At Boston College, the Pre-Health Program team operates as a cohesive advising unit that closely collaborates with students and alumni during each year of portfolio development to help create a career narrative. Pre-Health students at Boston College have a number of individuals from whom they can seek advice. The Director and Assistant Directors of the program as well as members of our Pre-Health Committee, which is composed of faculty members from various academic departments, are all available to meet with students on an individual basis.

Group meetings are also held for first-year students, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and alumni. During these meetings, students are updated regarding current admissions trends and appropriate advising packets (e.g., Freshman Packet or Sophomore Packet).

Required & Recommended Courses

You can take Pre-Health course requirements—except for chemistry and organic chemistry—any year and in any order. Most students spread the coursework over four years and apply to professional or graduate school as seniors or alumni. To continue on to professional or graduate school directly after graduation from BC, you must complete the required courses in three years and take the MCAT. Keep in mind some schools require specific course work beyond these basic requirements. We recommend researching schools of interest to check their prerequisite courses. To view prerequisite courses at Allopathic Medical Schools check the AAMC MSAR Prerequisite Course Report. 

Suggested Curriculum for Pre-Health Students

  • Two semesters of biology with lab
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry with lab and/or one semester of organic chemistry with one semester of biochemistry
  • Two semesters of physics with lab (algebra-based physics is acceptable contingent on major program requirements)
  • Two semesters of English
  • Two semesters of math (strongly recommended)
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