Medicine

Explore the paths of allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medicine!

Both paths lead to rewarding careers in patient care, but with subtle differences. Allopathic doctors focus on traditional medical practices and disease diagnosis, while osteopathic doctors incorporate a holistic approach that considers preventative medicine and the musculoskeletal system's impact on overall health.

The College of Charleston's health professions advising program for medicine is designed to guide you through the process of preparing and applying for admission to top allopathic and osteopathic medical schools and programs.

Medical School Preparation

Each medical school determines its own specific requirements for admissions. Your advisor can assist you in preparing to meet these academic and application requirements.
  • Undergraduate Courses

    The minimum science course work necessary for preparing for medical school and the MCAT includes general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and behavioral sciences.

    Check with the programs to which you will be applying for complete prerequisite requirements.

    Your advisors can assist you in selecting College of Charleston courses that fulfill these requirements which may include:

    • General Biology with labs (8 semester hours)
    • General Chemistry with labs (8 semester hours)
    • Organic Chemistry with labs (8 semester hours)
    • Biochemisty (3 semester hours)
    • Physics with labs (8 semester hours)
    • Behavioral Sciences (6 semester hours)

    These courses should be completed prior to taking the MCAT exam.

    View Courses in the Course Catalog
  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®)

    The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) is required for admission to allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.

    This standardized test is directed at core competencies based in the sciences and comprehensive skills in reading and writing. To do well on the MCAT students must have well-developed critical thinking skills. Adequate preparation for this test is essential.

    A student should prepare to take the test only once; however, it can be repeated if necessary. Most professional programs will consider only the highest or the most recent score.

    To adequately prepare for the MCAT, students must not only be knowledgeable about content, but must also be familiar with the test format and develop the resilience and stamina needed to concentrate for these marathon length exams.

    The MCAT is offered only in a computerized format and is offered 30 times during the year. Applicants must register for this exam online and can choose from various testing center locations across the country.

     

    MCAT Testing Dates

    A calendar of testing dates is maintained by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Along with the calendar are official procedures, guides and valuable tips for preparing and taking the exam.

    Calendar of Testing Dates at AAMC
  • Application Services (AMCAS & AACOMAS)

    Centralized application services are used to apply to most allopathic (AMCAS) and osteopathic (AACOMAS) medical schools.

    We offer assistance and advising.

    • The centralized service verifies the information provided on the application and submits the application to the professional schools designated by the applicant.
    • The verification process may take up to 6 weeks and this time should be factored in when trying to meet application deadlines. 
    • Applying EARLY can significantly enhance chances of getting invited for an interview.
    • Most professional schools require additional information – called a secondary or supplemental application – from the applicant once they receive the student’s application from the centralized service. 

    Specific information on deadlines, fees and participating institutions is available on the service websites.

  • Timetable

    First Year

    • Explore various majors and declare as early as possible.
    • As soon as you declare your major, you will be assigned an academic advisor within that department. Once you identify your interest in Pre-health you will be assigned a Pre-Professional Health Advisor to support you on your path to medical school.
    • As soon as you get settled into your classes, make an appointment with your pre-health advisor.  You will want to discuss your professional goals and determine an academic plan to ensure you will have taken all courses needed to prepare for the MCAT and all requirements needed to apply to medical schools.
    • Make a plan for your required science classes. You will need to complete specific science courses before you can take the MCAT.
    • Start to search for shadowing and volunteer opportunities
    • Gain insight into your career choice by shadowing, working or volunteering.

    Sophomore Year

    • Make time to meet with your pre-health advisor to discuss your progress.
    • Work/volunteer to gain insight into your career choice.
    • Explore available internship and research opportunities.
    • Get involved in the community.
    • Consider adding leadership experiences to your schedule.
    • Start learning about the MCAT.  Become familiar with how the test is administered and what to expect when you start studying.

    Junior Year

    • Make time to meet with your pre-health advisor to discuss your progress.
    • Get organized, order review booklets and practice tests to prepare for the MCAT.
    • Explore various professional schools and determine to which ones you will apply to.
    • If you are applying your Junior year, collect materials needed for your application, begin working on application essays, apply and study for the MCAT.
      • Check the deadlines and do not miss them.
      • Practice, practice, practice taking the standardized admissions test.
      • Take the MCAT and request that scores be released to the College of Charleston, schools to which you are applying and the application service (if appropriate).
      • Submit your Letter Packet Request Form.
      • Request letters of evaluation from faculty and health professionals who know you well. Make sure to provide each of them with the letter evaluation letter writer packet.
      • Complete your applications and submit early (Spring/Summer).
      • Early decision program applications must be submitted to the schools by August 1.
      • Talk to your advisor about whether your standardized test score is competitive.
      • Respond promptly to requests for secondary applications from each professional school.
      • Prepare for interviews.
      • Let your pre-health advisor know the final outcome of your application cycle.
    • Continue to work/volunteer in your field of interest and community outreach projects.

    Senior Year

    • Meet with your pre-health advisor. 
    • Get a degree audit and apply for graduation.
    • If you are applying your Senior year, collect materials needed for your application, begin working on application essays, apply and study for the MCAT.
      • Check the deadlines and do not miss them.
      • Practice, practice, practice taking the standardized admissions test.
      • Take the MCAT and request that scores be released to the College of Charleston, schools to which you are applying and the application service (if appropriate).
      • Submit your Letter Packet Request Form.
      • Request letters of evaluation from faculty and health professionals who know you well. Make sure to provide each of them with the letter evaluation letter writer packet.
      • Complete your applications and submit early (Spring/Summer).
      • Early decision program applications must be submitted to the schools by August 1.
      • Talk to your advisor about whether your standardized test score is competitive.
      • Respond promptly to requests for secondary applications from each professional school.
      • Prepare for interviews.
      • Let your pre-health advisor know the final outcome of your application cycle.
    • Complete your courses and graduate.