It depends, as schools vary in their AP policies. Some schools will accept them, some will only accept them for certain classes (statistics, physics), and some won’t accept them at all. A good rule of thumb is that if Brandeis gave you credit for a specific course (like calculus), then schools will honor that. If you are using AP credit for a core science prerequisite, you should plan on taking more intermediate/advanced coursework in the same discipline. (For example, if you place out of chemistry, you should plan on taking an additional chemistry class beyond what’s already required.)
Yes, summer courses are fine. When you apply, you will need to get a transcript from everywhere you’ve taken courses, and these courses will factor into a total undergraduate GPA. You can take courses at another institution with the following caveats:
No, as long as there is not a developed pattern of doing so; there will be opportunities during the application process to explain your decision.
No! Many students have their worst semester during their first year. If you show consistent improvement going forward, it will assuage concerns about your ability to handle coursework in the professional program.
The majority of medical and dental schools do not require calculus, but some require 2 semesters of math. Calculus can be helpful for Physics, especially if you didn’t have physics in high school. Calculus is required for pharmacy and optometry.
Note: The University of Massachusetts Medical School requires 1 semester of calculus.
Admissions committees are very wary of these sorts of trips, because many times students do things they aren’t legally or ethically able to do in the U.S. Committees have told us that this can actually hurt rather than help your application. If you want to gain clinical experience, they would rather have you gain that experience in the U.S., since you’ll be primarily practicing here. If your goal is just to spend time abroad, meet with Study Abroad to discuss your options. It’s definitely possible to fit it in!
Yes. Non-US citizens/Non-US permanent residents face significant challenges. Not all medical schools accept international students and those that do generally do not admit very many. In the 2015-2016 cycle, 15% of international students were admitted compared to 43% of US citizens/permanent residents nationally.) Other health professions are more accessible, such as pharmacy and dentistry.
No. 65-70% of Brandeis applicants take a glide year before starting their programs. This coincides with the national trend as well. The average age of a first year medical student is 24. You’re always more competitive if you take a glide year, because you have more time to gain experience.
Examples of what our alumni have done:
Most health profession programs require at least two English or writing classes through the following options at Brandeis:
Although only some medical schools require sociology as a prerequisite, the material for intro sociology is tested on the “Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Section” on the MCAT. Soc 1A is a class at Brandeis that would cover the MCAT tested topics and is a recommended course for science majors.
If you are planning to major or minor in HSSP, or take multiple sociology courses, then this coursework may cover the tested material. You may review the sociology content of What’s on the MCAT to compare to your coursework.
Physiology is not required, but is recommended for medical schools. Some students have reported taking physiology is helpful for taking the MCAT, however it has not been shown to improve MCAT scores. Physiology is a good option for elective credit for science majors.
Brandeis currently offers Comparative Anatomy (Bio 43B). Many health professions programs require human anatomy specifically and will not accept comparative anatomy. You may send the syllabus of Bio 43B to your desired health program for confirmation.
In order to take human anatomy, you would need to take it off-campus. It is preferable to take it at a 4-year university. This must be a stand alone human anatomy course with a lab included. We do not recommend taking A&P I or II (Anatomy & Physiology), unless you plan to take both courses at the same institution.
Kate Stutz
Director, Pre-Health Advising
Sierra Perez
Program Administrator, Pre-Health Advising