What Is Pre Med? | MedSchoolBro

If you’ve been asking yourself, “What is pre med?” while drowning in course catalogs, YouTube rabbit holes, and TikTok study influencers—breathe. You’re not alone, and yes, it’s confusing.

Let’s break it down simply so you can stop second-guessing your path and start actually preparing for med school like a future doctor.

You’re Not Supposed to Have It All Figured Out (Yet)

Everyone starts pre med at a different point. Some knew in middle school. Others figure it out halfway through college. No matter where you’re starting, asking “what is pre med” is actually a smart move.

Because the truth is, being “pre med” doesn’t mean one specific major, timeline, or personality type. It means you’re building the foundation for applying to med school—and that’s something you want to get right from the start.

What Is Pre Med? Let’s Get Clear

At its core, pre med just means you’re planning to apply to medical school after undergrad. It involves prerequisite courses, clinical experience, shadowing, volunteering, MCAT preparation, etc. It’s a track—a set of courses, experiences, and requirements that show med schools you’re ready for the next step.

So when someone asks “what is pre med,” here’s what it actually involves:

• Prerequisite courses: Gen chem, orgo, bio, physics, biochem, stats, psych, and sociology (depending on the schools you’re applying to)
  
• Clinical experience: Real patient interaction that proves you know what medicine looks like outside the classroom
  
• Shadowing: Observing doctors to get a feel for the career
  
• Volunteering: Showing up for your community—and proving you’re more than just grades
  
• Research (optional but helpful): Bonus points if you can think critically and analyze data
  
• MCAT prep: A beast of its own, and a major factor in your application
  
• Letters of recommendation: From professors, mentors, or doctors who’ve worked closely with you
  
• Personal statement and secondaries: Where your story comes to life
  

What Being Pre Med Doesn’t Mean

• It doesn’t mean you have to major in biology. (You can major in anything—as long as you complete the required science courses.)
  
• It doesn’t mean straight A’s or burnout are the only path to med school.
  
• And it definitely doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
  
• Real Talk: Focus on the Right Things

Being pre med can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re comparing yourself to others. But instead of worrying about checking every single box, focus on what actually matters:

• Are you gaining real, meaningful experience?
  
• Are you learning how to study efficiently (not just endlessly)?
  
• Are you building a story that shows med schools why you want this?

It’s not about perfection—it’s about intentional progress.

Want One-on-One Help With Your Pre Med Game Plan?

Still feeling unsure about your timeline, major, or when to take the MCAT? That’s exactly why we offer 1-on-1 Pre Med & MCAT Advising.

You don’t need to wing it. We’ll help you:

• Build a personalized pre med strategy
  
• Choose the right classes (and avoid the wrong ones)
  
• Map out clinical experiences and MCAT timing
  
• Keep you accountable without burning out
  
  

If you’re serious about med school, let’s make your pre med path make sense.

👉 Book your 1-on-1 advising session here