Medical School
An education in neuroscience can provide students with an excellent background for a career in medicine (MD/DO). Sample 4-year plans for pre-medicine neuroscience majors can be found on our Curriculum page. Medical programs have a number of pre-requisites which can be found on OSU's Pre-Professional Programs page. Note that several courses in the neuroscience major overlap with pre-med requirements, including biochemistry.
Additionally, performing neuroscience research can count toward your major but also looks great on an application to professional school! Students in the Neuroscience Program are currently conducting research in departments such as neurology, neuro-oncology, psychiatry, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, biomedical engineering, etc.
- General chemistry: Chemistry 1210, 1220
- Organic chemistry: Chemistry 2510, 2520 (lectures) & Chemistry 2540, 2550 (labs)
- Introductory physics: Physics 1200, 1201
- Biology 1113, 1114
- Biochemistry 4511
Note that completion of Math 1148 or higher is a prerequisite for the above course sequences. Many students, however, complete additional math courses (e.g., 1149, 1151, 1152, etc.) as part of their undergraduate degree plans (often required for the major).
Recommended course work: The OSU College of Medicine's website has suggestions for additional science and non-science course work, and is an excellent guide to the overall admissions process.
There are many things that you can do besides academics that will make you an excellent candidate for professional school in a healthcare field:
- Quality volunteer experience is crucial! Professional programs want to see that you are well-prepared for your intended career. These experiences should demonstrate:
- An ability to work with a variety of people
- Leadership
- Philanthropy
- Commitment
- Extensive exposure to a variety of medical settings (i.e. you know what you are getting into!)
- Clinician shadowing
- Extracurricular activities
- Personal letters of recommendation from faculty and/or professionals who know you well and can vouch for your strength of character and academic potential. Get to know potential letter writers early by standing out in class, attending office hours, and communicating regularly.
- Strong essays that demonstrate your individuality and indicate a passion for the profession.
- Research experience is helpful but volunteer experience is more important (unless you intend to pursue an MD/PhD in which case both volunteering and research are required!)
What does my GPA need to be?
It depends on the program; their website should have admissions statistics. That being said, anything less than a 3.3, particularly in pre-requisite classes, will make it difficult to find a school that will seriously consider your application. Admissions statistics for all allopathic programs can be found here and all osteopathic programs can be found here.
What do my test scores need to be?
It depends on the program; their website should have admissions statistics. As a general rule, you should aim to exceed the 75th percentile. Admissions statistics for all allopathic programs can be found in the links above.
What classes count toward my science GPA?
Some programs ask for you to calculate your science GPA. Of course, general science courses like chemistry, physics, and biology are included in this as are most of your neuroscience classes. See the AAMC guide for more information.
When should I take the MCAT?
The MCAT must be completed approximately 18 months before you intend to matriculate. For example, if you hope to begin MD/DO school in Autumn 2019, you should take the MCAT by Spring 2018.
What is the new MCAT like?
The 2015 MCAT added a social and behavioral sciences section, Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior, which recognizes the importance of socio-cultural and behavioral determinants of health and health outcomes. There is also a new Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section. See the AAMC site for more information.
How do I shadow a clinician? Is there some kind of program for which I can register?
Unfortunately, OSU does not have any set program for clinician shadowing. It is up to you to find a willing clinician. You can do so by contacting your own healthcare provider (such as your primary care physician) or a local clinic or hospital. It may be easier to find someone if you are already a volunteer at their place of work. See the AAMC guide for more information.
What do you mean by 'quality' volunteer experience?
Quality volunteer experience puts you into direct, personal contact with a variety of people. Not all of your volunteer experience needs to be strictly medical- for example, working at a homeless shelter where you interact daily with disadvantaged individuals would be far more valuable of an experience than directing visitors to different hospital departments.
What kinds of extracurricular activities are best?
Anything that you are passionate about! Medical schools are interested in recruiting a diverse group of people with a variety of interests. OSU Medical School actually advertises the unique interests of their students- for example, their entering class of 2014 included a murder mystery play actress, Starbuck's barista, opera singer, and medieval combat re-enactor!
I'm not sure if neuroscience is the right major for me. Would it look bad if I majored in [any major]?
No. Medical schools generally do not care what your undergraduate major is. OSU Medical School's entering class of 2014 included students majoring in neuroscience, finance, theology, and history.
Which neuroscience specialization is best for pre-medicine?
It doesn't matter which specialization you choose- just pick the one that you like the best and that will inspire you to do well.
I have AP/EM credit for a medical school prerequisite. Is that ok?
Some medical schools prefer that their pre-requisite courses be completed at a 4-year institution; others put limits on how many AP/EM courses can be used for such coursework; some allow supplementation (taking higher-level coursework) of the credit; and finally, some schools do not have any issues with using such credit for their pre-requisite coursework. We suggest you contact the admissions offices of the schools you want to attend to ask about their pre-requisite policies and if you would be considered a competitive applicant using such coursework. Of course, credit for GE's like history and psychology tends to be accepted by most medical schools.
Would it look bad if I took time off?
Absolutely not! Most medical schools look favorably on older applicants because they are generally more mature and have more extensive life and work experience. If you choose to take time off, however, make sure that you are still doing things to enhance your application (volunteering, etc.).
I don't think I want to pursue a career in healthcare anymore. What else can I do?
A degree in neuroscience provides you with broad scientific literacy that will prepare you for a variety of careers. Visit our Careers page for a list of other options.