Knowledge of math is extremely important for doctors. A doctor must be able to calculate medication dosages and understand the odds of a treatment succeeding. College students should prepare for medical school admission by taking at least 12 to 18 undergraduate credits in math. Subjects such as algebra, geometry and calculus can help you master fundamental mathematical concepts. Take advanced level classes if you can to show your excellent grasp of mathematical reasoning and broad education in the field.
Doctors rely heavily on their knowledge of the workings of the physical world in order to treat patients. A potential doctor should take classes in organic chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, anatomy and pathophysiology. Study of the hard sciences can provide a doctor with the right grounding in the field of medicine. Exploring the world of chemistry can help you learn how medicines react in the body once they have been taken. Course in biology and microbiology can familiarize you with the inner workings of the human body. Many hard science classes have a laboratory component where you can gain hands on knowledge of the subjects in questions.
A pre-med student should also study the so-called soft sciences, such as psychology and sociology. Part of a doctor's job is to understand the motivations of patients and communicate with them. A doctor who knows why a patient may be hesitant to take a certain kind of medication or how people react to extreme stress such as confronting major illness can treat patients better. Medical school admissions officers seek candidates who can connect with patients on an intimate level and work with them to achieve better health care. Classes that focus on exploring human motivation can show the admissions officers that you are that person and will be that doctor.