There are multiple paths to medical school that students can take.  While there is not a pre-med major, many students declare a major in chemistry because there is a great deal of overlap in the chemistry degree requirements and the course requirements for medical school.  (The term “medical” is used universally; generally, this information also applies to dental schools, veterinary schools, and optometry schools, et al.)

For a list of required courses and timeline for chemistry majors please see the Chemistry Major section on the website.  We encourage students to start their undergraduate research by their 2nd year.  Research credit in Chemistry can be done in almost any lab on grounds.  More information on undergraduate research can be found here.

We also encourage students not to double major; the requirements for professional school and the MCAT, as well as a chemistry major, are very demanding.  However, we are confident that there is room for a minor in another discipline.

The UVA Career Center website has an enormous amount of information about the application process, gaining experience, MCATs, etc. 

Requirements 

Additional Pre-health Paths

MCAT Preparation - Premed Peers