University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson prerequisites

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab. The single most universal prerequisite: essentially every MD and DO program asks for it, and it is the foundation the MCAT assumes.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab. Take it early: organic chemistry, biochemistry, and most upper-division biology all sit behind it, so a late start pushes the whole sequence past your MCAT date.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab at most schools. A meaningful and growing minority accept one semester of organic plus one of biochemistry. Do not drop the second semester on that assumption until you have checked the schools you actually want.

2 semesters · 6 credits

Most medical schools ask for 1 semester · 3 credits.

Two semesters or quarters of biochemistry (double the usual) or one semester of biochemistry plus one of genetics.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

Two semesters with lab. Algebra-based is accepted almost everywhere; take the calculus-based sequence only if your major needs it or a target school names it.

2 semesters · 6 credits

Two semesters of English or writing-intensive coursework. Many schools accept writing-intensive courses from any department, but a few name English specifically. If your writing credits come from elsewhere, confirm before you count them.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester or quarter, with biostatistics specifically recommended over general statistics.

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.

2 semesters · 6 credits

Two semesters or quarters of physiology, a requirement almost unique to this school, and one that takes real planning because physiology is usually an upper-division course with its own prerequisites.

2 semesters · 6 credits

At least one course from two of: molecular biology, cell biology, histology, microbiology, pharmacology, or immunobiology. Two different disciplines, not two courses in one.

1 semester · 3 credits

One semester or quarter. The school names psychology, sociology, and public health as examples.

150+ hours

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

Tucson does not publish an hour figure, but it makes clinical experience effectively mandatory through its letters requirement: of the three to five letters supporting your candidacy, it requires "1 clinical letter from a person who has seen you interact with patients, family members, and other staff members (e.g., physician, volunteer coordinator, RN, nurse practitioner, or other health care provider)." You cannot produce that letter without sustained, patient-facing work, so line up the experience and the letter writer early.

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

Service with no medical angle. Committees are reading for a habit, not a total, so one commitment held for two years beats five one-off events.

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.

No published minimum

Tucson publishes two letter routes: the clinical letter plus "2 letters from other professionals", or "1 letter packet/committee packet" plus the clinical letter. The committee packet replaces the two professional letters; the clinical letter is required either way. All letters must go through the AMCAS Letter of Evaluation/Recommendation service.

No published minimum

Tucson requires three to five letters "including at least one from a clinical setting": "1 clinical letter from a person who has seen you interact with patients, family members, and other staff members (e.g., physician, volunteer coordinator, RN, nurse practitioner, or other health care provider)." The writer need not be a physician (a volunteer coordinator or RN counts), but they must have watched you work with patients, which no amount of shadowing produces.