Individuals with a General Education Diploma, GED, can enroll into a four-year college or university in preparation for their medical school training. The road to medical school involves several preliminary steps. Prospective students must first complete their four-year undergraduate degree in any field. Some students enroll in premedical programs; however, a premedical degree does not guarantee admission into medical school. GED holders applying to medical school should have a strong background in mathematics and science.

Prospective students with a GED should take the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) proficiency examinations. Both tests are designed to evaluate a candidate’s college-level proficiency. Individuals who earn top scores on these tests increase their chances of being admitted into their first-choice colleges. Individuals with a GED should enroll in an accredited college or university. In addition to requiring SAT or ACT test scores, some colleges may require minimum GED scores.

Undergraduate or Premedical Degree

GED holders who successfully meet their undergraduate admission requirements can major in any field as long as they take prerequisite courses for medical school such as mathematics, biology, anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. Students who choose a premedical major will be well prepared for medical school. Premedical coursework includes topics in the biological sciences, physics, organic chemistry and biochemistry. In addition to preparing students for medical school, premedical degrees are designed to prepare students for the Medical College Admissions Test or MCAT.

Medical School Requirements

In their final year, undergraduate students are advised to prepare for their MCAT test. The MCAT is a standardized test that is used to evaluate a candidate’s critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills. The test also measures a candidate’s knowledge of scientific concepts as it relates to the medical field. All medical schools in the U.S. require applicants to submit their MCAT test scores as a part of their admissions criteria.

Considerations

GED tests are ideal alternatives for individuals who wish to attend college but are unable to go back to high school and complete their coursework. GED scores help college admissions officials determine whether a candidate’s academic level meets the standard requirements for high school graduates. Individuals with low GED test scores should consider enrolling in a two-year community college to satisfy their premedical coursework requirements by taking courses in mathematics and science. After completing a two-year program at a community college, GED holders can apply to four-year colleges or universities and earn a bachelor’s degree.