Answers from the Experts

Taking Physics to Go Into Pre-Med

"Do colleges want you to already have taken physics in order go into premed?"

Responses were sent from:
Northern Arizona University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and The University of Vermont.

Member Institution and Association Answers:

From Northern Arizona University:

Per 2 above, "pre-med" is a designation that assures you will take the proper classes to get into medical school. Pre-med is not a major and does not in any way teach you to be a physician. A physics requirement will be related to your major.

James E. Casebeer
Assistant Director
Office of Enrollment Services
Northern Arizona University
928-523-6080
james.casebeer@nau.edu

From Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute:

Most universities want students to have a strong college preparation in terms of the academic challenge that they have faced prior to arriving to their campus. I wouldn't necessarily say that you have to have Physics in high school, but it would never hurt. I would recommend that any student, especially one who wants to eventually go to medical school, take as much math and science and even humanities and social studies courses as possible. make sure you are taking a full course load of academically challenging courses throughout your high school career, even if you have satisfied most of your graduation requirements.

Michael E. Moore
Associate Dean & Director of Minority Recruitment
Office of Enrollment Management
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY 12180-3590
moorem5@rpi.edu
518-276-8046 Phone
518-276-4072 Fax
http://admissions.rpi.edu/
http://admissions.rpi.edu/counselor_web/michaelm

From The University of Vermont:

The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommends certain specific courses as a minimum preparation for a medical curriculum. Early in your undergraduate career, you should also consult the most recent edition of Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) for specific and up-to-date information on each of the schools to which you are applying. One of the requirements is for one year of physics and course work that must include either elementary physics or general physics, depending upon your preparation in mathematics. These are courses taken at the college level so in high school, you could choose to take physics or focus more on a solid math preparation.

Jilly Warner
Assistant Director
Office of Admissions
The University of Vermont
194 S. Prospect St.
Burlington, VT 05401-3596
www.uvm.edu
Ph: (802) 656-3370