University College

Important general information

Students interested in the pre-medicine advising track must obtain a bachelor’s degree and complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school. Students interested in medical school should consult with a pre-health academic adviser to learn about requirements that are specific to the schools of medicine to which they hope to apply.

Admission to and completion of a pre-medical program or advising track does not constitute admission to VCU’s School of Medicine. Students must apply separately to the medical school of their choice at the appropriate time.

Students with an interest in preparing for medical school should declare an academic major while also indicating a pre-medical advising track. Students do not earn a pre-medical degree. Students unsure of their academic majors initially should clarify their academic interests through regular conversations with their advisers. Pre-medical students are encouraged to major in fields of greatest interest to them.

Prerequisites for medical school
The American Association of Medical Colleges recommends students gain a core set of competencies in preparation for the Medical College Admissions Test. The MCAT is taken prior to students applying to medical school and results are weighed heavily in admissions decisions. Students preparing for the MCAT are strongly advised to take courses to build competency in these areas prior to taking the MCAT exam.

Science and non-science courses required for medical school
General biology, cell biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics are required science prerequisites for admission to Medical School.

Other science courses, including genetics, physiology and microbiology, though not required, are strongly recommended for pre-medical students.

Introductory psychology, sociology and statistics are non-science prerequisites required for medical school.

Additional requirements for VCU School of Medicine
In addition to the prerequisites listed above, VCU School of Medicine requires pre-medical students to take two semesters of English composition and two semesters of mathematics (general statistics can count as one semester).