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A qualified medical school applicant must have a general understanding of the profession, demonstrate interest in and awareness of medical and social issues, and exhibit cross-cultural competency. You will gain this experience both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities.
Since medical schools do not give preference for any particular major, you should major in a field that aligns your interests, passions, and abilities. UW Tacoma has an interdisciplinary curriculum that will give you a broad base of knowledge and allow you to make connections between disciplines which is essential to being a successful physician. Throughout your time on campus, your academic advisor can help ensure you take the appropriate pre-requisite courses as part of your academic experience.
Allopathic (M.D.) and Osteopathic (D.O.) Medicine
Both M.D.s and D.O.s are licensed doctors with similar education and certification. The differences are in the training and philosophy of patient care. Explore both fields to determine the best fit for you.
- For more information on Allopathic Medicine, visit the website of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
- For more information on Osteopathich medicine, visit the website of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).
Prepare
An excellent medical school applicant will have a strong cumulative grade point average and within the pre-requisite courses. It is also important to have a competitive MCAT score. Outside of the classroom, medical schools will look for significant amount of time shadowing professionals, relevant volunteer experience, and leadership skills.
Below are the most commonly required pre-requisites for medical school. You should still review each school’s admission requirements to ensure you meet all preparatory coursework and other application requirements.
| Mathematics | Chemistry | Biology | Physics | Social Science | English |
| TMATH 124 | TCHEM 142 | TBIOL 120 | TPHYS 121 | TPSYCH 101 | TCORE 101 |
| TMATH 125 | TCHEM 152 | TBIOL 130 | TPHYS 122 | TSOC 165 | OR |
| TCHEM 162 | TBIOL 140 | TPHYS 123 | TWRT 121 | ||
| TMATH 110 | OR | ||||
| TCHEM 251 | ENGL 131 | ||||
| TCHEM 261 | |||||
| TCHEM 271 | TWRT | ||||
| OR | |||||
| TCHEM 405 | TLIT | ||||
| TCHEM 406 |
Each medical school will have unique pre-requisite courses. It is important to begin researching each school's admission requirements early. Consult with your academic advisor about how to sequence these pre-requisites and create an academic plan.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT should be taken early. Take it by May of your junior year in order to submit your score in time for the application cycles to open in June, or if taking a gap year, by May of your senior year.
Complete these prerequisites prior to taking the MCAT: biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology.
