Drexel University College of Medicine prerequisites

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab and list it as required.

One year of college biology, with the emphasis on the cellular and molecular side. Not required in name, but this is the first competency Drexel lists.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab and list it as required.

Drexel asks for two years of chemistry as one integrated sequence running through biochemistry, rather than naming general and organic separately. This line and the two below are that same block.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab and list it as required.

Part of the two-year chemistry sequence. Drexel does not enumerate semesters, so plan on the standard year of organic unless another school on your list says otherwise.

1 semester · 3 credits

Most medical schools ask for 1 semester · 3 credits and list it as required.

Drexel expects the chemistry sequence to run "through the level of college biochemistry", so biochemistry is the endpoint of the block, not an optional extra.

1 semester · 4 credits

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab and list it as required.

Drexel names a course in college physics covering mechanisms, kinetics, thermodynamics, wave motion, and electricity and magnetism. Separately it wants a year of laboratory experience, which can come from biology, chemistry, or physics.

1 semester · 3 credits

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 6 credits and list it as required.

Drexel states this as a competency rather than a course: "a successful applicant must be competent to write, speak, and read the English language fluently." No specific English class is named.

1 semester · 3 credits

Most medical schools ask for 1 semester · 3 credits and list it as required.

Statistics and probability with "emphasis on hypothesis testing, quantitative scientific reasoning analysis, and biostatistics": a biostatistics course fits Drexel's description better than a general stats survey.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Required outright at a minority of schools (several of them highly selective) and accepted in place of statistics at most of the rest. Take it if calculus is already in your major's path.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. A minority of schools require it, but a quarter of the MCAT is psychological and social foundations: this is the cheapest points on the exam.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Same reasoning as psychology: required by fewer schools, tested directly on the MCAT.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester. Required by a small number of schools and a common way to fill the upper-division science coursework that strengthens a science GPA.

1 semester · 3 credits

Drexel wants you to understand how "social, cultural, and behavioral issues influence individuals and communities regarding their understanding of health and illness", and names history, sociology, psychology, philosophy, anthropology, ethics, and economics as where that comes from.

150+ hours

Most medical schools ask for 150+ hours and list it as recommended.

"Applicants should participate in significant clinical experiences prior to matriculation in order to get a sense of working as a member of the health care community. Clinical experiences can be volunteer or work related, and should involve direct patient contact." No hours, but note the two conditions: direct patient contact, and finished before you matriculate rather than before you apply.

50+ hours

Aim for 40-50 across more than one specialty, including primary care. DO programs weigh shadowing more heavily and several ask for hours with a DO specifically. If DO schools are on your list, get those hours and the letter early.

150+ hours

Most medical schools ask for 150+ hours and list it as recommended.

"A successful applicant will demonstrate significant commitment to community service so that applicants can gain a better understanding of a physician's role in a community and how that community may influence their patients." Drexel wants service that taught you something about a community, not hours banked. No figure published.

100+ hours

Effectively expected at research-heavy MD programs and genuinely optional at many DO and community-focused schools. If research is not your path, put those hours into clinical work and say so clearly rather than padding a semester in a lab.