How to Choose Premed Courses and Plan Your Coursework as an Incoming Freshman: A Guide from a College Advisor and Doctor Perspective

If you're an incoming college freshman with dreams of becoming a doctor, you're likely already thinking about which premed courses to take and how to structure your college coursework effectively. I had a client reach out to me today asking me what types of math and science classes she should prioritize and in what order, so I decided to write a post.

Planning early is key—not only to succeed academically, but to stand out in the medical school application process later on. With advice from someone is both a college advisor and doctor, this guide will break down how to build a strong academic foundation from your very first semester.

Why Planning Early Matters

Medical schools have rigorous prerequisites, and balancing those with your major requirements, general education classes, and extracurricular commitments can get overwhelming fast. That’s why meeting with a college advisor as early as orientation can set you on the right path and guide you with how to choose premed courses. They can help tailor a four-year course plan that keeps you on track, avoids scheduling conflicts, and allows time for key experiences like research and clinical volunteering. Also! Make sure you meet with both a general college advisor at your college at minimum as well as a premed/prehealth advisor if your school offers this.

Core Premed Courses Every Freshman Should Know:how to choose premed courses

Although requirements vary between medical schools, there’s a standard list of minimum premed courses you’ll need to take:

• Biology with lab (2 semesters)

• General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)

• Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)

• Physics with lab (2 semesters)

• English or writing-intensive courses (2 semesters)

• Mathematics (Statistics and/or Calculus)-I recommend both to make yourself eligible and competitive for most medical schools.

• Biochemistry (1 semester, often upper-level)

It’s tempting to jump into all the science classes right away, but as a college advisor and doctor, I recommend a balanced and personalized approach. Think about yourself and your strengths back in high school-what were your strongest subjects and weakest? You could consider starting with your stronger subjects in order to provide buffer room for you to adjust to college life. A good rule of thumb is to start with General Biology and General Chemistry in your first year, while including some hopefully "lighter" general education classes to help ease your transition to college-level coursework.

Freshman Year Sample Course Schedule (Premed-Focused)

Fall Semester:

• General Chemistry I with Lab

• Introductory Biology I with Lab

• English Composition or Writing-Intensive Course

• General Psychology or Sociology

• Freshman Seminar or Elective

Spring Semester:

• General Chemistry II with Lab

• Introductory Biology II with Lab

• Calculus or Statistics

• Public Speaking or Ethics

• Humanities or Social Science Elective

By the end of your first year, you should have a strong grasp of foundational sciences and be positioned to take on Organic Chemistry and upper-level Biology courses in your sophomore year.

Use Your College Advisor Strategically

Your college advisor isn't just there to help you register for classes. Use their expertise to:

• Understand how your major aligns with premed courses

• Map out a four-year plan including gap semesters or study abroad

• Find pre-health clubs, honors programs, or research opportunities

• Track shadowing and clinical experience requirements

• Learn about GPA benchmarks for competitive medical school applicants

Many students make the mistake of meeting their college advisor only during registration periods. However, regular check-ins every semester can ensure you’re staying on the path that leads to becoming a college graduate and doctor.

What Majors Are Best for Premed?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to major in Biology to become a doctor. In fact, some of the most successful medical school applicants come from majors like Psychology, English, or even Music. What matters most is that you complete your premed requirements and maintain a competitive GPA.

That said, science majors like Biology, Chemistry, or Neuroscience often overlap with the premed track, which can reduce your overall course load. Again, working with your college advisor to explore your interests while staying on track is the smartest move. I personally majored in Global Health, B.S. I was able to take premed classes but also explore courses like International Relations. I even traveled abroad twice!

The Importance of Non-Science Courses

Medical schools value well-rounded applicants who can communicate effectively, think critically, and demonstrate empathy. That’s why courses in English, Philosophy, Sociology, or Ethics are just as important. These courses can also help prepare you for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT, which many students underestimate.

As a college advisor and doctor, I always stress that strong communication skills can make or break your application—and your bedside manner later in clinical practice.

Planning for the MCAT Early

You won’t take the MCAT until your junior year (typically), but your preparation starts now. Most of the MCAT is based on material from your premed courses, so think of each class as part of your long-term MCAT study plan.

Keep all your notes, study guides, and textbooks organized from day one. Tools like Anki flashcards or study groups can also help reinforce content as you go. Your college advisor might also recommend timeline options, such as taking a gap year to give yourself time for MCAT prep, research, and stronger clinical experience.

Don’t Forget Clinical and Research Experience

Premed isn’t just about academics. Medical schools expect hands-on experience that shows your dedication to becoming a doctor. Use your freshman and sophomore years to:

• Volunteer at hospitals or clinics

• Shadow physicians in various specialties (ask upper-year classmates if they can refer you to a doctor willing to have students shadow them)

• Join a pre-health or premed club on campus

• Participate in summer research programs or internships

As a college advisor and doctor I always say that starting early means you’ll be able to pursue meaningful experiences, not just last-minute resume padding. Quality always trumps quantity.

GPA Management and Study Strategies

Premed courses are notoriously challenging, and your GPA will be a critical part of your medical school application. Develop effective study habits early:

• Attend office hours regularly (assuming the professor is helpful)

• Join or form study groups (I used this strategy extensively for physics!)

• Use campus academic resources like tutoring centers

• Stay consistent with assignments and avoid procrastination

If you struggle in a class, talk to your college advisor right away to consider tutoring, pass/fail options (where appropriate), or schedule adjustments. Don't wait until it’s too late.

Final Thoughts: Begin With the End in Mind

The road to becoming a doctor is long, but the habits you develop now will shape your success. Meet regularly with your college advisor, challenge yourself academically, and pursue experiences that confirm your passion for medicine.

The earlier you take control of your premed courses and academic path, the more confident and competitive you’ll be when it’s time to apply to medical school.

I will be making posts in the future about college advising in general as well as posts specific to premed admissions and premed essay approaches.

Sincerely,

Dr. Medeeha Khan