Course Requirements and Your Academic Path at Xavier
This guide will outline general admission requirements and how Xavier can help you prepare for a successful application for graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, podiatry, optometry, pharmacy and physical therapy.
Minimum Course Requirements for Medical School
Medical school admissions vary, but most require:
- One year of Biology
- One year of Physics
- Two years of Chemistry (including Organic Chemistry)
- One year of English
Important Note: Some schools may not accept Advanced Placement (AP) credit for these courses. Double-check requirements with your target schools.
Use the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR), an annual guide by the AAMC, to find specific requirements for each school. Our Pre-Professional Health Advising office can also help navigate AP credit acceptance.
Choosing a Major
If you're aiming for medical school, it's crucial to choose a major that aligns with your career goals while giving you a solid foundation in the sciences. Majors like biology, chemistry, or biochemistry are particularly useful as they cover much of the necessary coursework for med school admissions.
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biophysics
- Chemistry
- Exercise Science
- Pharmaceutical Science
Choosing Your Electives
Balance your science courses with electives that:
- Develop your communication skills
- Broaden your understanding of human existence
- Challenge you – choose the most rigorous options you qualify for
- Consider joining the University Scholars program – it demonstrates your desire for a challenging academic experience.
GPAs and Grades in Medical School Admissions
GPAs Matter, Especially in Science: Your GPA reflects your ability, motivation, time management, and potential for success in demanding programs.
General GPA Guidelines (4.0 scale):
- Freshman pre-med/pre-dental: ~3.4
- Junior pre-med: ~3.6
- Junior pre-dental: ~3.3
Admissions committees also consider:
- The number and difficulty of courses you take
- Consistency in your grades
- There are no strict GPA cut-offs, but strong grades are a major evaluation factor. A single low grade or semester doesn't disqualify you, but persistent struggles might require reevaluating your goals.