Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine 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.

1 semester · 4 credits · lab

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

Organic Chemistry I with lab, one semester, is required outright. Organic Chemistry II with lab is required only if your institution requires it for your major or as a prerequisite for upper-level coursework, so whether you need it depends on your own degree, not on VCU.

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.

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

One academic year of intensive writing courses. VCU asks for writing intensity rather than an English department course specifically.

1 semester · 3 credits

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

Biostatistics is highly recommended, but it does not replace the year of college algebra or higher that VCU requires. See the college mathematics line above.

2 semesters · 6 credits

One academic year of maths at college algebra or higher. This is one of the heaviest maths requirements you will meet, and a single statistics course will not cover it. Check this line early, because a full year of maths is hard to add late.

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.

4 credits

Four credit hours of upper-level biological science: cell biology, anatomy, embryology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, or neurosciences. Strictly, VCU requires this of non-science majors and recommends it for science majors, but if you are not certain which side of that line you fall on, take the course.

60+ hours

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

'Minimum 60 hours direct, hands-on patient care activities': VCU lists scribing, language interpretation, nursing care, medical assistant, hospice and EMT work as examples. This is separate from the 40 shadowing hours; observing does not count toward it.

40+ hours

Most medical schools ask for 50+ hours and list it as recommended.

'Minimum 40 hours in-person physician shadowing in the U.S.' Both qualifiers bite: virtual shadowing does not count, and neither does shadowing done abroad.

100+ hours

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

'Minimum 100 hours meaningful service activities required designed to address community-identified needs (average for matriculants is 200+ hours).' The 100 is the floor and VCU publishes the real number in the same breath: matriculants average over 200. It must address a community-identified need: tutoring programs, food banks, hospice, homeless shelters, crisis lines, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Special Olympics.

100+ hours

Explicitly optional where the other three are not: 'Research is valuable but not required.' If you have it, VCU asks for descriptions of the work plus any presentations or publications.

No published minimum

"The requirement can also be satisfied with an institutional pre-med committee packet." VCU names no required source.

No published minimum

"Letters should be from supervisors, professors, mentors, etc., who know you well. The letters should demonstrate the AAMC's premedical competencies, which include commitment to learning and growth, cultural awareness, reliability and service orientation." Supervisors head VCU's list.