Classes to Take Before the MCAT
The MCAT is the medical college admissions test; it covers a range of verbal, science and written questions and is twice as long as the GRE (Graduate Record Exam). To be accepted for admission by a medical school, you need to have a competitive score on this test; each section is scored separately from 1 to 15, with 15 being the highest. There are several courses you need to have completed in college to do well on this test.
Math
Although there is no math on the MCAT, medical schools expect you to have studied all levels of math up to pre-calculus. A few schools require that you study calculus as well, so double-check with the schools that you're applying to.
Biology
Not only do medical schools require that you study biology for two years, but the MCAT also has a section dedicated to assessing your knowledge and understanding of biology. The biology section is 100 minutes long and contains about 100 questions on basic biology and organic chemistry concepts, analytical reasoning and data interpretation.
Chemistry and Physics
Nearly all medical schools expect you to take one year of general chemistry and one year of organic chemistry, both with a lab component, as well as one year of general physics with labs. The MCAT contains has a physical sciences section 100 minutes long, evaluating your comprehension of basic general chemistry and physics concepts, analytical reasoning and data interpretation.
Verbal and Writing
Because the verbal section of the MCAT is 85 minutes long with 85 questions and the writing section is 60 minutes long with two essay questions, you should take courses that will adequately prepare you for those challenges. Classes in literature and writing, where you are expected to approach a text with critical thinking and answer essay questions with a complex but organized flow of ideas, will be helpful in preparing for these sections of the test.
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