Rush Medical College prerequisites

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

One academic year, and at least one of those courses must focus on cell biology, specifically the structure and function of the cell. The lab side is satisfied by Rush's separate one-year biology and/or chemistry lab requirement, so the lab need not be attached to biology.

3 credits

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab.

One chemistry course only, not the usual full year, and Rush recommends that it be organic. Laboratory is covered by the separate year of biology and/or chemistry lab.

3 credits

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

Rush recommends organic chemistry as the way to satisfy its single chemistry course, but does not require it by name. Nearly every other school requires a full year, so do not use Rush as the reason to drop it.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester, lab rarely required. Roughly two thirds of schools require it outright and the MCAT tests it heavily, so treat it as required even where it technically is not, and take it before you sit the exam.

3 credits

Most medical schools ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab.

One course, not the usual year, and Rush accepts AP credit for it.

2 semesters · 6 credits

Rush calls this reading comprehension: one academic year of courses in any subject whatsoever, as long as they focus on reading comprehension and are writing intensive. A literature, history, or philosophy sequence works as well as English composition.

1 semester · 3 credits

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

Statistics is worth having for the MCAT and for other schools, but Rush states plainly that it will not fulfil its maths requirement. See the college mathematics line above.

1 semester · 3 credits

One course, algebra or higher-level maths. Rush states explicitly that statistics will not satisfy this requirement, so if statistics is the only maths on your transcript you need another course before you apply here.

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

Rush recommends anatomy and physiology beyond the required introductory biology year.

1 semester · 3 credits

Rush recommends coursework that exposes you to the social determinants of health and disparities in healthcare outcomes, naming sociology, public health, political science, global health, bioethics, urban studies, history, and economics.

150+ hours

Rush "strongly recommend[s] that applicants explore their interest in medicine by taking advantage of clinical exposure opportunities", naming clinics, hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and other health care facilities. The part that matters more than any total: "We seek applicants who have pursued long-term commitments that include direct patient contact rather than short-term experiences." Rush publishes no hours figure, so depth over a single sustained placement beats a scattering of short ones.

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

Rush looks for "demonstrated attributes displaying a commitment to community service" and seeks "applicants with exposure to community service, whether through employment, volunteering or other activities". No hours minimum is 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.