It's important to consider your pre-existing strengths when selecting courses. Those with a strong background in science might take more advanced courses right away. For those who have less experience, it can be prudent to start more slowly by choosing foundation-building courses (BIO 2, BIO 11, MATH 1&3), one at a time. Our pre-health advisors can help you determine a plan that's right for you.

In general, it's best to avoid taking two lab courses at the same time in the first year of college unless your science background and skills are superb. As you become more comfortable with the rigor and fast-pace of Dartmouth terms, you may begin to consider taking two science lab courses in one term. Look at your past grades in science as an indicator of whether you can balance two lab classes. Most times, the lab is a "class" of its own, including pre-lab and post-lab work.

If you arrive with AP credit or a strong background, you may qualify for an exemption from some courses (such as Calculus, Chem 5, Physics 3), and for most medical schools that will still count. If you have been exempted from all of general chemistry or physics, you must still take a college-level chemistry or physics course. Contact departments directly to see how you can find out if you qualify for an exemption.

Although these will count for medical school, your AP exemptions WILL NOT count for Dartmouth course credit. You must still fulfill the 35 credit requirements.

DO NOT elect the Non-Recording Option (NRO) for a prerequisite course. All medical school prerequisite courses should be taken for a grade, not an NRO (pass/fail).

Upper-level biology courses can be very beneficial. While taking the minimum required biology courses are adequate and students have still been accepted to medical school, taking more is valued and can be advantageous for MCAT preparation.