A four-year degree from an accredited institution is required by most universities prior to enrolling in medical school classes. The degree can be a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in any subject. Some U.S. colleges, such as University of South Florida and Boston University, offer intellectually capable university freshman the opportunity to participate in an accelerated medical program. It lasts seven years, during which the student works toward both a bachelor's degree--awarded during the first year of medical school--and an M.D. degree. Each university has eligibility requirements that govern acceptance into accelerated programs.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a standardized test, is required for admission to medical school. Many schools rely heavily on MCAT scores, and while a high score does not guarantee a spot in a program, institutions generally do not look favorably upon poor MCAT results. Students enrolled in accelerated degree programs likely will be required to sit the MCAT prior to admission into fourth-year medical school studies, though procedures may vary by school.
Admission to most medical schools in the U.S. requires the completion of basic coursework in a number of core subjects, classes commonly referred to as "pre-med." Pre-med requirements include at least one year of study in the following disciplines: organic chemistry (plus laboratory courses), general chemistry (plus laboratory courses), general biology (plus laboratory courses), physics (plus laboratory courses), English and advanced math such as calculus or statistics. Some schools may require additional coursework.
Students who already have a four-year degree but do not possess the required pre-med coursework must take the classes at an accredited institution.