Premedicine

Return to: Programs of Study

Advisor: Deborah G. Duke, Ed.D.

Almost all premedical students complete a bachelor’s degree before attending medical school. Schools of medicine consider many factors for acceptance including a strong GPA, relatively high scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), a good amount of medical experience, strong character, and community service or other indication of a desire to serve.

Premedical students may elect any major. Students who choose a non-science major may wish to also complete Harding’s second major in Preprofessional Health Sciences

Upon request, Harding will confer the bachelor of science degree with a major in general science on students who complete one year in an approved school of medicine and who complete the Liberal Arts requirements and the premedicine concentration at Harding. 

Information regarding admissions procedures, the MCAT, and allopathic medical schools can be found at www.aamc.org. Information regarding osteopathic medical schools can be found at www.aacom.org. Details regarding the Texas medical schools are given at www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas.

Although students may choose any major, the courses in the premedicine concentration should be included in their academic plans for the first three years. These courses are necessary to prepare for the MCAT, which is usually taken in the summer after the junior year. (Some students choose to take the MCAT after their senior year and take a gap year.) Most medical schools require many, if not all, of the concentration courses as prerequisites. Additional electives are also recommended. Premedical students are encouraged to work closely with the premedical advisor as they plan their coursework and related activities.