Pre-Medical

There are two paths to becoming a physician. You can get a Doctor of Medicine degree (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O). Both paths require a strong GPA and a competitive MCAT score.

Course requirements

General medical school course requirements in Kentucky include:

  • Two semesters of general biology with laboratories
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratories
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratories
  • Two semesters of physics with laboratories (Calculus is a required prerequisite)
  • Two semesters of English (e.g. FYS, FYRS)
  • One semester of biochemistry
  • Most medical schools require a letter grade of C or higher for all required prerequisite courses.
  • PSY 1004 General Psychology
  • SOC 1004 Introduction to Sociology

Recommended courses:

  • Genetics
  • Statistics
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • For the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT exam, it is recommended to take both general psychology and introduction to sociology.

Suggested coursework arrangement

First semester

  • CHEM 1055 Principles of Chemistry I
  • FYS 1004 First-Year Seminar
  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology, Molecules and Cells

Second semester

  • CHEM 1065 Principles of Chemistry II
  • FYS 1104 First-Year Research Seminar
  • MATH 1304 Calculus I

Third semester

  • CHEM 2155 Organic Chemistry I
  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems

Fourth semester

  • CHEM 2165 Organic Chemistry II

Fifth semester

  • PHYS 2115 University Physics I
  • CHEM 3084 Biochemistry

Sixth semester

  • PHYS 2125 University Physics II

Gap year alternate coursework arrangement:

Some students may choose not to take Chemistry I in their first semester. In that scenario, students will take a gap year before starting medical school. Gap years can often help make students a more competitive applicant. 

First semester

  • FYS 1004 First-Year Seminar
  • BIO 1206 Integrated Concepts of Biology: Organisms and Ecosystems
  • MATH 1214 Functions

Second semester 

  • FYS 1104 First-Year Research Seminar
  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology, Molecules and Cells
  • MATH 1304 Calculus I

Third semester

  • CHEM 1055 Principles of Chemistry 

Fourth semester

  • CHEM 1065 Principles of Chemistry II

Fifth semester

  • CHEM 2155 Organic Chemistry I

Sixth semester

  • CHEM 2165 Organic Chemistry II

Seventh semester

  • PHYS 2115 University Physics I
  • CHEM 3084 Biochemistry

Eighth semester

  • PHYS 2125 University Physics II

MCAT

The MCAT is generally taken in the summer after the third year in order to matriculate in the fall after graduation. For this timeline, it is suggested that all required coursework be completed by the end of the third year. However, if a student plans on applying to medical school after graduation, they can adjust their schedule accordingly.

In order to be well prepared for MCAT, we strongly recommend that prospective applicants also complete courses in cell biology, statistics, anatomy and physiology, and upper-level biology courses.

Competitive Applicants:

  • Overall GPA: 3.8
  • Science GPA (biology, chemistry, physics): 3.6
  • MCAT overall score: 506

Factors that increase competitiveness:

  • Community service/volunteer work
  • Leadership
  • Clinical medical experience
  • Research
  • Strong communication skills

Other important considerations:

  • Some colleges require documentation of shadowing hours
  • Applications for admission should be submitted early in the summer — preferably by early June, as many programs function on a rolling admission basis
  • Some schools require professional readiness exams, such as the PREview and/or Casper Exam

Resources: 

  • Transylvania has both a very active pre-health club and PhiDE (a pre-medical fraternity), which give students leadership opportunities and connects them with volunteer and summer opportunities.
  • Pre-med students can obtain observation hours by connecting with a mentor through Transy’s 100 Doors Program 
  • Research opportunities are available with many Transy faculty

Transylvania Medical Partnerships: 

Transylvania has a strong relationship with a number of medical schools, and students are often accepted through Early Decision and Early Assurance Programs.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare

Transylvania has an exciting partnership with ARH where students can receive scholarship money as well as experiential learning opportunities.

In-state medical schools: