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A. The following general information applies to students preparing
for admission to medical colleges including allopathic and osteopathic
schools as well as dental, optometry, podiatry and veterinary
schools:
These schools generally require for admission a minimum of
the following undergraduate science courses as part of the college
curriculum:
2 semesters of General Biology with laboratory (8 credits):
120:101-102 General Biology
1 additional semester of biology with laboratory
(4 credits)
2 semesters of General Chemistry with laboratory (10 credits):
160:115-116 General Chemistry (lecture)
160:113-114 General Chemistry Laboratory
Prerequisites: 1 year high school chemistry (or equivalent),
College Algebra required for 160:115, Precalculus needed for 160:116.
2 semesters of Organic Chemistry with laboratory (10 credits):
160:335-336 Organic Chemistry (lecture)
160:331 Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Prerequisite for organic lecture: 160:115-116, for lab: one
semester of Organic Chemistry lecture.
2 semesters of Physics with laboratory (10 credits):
750:203,204 General Physics (lecture) OR
750:213,214 Elements of Physics (lecture) AND
750:205,206 Physics Laboratory
Prerequisites: Precalculus for 750:203,204. Pre- or co-requisites
for 750:213,214 are Unified Calculus 640:135,136.
1 or 2 semesters of Mathematics (3-6 credits), usually through
Precalculus 640:114 (but varies with certain schools and may
require Calculus). Students are encouraged to consult with individual
schools for other specific entrance requirements.
B. The previously listed courses should be completed by the
end of the third college year with at least a "B"
average and in advance of the nationwide standardized examinations.
These comprehensive tests are usually required by the professional
schools and are ideally taken before the start of the senior
year.
C. While the majority of prehealth students major in the biological
sciences or chemistry, individuals may major in any subject with the provision that the above science requirements are fulfilled.
There is no official "Premed" major.
D. Medical schools typically expect applicants to have a very
good scholastic record, especially in the sciences, with successful
candidates earning in the range of a 3.4 cumulative grade point
average. Competition for admission is intense and schools not
only weigh grades but also scores on the standardized exam,
the college letter of recommendation, extracurricular activities
and seriousness of intentions (volunteer or paid
health-related experiences, shadowing a doctor or dentist, etc.)
among other factors in the decision
process.
Standardized Examinations
For Allopathic, Osteopathic and Podiatric Schools: Medical
College Admission Test (MCAT)
For Dental School: Dental Admission Test (DAT)
For Optometry School: Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
For Veterinary School: Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)
or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Typical Science Programs
The following sample programs exclude the various credits required
by Rutgers University for graduation.
Program A: For students with a solid science background.
Year 1. General Biology (8 cr.), General Chemistry (10 cr.)
and Mathematics (3-6 credits).
Year 2. Organic Chemistry (10 cr.), Adv. Bio. (4 cr.).
Year 3. Physics (10 cr.).
Year 4. Completion of college credits for graduation.
Program B: For students with an average science background.
Year 1. General Biology (8 cr.) and Math (3-6 cr.).
Year 2. General Chemistry (10 cr.) and Adv. Bio. (4 cr.).
Year 3. Organic Chemistry (10 cr.) and Physics (10 cr.).
Year 4. Completion of college credits for graduation.
Students sometimes utilize Summer Sessions to complete course
requirements on a timely basis in preparation for the standardized
examination (at the end of the junior year).
THE PREHEALTH OFFICE
Hill Hall – Room 306
Telephone: (973) 353-5705
Students are encouraged to contact the PreHealth Office for
specific information and general meetings. Upon the successful
completion of the freshman year, students are expected to register
their career intentions by opening an official PreHealth File.
Information in the file is utilized for advisement and forms
the basis of the college letter of recommendation submitted
to professional schools when application is made for admission.
It is the obligation of the student to update and complete the
file at least 6 weeks before requesting the office to submit
recommendation letters.
Please be informed that there is an enrollment fee of $200
when a file is opened. There are also additional fees for
letters of recommendation. The payment form and fee schedule is
available in the PreHealth Office.
Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point
average of at least 3.0 in order to receive a college
letter of recommendation.
NOTE: The PreHealth Office has restricted and variable office
hours. Students are strongly urged to check the hours posted on
the door or to telephone the office before coming: (973)
353 - 5705.
Students delivering correspondence when the office
is closed can leave these materials in Hill 312 where a staff
member will place them in our mailbox.
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