The University's Medical School is changing it up.

Beginning with prospective students entering in 2017, the Medical School has altered the admissions requirements for its applicants. Requirements previously included a list of eight courses in subjects such as organic chemistry and biochemistry. They now consist of qualities and experiences the Medical School looks for in its students.

Most of the new prerequisites are framed more broadly: rigorous experience in the humanities, academic strength and rigor in the fields of biology, chemistry and statistical methods and analysis; demonstrable knowledge of basic physical principles; and a clear and distinct experience in intellectual inquiry and active participation in the independent discovery of new knowledge.

Though these prerequisites may seem less specific than a list of classes, Rajesh Mangrulkar, associate dean for medical student education, expressed the opposite sentiment. He said the new requirements allow the admissions office to be more specific, telling the students the exact information the Medical School needs them to know prior to matriculation. He said listing a class title does not convey that information as effectively.

When you look at a course name, do you know what youre able to do because of having taken that course? Mangrulkar asked.

Steven Gay, assistant dean for admissions, also discussed the logic behind requiring proficiency in topics rather than class credit. He said the old requirements did not take into account that students may learn necessary material outside of the conventional classroom.

We see a number of students right now with advanced degrees, or who have spent extensive time in labs, Gay said. I think we should give students the opportunity if they are learning in those innovative and different ways not to have to repeat things unnecessarily.

Mangrulkar said the new application process is meant to create a dialogue in which students can reflect on how they have earned the knowledge they need, whether it be from a class or from another experience.

The student will be able to say, alright, these are the expectations, let me reflect on what Ive done and show how these all meet those different criteria, Mangrulkar said. Thats a better way to have a conversation than what weve had in the past, which is basically a student saying I took this class, is this okay?

Gay said that, though students have the freedom to gain knowledge in unique ways under the new requirements, taking classes is still the easiest way to fulfill the prerequisites.

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Medical School to modify admissions requirements for 2017