premedical

Premedical, or premed, refers to the coursework, experiences, and planning undertaken by students who intend to apply to medical school. It is not a single degree or professional program; rather, it is an unofficial track embedded within a bachelor’s degree or pursued after graduation. The specifics vary by country and institution, but the core aim is to meet medical school prerequisites and demonstrate readiness for medical education.

In the United States, medical schools typically require completion of prerequisite courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics, with many schools also asking for biochemistry and some psychology or sociology. The emphasis is on strong grades, though there is no single required major. Premedical students are expected to gain clinical exposure, participate in research, and engage in community service and leadership. Many pursue structured premedical advising or participate in formal postsecondary premedical programs to coordinate coursework and experiences.

Admissions processes commonly involve submitting applications through centralized services, reporting undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores, providing letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a record of extracurricular activities. Interviews—ranging from traditional panel formats to more extended or scenario-based formats—are typical. Competition is high, and outcomes depend on academic performance, experiences, and the fit with the medical schools’ expectations.

Variations exist by country. In addition to allopathic (MD) programs in the United States, many students also pursue osteopathic (DO) medicine, which has its own prerequisites but overlaps substantially. Some students, including nontraditional and international candidates, use postbaccalaureate programs to complete missing requirements or strengthen credentials.

Overall, premed is a preparatory pathway rather than a fixed program, guiding students toward medical school admission.