Top College Courses to Take Before the MCAT | 2025 Pre-Med Guide

Preparing for the MCAT is a major milestone on your journey to medical school. One of the best ways to set yourself up for success is by enrolling in the right college courses that align with MCAT content areas. In this guide, we’ll break down the most beneficial classes to take before the MCAT—and how these courses help you tackle each section of the exam.

What Is the MCAT and Why Does It Matter?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam required by most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada. It’s designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and knowledge in the natural, social, and behavioral sciences.

The MCAT is divided into four main sections:

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

Each section is linked to specific coursework, which makes choosing your classes strategically essential for MCAT prep and overall medical school readiness.

Core Science Classes to Prioritize Before Taking the MCAT

General Chemistry

Fundamental for understanding chemical principles, atomic structure, and thermodynamics. It plays a big role in the Chemical and Physical Foundations section.

Organic Chemistry

Focuses on carbon-based compounds and reactions. You'll encounter many related concepts on the MCAT’s Biological and Biochemical and Chemical and Physical sections.

Biology

Courses covering cell biology, genetics, and physiology lay the groundwork for understanding living systems—central to the Biological and Biochemical Foundations section.

Biochemistry

Bridges biology and chemistry to explain how molecular systems function. Biochemistry is heavily tested and helps you succeed on the Biological and Biochemical Foundations section.

Physics

Learn key principles like motion, energy, waves, and electromagnetism, which are covered in the Chemical and Physical Foundations section.

Behavioral and Social Science Courses for MCAT Success

Psychology

Covers cognition, emotion, behavior, and mental health—all major topics in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section.

Sociology

Explores social structures, group dynamics, health disparities, and cultural competency. Also contributes heavily to the Behavioral Foundations section.

Additional Classes That Can Boost Your MCAT Performance

Statistics

Data interpretation is a key skill for both the MCAT and your medical career. Take a basic statistics course to strengthen your analysis and reasoning.

Humanities and Ethics

Courses in literature, ethics, or philosophy sharpen your critical reading skills—essential for the CARS section. They also cultivate empathy, which is vital in healthcare.

English Composition

Strong writing and comprehension are crucial for the MCAT and medical school applications. These courses train you to synthesize complex texts and express yourself clearly.

Anatomy and Physiology

Though not directly tested on the MCAT, understanding the human body can deepen your grasp of biological systems and serve you well in medical school.

Pre-Med Shadowing Study Abroad: A Powerful Add-On

Beyond classroom learning, real-world experience can greatly enhance your understanding of healthcare. Participating in a pre-med shadowing study abroad program—such as those offered by Go Elective in Kenya and Tanzania—allows you to:

• Observe physicians and healthcare professionals in action
• Gain exposure to global health systems and diverse patient populations
• Strengthen your application with hands-on, international experience

Shadowing abroad gives you insight into teamwork, clinical decision-making, and patient interaction, helping you connect theory with practice.

The Role of Medical School Admissions Consulting

Course selection is only part of the equation. Medical school admissions consulting services can help you:

• Align your course load with your career goals
• Choose the best timeline for taking the MCAT
• Identify programs that accept your academic background
• Strategize your application and interview prep

Admissions consulting ensures your MCAT prep fits into a broader plan for long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions About MCAT Coursework

Can I take MCAT-prep courses online?

Yes, many foundational science courses are available online. However, in-person labs for chemistry, biology, or physics may still be required by medical schools.

What if my college doesn’t offer all these courses?

You can take additional classes at a community college or accredited institution. Just make sure your target medical schools accept those credits.

Do I need to take every one of these classes before the MCAT?

Not necessarily. Focus on the courses that cover major MCAT content areas. It’s better to deeply understand fewer subjects than rush through many.

How early should I start studying for the MCAT?

Most students begin serious study 3 to 6 months in advance, after completing key prerequisite coursework.

Are AP/IB credits acceptable for pre-MCAT classes?

Some med schools accept them, others don’t. When in doubt, retake the course at the college level or ask a consultant for guidance.

Will a shadowing program help with the MCAT?

Not directly—but shadowing experiences abroad improve your overall readiness for med school, strengthens your application, and deepens your understanding of the field.

Final Thoughts: Build a Smart MCAT Plan with the Right Courses

Your success on the MCAT starts with smart course selection. While everyone’s path is unique, the classes listed above provide a solid academic foundation for both the test and medical school.

Pairing your studies with real-world experience—like a pre-med shadowing study abroad program through Go Elective—can give you a powerful edge in the competitive med school admissions process.

Ready to boost your academic and clinical prep? Explore Go Elective’s programs in Kenya and Tanzania and take the next step toward your future in medicine.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 8, 2025