Applying to Med School or Dental school can be a daunting task, especially considering what classes to choose. Although each school is different in its requirements, here are some basics that are found normally for many dental and medical schools
1. One Year of Chemistry: This is a basic one and should be done early in your college career because in most cases you cannot move onto #2 until you have completed #1.
2. One Year of Organic Chemistry: Most people take this their sophomore year however this is not necessary. The main goal should be to get it done before your junior year so you can take the MCATs or DATS during the summer before your senior year of college.
3. One Year of Biology: This, like chemistry, is a basic one and should be done early in your college career.
4. One Year of English: It is important for doctors to be proficient in communication. Both exams have a writing portion so med schools and dental schools want to see that their applicants have taken some sort of writing course, hence a year of english classes. These do not have to be sequential.
5. One Year of Physics: This is another basic one. Most people do this later in their career or take it during the summer to get it out of the way. Be warned though that if you take it during the summer that you do well( since summer courses tend to be easier) and that you get the credits approved by your home college or university. Med schools do not favor applicants taking summer courses but if you have a legit reason, like your classes for your major conflicted schedule-wise with physics then that is okay.
Other courses that may be required, but are certainly recommended: Biochemistry ( 1 semester ), Upper Biology courses, Psychology, History courses, Sociology.
Med schools are also leaning towards applicants with majors in subjects other than the sciences, as in humanities. Medical and Dental schools want their graduates well rounded so if you are a science major, try and do community service or join clubs that are in the arts etc.
Research experience is also a major plus and at this point is essentially becoming required. If your school does allow undergraduate research, get involved and get involved early in the game. This will be to your advantage.
Also befriend your premed/dental school committee early. If you have a premed/dental council, it will be required to have a letter of recommendation from them in order to apply anywhere. If you befriend them early, you will get a much more thorough letter of recommendation.
Hope this helps and good luck! Again, each school’s requirements are different so check the schools applicant requirement pages for more details.
