Office of Medical Education

Prerequisites

A major goal of undergraduate study should be intellectual development through the in-depth pursuit of some area of knowledge: humanities, social sciences or natural sciences. No specific course of study is required; however, completion of the following courses or their equivalent constitute the minimal requirements for admission:

• Two semesters of biology with laboratories
• Two semesters of general chemistry with laboratories
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with laboratories
• Two semesters of physics which include laboratory work
• Two semesters of English with emphasis on communication skills

Biochemistry may be used as a substitute for a second organic lab. Prerequisite course work must be taken for grade options, not pass-fail. Courses in mathematics, psychology and the humanities also provide excellent preparation for medical study. Non-science majors should try to include several upper-level courses in biology, chemistry or related disciplines. The College of Medicine strongly recommends that students obtain a bachelor's degree before entering medical school. If you have questions about whether a particular course meets the prerequisite requirement you should consult with your premedical advisor. If you are a University of Kentucky students your premedical advisors are listed on the Before You Apply Web page.

Advanced Placement Credit
The University of Kentucky recognizes examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program offered by high schools throughout the nation. The Admissions Committee has adopted the following policy regarding use of Advanced Placement (AP) credit for required prerequisite courses for medical school:

• Accepted: AP biology with a score of 4 or 5
• Recommended: Additional upper division biology with labs
• Accepted: AP chemistry with a score of 4 or 5
• Required: Take general chemistry labs and organic chemistry and labs
• NOT Accepted: AP physics
• Required: Take physics with lab
• NOT Accepted: AP English
• Required: Take at least two semesters of writing intensive courses