Do I absolutely need to take bio,Chem and physics in high school to become a doctor?
I'm currently in grade 10 but in September I will be in grade 11. I was wondering if I absolutely need to take bio,Chem and physics in high school to become a doctor? Can I just take science 20? Will I not become a doctor if I don't take these courses in high school? #doctor #medicine #science #university #pre-med #high-school
7 answers
Richard’s Answer
Robert’s Answer
No, but you will have to take them and do well in them in college as part of premed. Having taken them in high school can help prepare you for the college level course.
Shazia’s Answer
Hi Chrissy : its a good idea to take the biology and chemistry courses for sure. these subjects are key to studies towards a medical degree.
Estelle’s Answer
Getting into medical school is about dedication and effort. If you can do well in college, you will be really well prepared for medical school. In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. These can last 3-6 years and are sometimes followed by an additional year or two of fellowship subspecialty training.
Bill’s Answer
Hi Chrissy, this is a really good question. I think it would be important to take introductory Biology and Chemistry courses to be sure you have an interest in purusing the academic requirements of a medical degree. Most colleges are going to require a couple of science courses regardless of your major so the classes won't be a waste. You will definitely need to take advanced Bio and Chem courses as part of a Science or Medical degree so it is best to assess your capabilities and interests in high school. Best of luck to you Chrissy!!
Debra Enneking
Debra’s Answer
So I was not a great chemistry or physics in high school . In college , however , when I found my passion, dentistry, I was a straight A student. My advice is this take the courses but do not let them define your future. The brain matures and changes so just because you may not be great at a subject now does not hold true for your college years. If in college medicine is your passion you will find away , tutors , study groups and grit determination .
It's worth it!!