have successfully applied to med school with degrees in psychology, English, or even music. What matters most is completing your prerequisite courses and maintaining a strong GPA.
Source: AAMC 2024-25 data
What is the easiest pre-med program?
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 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.
44.7 %
Acceptance rate for applicants to medical school
3.79
Average undergraduate GPA of medical students
511.8
Average MCAT score for medical students (out of a max score of 528)
Source: AAMC 2024-25 data
Is pre-med math-heavy?
Math plays a role in pre-med, but it’s not the main character. Most pre-med programs require some mixture of calculus, statistics, and physics — courses that provide the foundation for medical research and data analysis.
Depending on your major, you may need to take math and physics classes beyond what is required for the pre-med program.
It’s also important to know that not all medical schools require the same math prerequisites, so double-check requirements when planning your schedule.
Pre-med frequently asked questions
Is pre-med a major, or something you add to your degree?
Pre-med is not usually a major. It’s an academic track that guides students toward completing medical school prerequisites while they earn a bachelor’s degree in a major of their choice.
Can you major in something outside the sciences and still be pre-med?
Yes. Students can major in fields such as psychology, English, music, or public health while completing required science coursework. Medical schools care more about academic performance and preparation than the title of your major.
What classes are required for pre-med regardless of major?
Most medical schools require coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, math (calculus or statistics), social and behavioral sciences, and writing-intensive courses. These classes often need to be taken in a specific sequence.
How long does it typically take to complete pre-med requirements?
Most students complete pre-med requirements over four years while earning their undergraduate degree. While accelerated paths exist, they usually require advanced placement credit, summer courses, and careful planning.
Do you need to be in a formal pre-med program to apply to medical school?
No. Medical schools do not require a pre-med designation. However, pre-med programs often provide structured advising, MCAT preparation guidance, and support with applications and interviews.
How important are clinical experiences and volunteering for pre-med students?
Hands-on experiences are a key part of medical school preparation. Volunteering, shadowing physicians, research, and patient-facing work help students confirm their interest in medicine and strengthen their applications.
What happens if a student decides medical school isn’t the right fit?
Many students reassess their goals along the way. Pre-med coursework builds skills that translate well to careers in public health, research, health policy, physician assistant studies, and other health-related fields.
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