The Best Majors for Medical School
So you鈥檝e set your sights on a career in medicine, a noble pursuit that demands both passion and dedication. But before you dive headfirst into textbooks on anatomy and physiology, a crucial question arises: what major should you choose? For many aspiring doctors, the path to medical school seems to be paved with science degrees. But is that truly the only option?
This blog post shatters the myth of the 鈥減re-med major鈥� and explores the exciting possibilities that lie beyond the traditional science route. We鈥檒l discuss the factors medical schools prioritize, show successful non-science majors who鈥檝e aced their admissions, and explore the strengths these diverse backgrounds bring to the medical field. This blog will provide you with the knowledge to choose the major that best sets you on the path to becoming a well-rounded and exceptional doctor.
Choosing a College Major for the Medical School
While your interests are important, aspiring doctors also need to consider the long journey ahead: the MCAT exam, medical school applications, and ultimately, a fulfilling medical career. A crucial first step is your bachelor鈥檚 degree, and that means picking a major.
This decision can be difficult, and for pre-med students, the pressure can feel even greater. Here are some key factors to consider for a well-informed choice:
- Pre-med coursework: Traditionally, pre-med students take specific science courses to prepare for medical school. These aren鈥檛 major, but you鈥檒l still need to choose one. Talk to your advisor to ensure your coursework incorporates the prerequisites for medical school applications, typically biology, chemistry, math, and physics.
- Biology major or not?: Biology is the most popular major for med school applicants, followed by physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. While a traditional STEM major like biology might seem like the way to go, the AAMC (American Association of Medical Colleges) data shows a significant number of medical students come from diverse backgrounds, including liberal arts and humanities. Consider all the factors before settling on biology.
- Interests and passions: Medical school requires dedication. Burnout is a real risk, and you don鈥檛 want to spend four years studying something you dislike. If you love biology or chemistry, the decision is easy. But for many, it鈥檚 not. Take time to choose a major that aligns with your passions and strengths. Studying something you enjoy can fuel your motivation throughout the medical school journey.
- Relevant knowledge and skills: If you choose a non-science major, consider how it aligns with the pre-med courses you need for the MCAT and medical school applications. Also, think about how your major aligns with your broader professional goals. Do you want to be a doctor providing direct patient care, specialize in epidemiology, or work in community health? Even pre-med students with non-traditional majors should work with their advisors to incorporate as many pre-med courses as possible.
- Course rigor and GPA: Admissions officers look for students with the academic ability to succeed in medical school. GPA is a major factor, with the average entering student having a 3.72 GPA (according to the AMA, American Medical Association). However, the grades you earn in the most relevant and challenging science courses may matter even more. Choose a major that allows you to take rigorous courses and maintain strong grades in both pre-med and non-science courses.
- MCAT relevance: Though you won鈥檛 take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) until the end of your undergraduate degree, the classes you take should help you prepare for the types of knowledge it tests. The MCAT covers biological and chemical foundations, psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior, chemical and physical foundations of biological systems, and reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
While you won鈥檛 take all the relevant MCAT prep courses as an undergraduate, consider how your major can help you prepare for topics like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and research methods and statistics.
- Career goals: Medical school is just the beginning! Consi