What Subjects Should I Study to Get into Medical School?

Course Specifics:

Every university has different entry requirements, so it is best to check what each course you have your eye on needs before confirming your subject choices. Many courses will specifically outline what subjects you are expected to gain or have, while others may only give the subject areas such as Maths, English and two Science subjects, specifically Chemistry being one of the two sciences. Therefore, giving you a bit of freedom to choose between the other two core science subjects.

Ideally, every university you are interested in applying to should have similar entry requirements to make it easier for yourself and to make sure your choice of subjects covers the requirements of more than just a select few in order to optimise your opportunity of gaining a place at a medical school.

Is Science Everything?

The medical field is obviously based upon science, the biology of how the body works, the chemistry of creating effective medicines and the physics of x-rays to internally examine patients without internally examining them, just to name a few. Generally, people wishing to have a successful career within medicine choose to study all three core science subjects to gain holistic knowledge and approach. But, it is possible to only study two of the core science subjects and still gain sufficient knowledge and entry to medical school.

Our advice would be to, again, check with the courses you would like to eventually apply to but most importantly, choose the sciences which interest you the most as you will have to spend years studying them. Plus, the more you enjoy doing something, the more you will achieve within that particular area. However, be aware that if you pick a university that requires the entrance test called the BMAT, it is a good idea to study all three core science subjects as the BMAT tests all three of these subjects.

What About Social Sciences/Humanities?

Every aspect of medicine is about improving the lives of the world’s population and future generations. Therefore, adding social science or humanity subjects to your list will help you in understanding and communicating with the public you will prospectively be working with, both as patients and colleagues.

What Other Subjects are Good to Study?

Subjects such as dance, performing arts or sports or any other non-academic subjects are good to add to your choice list too. These subjects show you are adaptable and have the ability to follow a committed balance between work and life, while gaining valuable self confidence, team building and communication skills.

What if I Do Not Choose Any Science Subjects?

Medicine requires knowledge of the sciences at a great level, but it is possible to gain entry to medical school without studying sciences at school. However, this option is a harder route into medicine.

Again, you will have to check with all the universities you are interested in attending, but another route into medicine would be to do a bridging course over the summer, just before semester one will be due to start. Within this bridging course you will study the basics of science in a very short time and be expected to achieve a certain score in the course’s examination as well as sitting and gaining a great Total Score in the UCAT. 

We recommend this to be your very last route of choice and to give it a lot of careful consideration. 

Regretting Your Subject Choices?

Do not worry, you are very young and have your life ahead of you, learning does not stop at school. Although it may take longer than you originally wanted it to, you could actually study the subjects you are wishing you studied instead, before applying to medical school or enrol upon a bridging course that covers the subjects you feel you have missed out on. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are, the better you will do within a career of medicine.

I’ve Picked My Subjects, What Now?

Academic subjects are only one aspect of a successful medical school application. Think about how you are going to gain sufficient work experience, either through paid opportunities such as working within a care home or voluntary placements. 

Check with the medical school entrance criteria whether they require an additional test which needs to be completed such as an aptitude test like the UCAT. These tests have to be arranged by yourself and it is your responsibility to make sure you organise sitting it in time. Each medical school will have a set bar of what UCAT score they require for successful acceptance.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed and anxious right now? Please don’t worry, head over to our UCAT 2020 Online Course where we’ll get you signed up to guide you through this whole process step-by-step.

We have a bank of over 10,239 questions, a decision making section and 8 full mock exams and 18 mini-mock exams; we even give you performance feedback too.

We’ve been lending a successful helping hand since 2009. Medify’s here to support you, just reach out to us.