What 3 Subjects Do You Need To Become A Doctor?

What 3 Subjects Do You Need To Become A Doctor?

Thinking about becoming a medical doctor? A medical doctor is a professional who helps promote, maintain, and restore health. They do this by studying, diagnosing, and treating diseases, injuries, and other health problems. It’s a challenging but rewarding career that plays a crucial role in our communities and lives. To prepare for this path, having a strong educational foundation is very important. You will need to complete your Grade 12 with specific subjects that build the skills and knowledge necessary for medicine. The three key subjects you need to focus on to become a doctor are Chemistry, Life Sciences (Biology), and either Mathematics or Physics.

These subjects are essential because they teach you about the human body, chemical reactions, and develop problem-solving abilities that are essential in the medical field. Alongside these core subjects, you must also pass English, as effective communication is vital for any doctor. Doing well in these subjects will prepare you for the next important step: the entrance exams and qualifying tests required to get into medical school. By focusing on these subjects from an early stage, you set yourself up for success in your studies and future career.

Medical schools look for students who have excelled in these areas because the training to become a doctor is intense and demands a deep understanding of science and strong analytical skills. To become a doctor, you need to pass Grade 12 with Chemistry, Life Science, and either Mathematics or Physics, along with English. This strong foundation will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your medical studies and eventually start your journey to becoming a professional doctor.

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3 Subjects You Need To Become A Doctor | What 3 Subjects Do You Need To Become A Doctor?

To pursue a medical degree in South Africa, prospective students must meet specific subject requirements as set by various medical schools. The essential subjects are:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
English (either as a Home Language or First Additional Language)

While Mathematics and Physical Sciences are often mandatory, Life Sciences may be considered optional or required, depending on the institution. English is always a prerequisite, and students must achieve a minimum proficiency in either Home Language or First Additional Language. Although Life Orientation is not factored into the Admission Point Score (APS) calculation, it is still required by all universities, with a minimum passing grade of 50% (Level 4).

Medical Schools in South Africa: Admission Requirements for Aspiring Doctors

Most medical schools use the Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess applicants. The APS is determined by evaluating students’ performance in the required subjects. However, these requirements can differ between institutions. Below are the admission criteria for pursuing medical degrees at various schools in South Africa:

Wits University Medical School

Wits Medical School is another highly competitive institution for studying medicine, and its international reputation makes it a popular choice among students. Located in Johannesburg, a city where many aspire to study and work, Wits attracts a lot of attention. In addition to academic requirements, prospective students must also pass the National Benchmark Test (NBT) to be considered for admission.

NSC Requirements:

English (Home Language or First Additional Language): Level 5
Mathematics: Level 5
Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences: Level 5

Composite Index (CI) Score:

The CI Score is calculated based on the average of five NSC subjects, with a weighting of 60%, and the NBT scores, which carry a 40% weighting. The five subjects used for this calculation are:

English
Mathematics
The best of Physical Sciences or Life Sciences
The two best additional subjects

National Benchmark Test (NBT):

The NBT is mandatory for all applicants.
It must be completed by 11 August.
Only the first attempt at the NBT will be considered.
NBT results are valid for three years.

By meeting these requirements, you can increase your chances of gaining admission to Wits Medical School and taking the first step toward a rewarding career in medicine.

University of Pretoria Medical School

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria requires an Admission Point Score (APS) of 35, which is generally considered achievable. However, the admissions process remains competitive due to high demand and limited space.

Minimum NSC/IEB Requirements:

English (Home Language or First Additional Language): Level 5
Mathematics: Level 6
Physical Sciences: Level 5
Admission Point Score (APS): A minimum of 35 (Life Orientation is excluded from the APS calculation)
Grade 11 Results:
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply using their final Grade 11 results.

NSC Results:

Final NSC or equivalent results are required for applicants who have completed Grade 12.

Selection Process:

Simply meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

By understanding and fulfilling these requirements, applicants can better prepare for the competitive admissions process at the University of Pretoria Medical School.

UCT Medical School

Admission to UCT Medical School is highly competitive, primarily due to a high APS requirement and strict performance criteria in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, both of which require a minimum of 70%. Additionally, with only 240 spaces available for first-year medical students each year, securing a place is particularly challenging.

Admission Requirements at UCT Medical School:

Number of available spaces each year: 240

Minimum subject requirements:

Mathematics and Physical Sciences: 70%
English (Home or First Additional Language): 65%
Next three best subjects: 70% (excluding Life Orientation)
Sub-minimum APS: 450

Selection process:

Completion of the National Benchmark Test (NBT) is mandatory.
Admission decisions are based on a combination of academic performance and NBT results.

Stellenbosch University Medical School

Stellenbosch University has a high entry requirement for its medical program, requiring an average of 80% in Grade 11 results. With only 400 spots available for medical students, it can be particularly challenging for average students to gain admission.

Grade 11 Results:

A minimum average of 80% is required (Life Orientation is excluded from this calculation).
NSC results or equivalent qualifications are accepted for applicants who have already completed their schooling.

Selection Process:

Applicants are ranked based on academic merit.

The top 150 applicants who are South African citizens, permanent residents, or refugees are selected based on their academic performance.
Additional selections are made for Indian and Asian applicants from the Western and Northern Cape, as well as Black African and Coloured applicants from all provinces, until a total of 400 students are admitted.

National Benchmark Test (NBT):

The NBT is only used for applicants from the School of Tomorrow.
The average percentage obtained in the NBT will be considered for selection in these cases.

Understanding these requirements can help prospective students prepare effectively for their application to Stellenbosch University’s medical program.

Becoming a doctor is a complex journey that involves many different skills and knowledge. By concentrating on these three main subjects, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in medicine.

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