Biology, general chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry and physics are all required classes for admission. Some additional classes can also bolster the strength of your application. Below we list the specifics of these classes, MCAT and GPA averages for admission.
Frequently asked questions from medical school applicants
What classes should I take in undergrad for medical school?
You may major in any subject you choose, but you must complete the prerequisite courses listed below prior to enrollment.
Note: Students applying to the Three Year Primary Care Tract (PCT) must complete all required prerequisites courses by the first week of July before the start of their program.
Required premedical coursework:
- Biology: Two semesters or three quarters
- General Chemistry: Two semesters or three quarters that consists of a general chemistry series including laboratory work incorporating quantitative and qualitative analysis
- Biochemistry: One semester/quarter course in biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry: Two semesters or three quarters of an organic chemistry series that includes one year of a lab experience or equivalent
- Physics: Two semesters or three quarters with a laboratory experience
Additional recommended premedical coursework:
- Anatomy: One semester/quarter course in anatomy
- Writing/Speech: Courses that emphasize written and verbal communication. Applicants are required to demonstrate spoken, auditory, reading and writing proficiency in the English language
- Social Sciences: Courses such as psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics
- Humanities: Courses in art, music, drama, literature and languages
- Diversity: Courses that focus on the culture, history and/or current circumstances of diverse populations
- Ethics: Courses that address questions and issues related to morality and moral behavior that may include meta-ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics, moral psychology and descriptive ethics
What MCAT score do I need for medical school admission?
The average MCAT score varies year to year for incoming classes, it is important to note that this is an average, scores are accepted below and above this number. The Ohio State University College of Medicine takes this score in account with many other factors within your application, such as your experiences, interests and letters of recommendation. View our most recent average MCAT score in our class profile.
What GPA do I need for admission to medical school?
Grades are considered in the context of difficulty and rigor of the applicant’s major. Your GPA will be compared to the average GPA of students accepted into the most recent class. View class profile to see most recent average GPA. It should be stressed that the GPA is only one factor in the admissions decision and is taken into consideration along with many other factors.
What test do I need to take before applying to medical school?
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required and must be taken within three years of your application.
Who should write my letters of recommendation for my medical school application?
A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required.
Academic Letters: You should submit two letters from professors in any courses who have taught you and assigned a grade for credit in the course; at least one must come from a professor who instructed you in a science course. A premedical committee composite letter satisfies this requirement.
Personal/Professional Experience Letters: We strongly recommended that you provide additional letters from individuals outside of the classroom setting, such as supervisors, managers or those you’ve worked with in the community, a volunteer service and/or a clinical or research setting.
The letters of recommendation are received only through the American Medical College Application Service’s (AMCAS) letter service.
Learn more about letters of recommendation.
Does Ohio State College of Medicine accept out-of-state students?
The admissions committee makes an effort to admit a diversified class of medical students, with about half of it's incoming students being from both in-state and out-of-state. As an out of state student, you can apply for residency after your first year to lower tuition costs. If you choose not to establish Ohio residency, in an effort to lower student loan debt, the College of Medicine has reduced the out-of-state surcharge for third- and fourth-year medical students.
How should I improve your medical school application?
Clinical Experience: As a medical school candidate, you are expected to spend enough time in a clinical setting to understand the challenges and demands of the lifestyle you will encounter as a physician. Experience with patient exposure may be gained through volunteerism or work at hospitals, emergency rooms, homeless clinics and extended-care facilities.
Community/Volunteer Service: The medical profession is strongly oriented to serving the community. You should demonstrate a commitment to the community by involving yourself in service and volunteer activities.
Research: We consider participation in research activities to be an important part of the preparation for medical school. As a future physician, you will depend on medical literature to remain current in your field. Research experience may be in any discipline and performed at any site. You should be able to describe your projects, the questions being asked in the research and your role in the conduct of the research. Research performed as part of a course requirement or a senior thesis project is acceptable.
Leadership: Dedication, determination, decision-making, communication skills, teamwork and a willingness to contribute to the welfare of others are characteristics of effective leaders. Leadership experience can be gained in a variety of ways, including participation in work, church, community or school organizations.
Extracurricular activities: We want to know how applicants deal with the demands of their lives outside the classroom. Your ability to juggle these challenges is a strong indicator of how well you will handle responsibilities, stress and the demands of medical school.
For more valuable tips on improving your medical school application, request a recording of an info session hosted by our associate dean for admissions and admissions director.