Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Education

Basic Science Requirements

The minimum basic admission requirements include introductory courses and laboratories in the following:

College courses recommended, but not required, include physical chemistry or biological chemistry, biochemistry, embryology, cell biology comparative anatomy, genetics, histology, microbiology and statistics. Course work in communication arts, humanities, and natural sciences is encouraged. No specific requirement is set in the area of mathematics since, at most colleges; some mathematics are a prerequisite to physics and chemistry. College level work in calculus is strongly recommended. Additionally, familiarity with the principles of statistics and their application to the analysis of data are important assets for any medical student. Consideration should be given by the student to participation in honors courses, independent study, and scientific research. These activities present opportunities for unstructured learning experiences.

Electives

The remainder of the college work should be distributed throughout the humanities and the social and behavioral sciences. The student should select subjects that tend to broaden the educational experience.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities and employment both during the undergraduate academic year and the summers are important contributions to an individual's development. Experience in medical and paramedical areas often contributes to an understanding of health care delivery systems and helps to solidify the student's motivation to study medicine.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

The MCAT is required for admission and must be taken within three years PRIOR to entry to the MD Program. MCAT scores older than three years will not be considered for admission to the USF MD Program. We strongly encourage taking the MCAT exam in the spring or early summer so that your application will be completed and in the applicant pool for the start of the interview season. The interview season at USF generally begins at the end of August.

The final MCAT test that is accepted is those taken in September with results transmitted to your AMCAS application in October.

The MCAT should not be attempted before completion of the major basic science requirements.