2025 Pre-Med Checklist: Courses, Clinical Hours, MCAT & More

Starting Your Journey Toward Medical School

Pursuing a career in medicine is a major commitment. One of the first steps is understanding and completing your pre-med requirements—the academic, clinical, and extracurricular experiences that prepare you for medical school.

This guide breaks down what pre-med students need to know in 2025, from coursework and clinical hours to MCAT prep, research, and how Go Elective’s global medical internships can support your application.

What Are the Required Pre-Med Courses?

Core Academic Coursework for Medical School

Most U.S. medical schools require the following science and general education courses, as outlined by the AAMC:

Biology (2 semesters with lab): Builds foundational knowledge of life sciences.
Physics (2 semesters with lab): Important for understanding medical technologies.
General Chemistry (2 semesters with lab): Essential for molecular-level understanding of the human body.
Organic Chemistry (2 semesters with lab): Crucial for biochemical processes and pharmacology.
Biochemistry (1 semester): Often required or strongly recommended.
Math (1–2 semesters): Typically includes calculus and/or statistics.
English or Writing-Intensive Courses (2 semesters): Develops communication skills essential for clinical work.
Psychology or Sociology (1 semester): Supports preparation for the MCAT's behavioral science section.

While requirements vary by school, completing these courses will make you eligible to apply to nearly all U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Clinical Experience: A Vital Pre-Med Requirement

Why Clinical Hours Matter for Medical School Admissions

Most schools expect at least 100–150 hours of meaningful clinical experience, although more is encouraged. Admissions committees want to see that you understand what practicing medicine entails and that you’ve engaged in real-world patient care environments.

Common Types of Clinical Experience for Pre-Med Students

Physician Shadowing: Observe doctors across different specialties.
Medical Scribing: Work alongside physicians, learning documentation and patient care.
Volunteering in Hospitals or Clinics: Gain exposure to healthcare settings.
Working as an EMT or CNA: Direct patient care and emergency experience.
Hospice or Elder Care Support: Experience with end-of-life and long-term care.
International Internships: Programs like Go Elective’s internships in Kenya and Tanzania provide global exposure and hands-on clinical shadowing in underserved communities.

Research Experience: How It Strengthens Your Application

Do You Need Research to Get Into Medical School?

While not always required, research experience is highly valued, especially for competitive MD programs and dual-degree paths like MD/PhD. Research demonstrates scientific curiosity, analytical thinking, and perseverance.

Look for opportunities through:

Campus professors and labs
Summer undergraduate research programs (AAMC list)
Global health research initiatives

Extracurriculars That Elevate Your Pre-Med Profile

Activities That Show Leadership and Character

Top medical schools take a holistic view of applicants. In addition to academics and clinical experience, show involvement in:

Student clubs (especially pre-med or public health groups)
Volunteer work (locally or abroad)
Peer mentorship and tutoring
Leadership roles or advocacy efforts

These activities demonstrate your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and commitment to serving others.

Letters of Recommendation for Medical School

How to Secure Strong Letters of Support

Medical schools typically require 2–3 letters of recommendation, often including:

One from a science professor
One from a clinical or research supervisor
One from a non-academic mentor or advisor

Give your recommenders at least a month’s notice. Provide a résumé, personal statement draft, and relevant achievements to help them write a personalized, detailed letter.

The MCAT: Medical School’s Standardized Entrance Exam

What to Expect on the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a core requirement for most U.S. schools. It evaluates knowledge across:

Biology and Biochemistry
General and Organic Chemistry
Physics
Psychology and Sociology
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

Most students spend 300–350 hours preparing for the MCAT. Consider taking practice exams, enrolling in prep courses, or reviewing with peers.

For a detailed breakdown, visit AAMC’s MCAT Overview.

Primary and Secondary Applications: What’s the Difference?

Understanding AMCAS and Secondary Essays

Primary Application (via AMCAS): Includes your GPA, MCAT scores, personal statement, and activity list.
Secondary Applications: School-specific essays that assess your fit, values, and mission alignment. Many include questions like “Why our school?” or ask about diversity, resilience, or past challenges.

Check out Go Elective’s guides on writing your personal statement and answering secondary questions for expert tips.

Crafting a Competitive Medical School Application

Eight High-Impact Tips for Pre-Meds in 2025

Understand the Timeline: Use tools like the AAMC Application Timeline to stay organized.
Build a Strong Academic Record: Aim for a science GPA above 3.5 and a competitive MCAT.
Get Diverse Clinical Exposure: Quality and variety are key. Go Elective can help.
Explore Public Health and Global Health: Enrich your profile by addressing health inequities.
Take Leadership Roles: Whether it’s in a student org or community project, leadership matters.
Tell Your Story Well: Use vivid, personal examples in your personal statement.
Secure Thoughtful Recommendations: Ask people who know your character and potential.
Practice for Interviews: Prepare for both traditional and MMI formats. Mock interviews help.

Get Help Navigating the Pre-Med Process

Work With Experts to Strengthen Your Pathway

Pre-med requirements are rigorous, and the journey can be overwhelming. If you're looking for one-on-one support, consider partnering with medical school admissions counselors.

At Go Elective, we not only offer global internships for pre-med students, but also personalized guidance to:

Choose the right coursework
Build a competitive resume
Craft strong applications
Prepare for interviews

Our advisors understand the nuances of both U.S. and international healthcare and can help you position yourself for success.

Ready to Boost Your Clinical Experience?

How Go Elective Helps You Meet Pre-Med Requirements

Go Elective’s immersive shadowing and internship programs in Kenya and Tanzania are ideal for pre-med, nursing, PA, and public health students. You’ll gain:

Guided hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics
Cultural competence in global healthcare
Volunteer opportunities in underserved communities
A standout experience for your personal statement and interviews

Visit goelective.com/healthcare to learn more or apply here.