The Brown Premed Track: Tips for Success

Thinking about going premed at Brown University? Good news—you’ll definitely be in good hands. Even though Brown doesn’t offer a specific “premed” major, the school has tons of support to help you get everything you need for med school.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what it’s really like to be a premed at Brown. You’ll learn how to choose the right courses, what support systems are available, when to take the MCAT, and how to build a strong med school application.

• The Premed Track at Brown University
• Brown Premed Requirements
• Brown Premed Suggested Timelines
• How to Pick the Right Courses at Brown
• Academic Resources at Brown for Premed Students
• What Is the Best Major for a Brown Premed?
• What Med Schools Care About
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

The Premed Track at Brown University

According to U.S. News & World Report, Brown is ranked #13 in the 2025 Best Colleges list. But getting in isn’t exactly easy. Brown is an Ivy League school, and it’s super competitive. Only about 5% of applicants got accepted into the Class of 2028. That’s 2,521 students out of nearly 49,000.

Still, don’t let those numbers freak you out—especially if you’re set on doing premed at Brown. A lot of people apply without really being prepared or meeting the full requirements.

One of the coolest things Brown offers is the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). It’s an eight-year program that lets you earn your undergrad degree and then go straight into Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School—no need to reapply for med school after college.

Another big plus is Brown’s Open Curriculum. You get the freedom to take classes that genuinely interest you, all while checking off the courses you need for med school. It’s a great way to explore different subjects and build a well-rounded education that can really help you down the line as a future doctor.

So, even though Brown doesn’t have a set “premed” major, you’ll still find tons of support. From customized advising to recommended classes and programs like PLME, Brown gives you everything you need to stay on track for med school.

Brown Premed Requirements

Brown has a Health Careers Advising (HCA) department just for students interested in health-related paths. They’ll walk you through the whole med school application process.

On top of that, they suggest specific classes that work well for premed students. The only exception is if you’re in the PLME program, in which case you can focus more on liberal arts during undergrad. Even so, it’s smart to check in with the med schools you aim for to see if they have extra course recommendations.

We’ve pulled all that info together into an easy-to-read table to help you out.

When you look at the course table, you’ll notice that no two premed paths at Brown are exactly alike. Even if students take similar classes, their schedules can look pretty different. That’s the beauty of the Open Curriculum. It gives you the freedom to build a path that fits you. Here are a few quick things to keep in mind about the courses listed:

• Biology. If you don’t have AP credit in Biology, you’ll start with BIOL 0200. Even if you do have AP credit, we still suggest taking two biology courses with labs, since a lot of med schools don’t count AP credit to meet the requirement.
• Chemistry. Start your chemistry courses early. AP credit won’t replace any classes, but it helps decide if you’ll begin with CHEM 0100 or jump into CHEM 0330. Some med schools might want a 5-course chem sequence, so make sure to check the schools you’re aiming for. Most students take a 4-course sequence:
  • General Chem: CHEM 0330 (or 0100 → 0330)
  • Organic Chem: CHEM 0350 and 0360 (must take both!)
  • Biochemistry: BIOL 0280 (this one has no lab)
• Calculus/Statistics. Take two math courses, ideally Calculus first, then Statistics. Even with AP credit, it’s smart to take at least one college math class. Since Brown doesn’t have a stats department, choose a stats course from any field that fits your interests.
• Physics. You’ll need to complete a full physics sequence. Most students go with PHYS 0030/0040, or another approved sequence. If you’re going into Engineering, you can meet the requirements with ENGN 0040 and ENGN 0510.
• English. Take two semesters of English, either through the English department or through other departments—just make sure the courses are focused mainly on composition or literature. They can’t just be writing-heavy classes on other topics.
• Psychology & Sociology. Since the MCAT added a section on social sciences in 2015, some med schools now require at least one psych and one soc course. To be safe (and prepared), take intro classes in psych, sociology, anthropology, or public health. These will help with your MCAT and make your med school apps stronger.

We’ve listed the common premed courses most medical schools ask for, but here’s something to keep in mind: every school can have its own set of requirements. That’s why it’s super important to double-check the specific courses needed by the schools you plan to apply to.

Brown Premed Suggested Timelines

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for getting into a healthcare career and that’s totally okay. Your path should reflect what works best for you, based on your interests, goals, and how you want to spend your time in college.

Everyone’s journey looks a little different, but to give you a starting point, we’ve put together two sample timelines. One is for students planning to take a gap year before med school, and the other is for those who want to go straight in. If you’re taking more than one gap year, or if you decided on healthcare later on, feel free to adjust these timelines or create your own.

Applying without a gap year

This timeline is for students who plan to start their premed courses right after graduating high school:

Applying after a gap year

This timeline is for students who plan to take a gap year before starting pre-medical school:

How to Pick the Right Courses at Brown

There’s no single “right” way to do premed at Brown. Most Brown premeds take the same core bio and chem classes, but when it comes to math, physics, and other electives, there’s room to choose based on your interests and your concentration.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while planning your schedule:

• Your concentration requirements. These are the courses you need to graduate. Some may double as premed requirements, which can help streamline your schedule.
• Premed prerequisites. A few premed courses (like Organic Chem) have their own prerequisites, so make sure to check what you need to take first.
• MCAT prep and timing. If you’re planning to take a gap year before med school, you’ll have more time to space things out and take the MCAT later. This can help take some pressure off.
• Course load balance. Don’t load up on too many tough classes in one semester. Spread them out so things stay manageable and you avoid burnout.

At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a schedule that fits your goals, keeps you on track for med school, and still leaves space for exploring what you love. A little planning goes a long way and you don’t have to do it alone. Brown’s Health Careers Advising team is there to help you map it out.

Academic Resources at Brown for Premed Students

As a premed at Brown, keeping your grades strong—especially in your science classes—is a big deal. A lot of it comes down to picking the right courses at the right time and keeping your schedule balanced.

Still, even with a solid plan, there might be times when you feel stuck, stressed, or just unsure about your next move. That’s totally normal, and Brown has a bunch of great resources to help you out:

• Health Careers Peer Advisors. These are upperclassmen who’ve been in your shoes. They’re a great resource, especially during your first two years, if you need help picking classes or figuring out your path to med school.
• Academic advising. Your academic advisor is your go-to for big-picture planning. They’ll help you choose the right courses, map out your degree, and make sure you’re hitting all the right prerequisites.
• The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning. Need help with writing or science classes? This center offers tutoring, writing support, and even help with English if it’s not your first language.
• Curricular Resource Center (CRC). The CRC is awesome for academic coaching, one-on-one tutoring (especially around midterms and finals), and stress management workshops. It’s a helpful space when you just need a little extra support.

What Is the Best Major for a Brown Premed?

There’s no single “best” major for a Brown premed—and that’s one of the best things about Brown. Thanks to the Open Curriculum, you can major in just about anything, as long as you complete the required premed courses alongside it.

So, what should you pick? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you figure it out:

• Science majors (like Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry). Many required premed courses overlap with the concentration, which can make scheduling easier. Classes can be intense, so plan your semesters carefully to avoid burnout.
• Non-science majors (like English, History, or Public Policy). Medical schools love well-rounded applicants with strong communication and critical thinking skills. A unique major can help you stand out. You’ll still need to fit in all the premed science courses on top of your major, so planning ahead is key.

At Brown, you’re not limited to a science major just because you’re premed. In fact, choosing something you’re genuinely passionate about can help you stay motivated and do better overall.

What Med Schools Care About

When you’re on the premed path, it’s natural to wonder what medical schools are actually looking for. The good news is that it’s not a mystery—there are a few key things that almost every med school values. Here’s what you’ll want to focus on as you prepare your application:

• A strong GPA, especially in your science courses
• Completion of all required premed courses
• An excellent MCAT score
• Meaningful experience in clinical work, research, and volunteering
• A clear and genuine reason for wanting to become a doctor

Medical schools want to know that you can handle the academic demands of their program, so your GPA matters—a lot. They pay especially close attention to your science GPA, which includes courses like biology, chemistry, and physics. Doing well in these classes shows admissions committees that you have a strong foundation for medical training.

That said, they also care about your overall GPA, so it’s important to stay consistent across all your classes. You should aim for a GPA of 3.5 or higher to stay competitive for top medical schools. It’s especially important to get A’s and B’s in science classes, since admissions committees look closely at those grades to see if you’re ready for the rigors of med school.

In addition to grades, med schools expect you to complete a specific set of prerequisite courses. These usually include biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, math, English, and often biochemistry.

You’ll also need to do well on the MCAT, the standardized exam that tests your understanding of key science concepts, as well as your problem-solving and reasoning skills. To get into top medical schools in the U.S., students usually need high MCAT scores. Most accepted applicants score between 510 and 528, with the average around 518 to 520.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Brown have a specific premed track?

​Brown University doesn’t offer a designated premed major or track. Instead, students have the flexibility to choose any concentration while completing the necessary coursework for medical school applications.

2. When should I take the MCAT?

Take the MCAT after you’ve finished (or are close to finishing) your core premed courses like bio, chem, physics, and biochem. Most students take it in spring or summer of junior year. If you’re taking a gap year, you can take it later. Just be sure to give yourself a few months to study when things aren’t too hectic.

3. Does Brown have a medical school?

​Yes, Brown University has a medical school called the Warren Alpert Medical School, located in Providence, Rhode Island. Established in 1811, it was the third medical school in New England, following Harvard and Dartmouth.

4. What is Brown’s medical school acceptance rate?

​The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University is highly competitive, with a recent acceptance rate of approximately 1.7%. For the Class of 2028, there were 8,315 applicants, 366 interviews conducted, and 144 students matriculated. The median overall GPA for admitted students was 3.83, and the average MCAT score was 515.

Takeaways

Exploring the premed path at Brown gives you a real sense of how much freedom and support the university offers. The Open Curriculum allows you to shape your experience in a way that fits your interests and goals, all while completing the necessary steps to apply to medical school.

• • There’s no official “premed track” at Brown. Instead of a fixed program, you build your own path with help from advisors and peer mentors.
  • You don’t need to be a science major to be premed. At Brown, you can major in anything you’re passionate about, as long as you complete the required premed courses.

• Support is everywhere. Between academic advisors, Health Careers Peer Advisors, the Sheridan Center, and the Curricular Resource Center, you’ll have plenty of help.
• Med schools look beyond grades. Yes, a strong GPA and MCAT score are important, but med schools also want to see clinical experience, research, volunteering, and a clear, personal reason for choosing medicine.
• Thinking about Brown for premed? Maximize your chances of getting into your dream school by partnering with a college admissions expert to ensure you’re fully prepared.