For all you pre-med students out there - I'm currently a junior and planning on becoming a doctor. Which major would you suggest is best to prep for med school? Do you believe a science-related major is a must or can a non-science major also succeed?
You're thinking about an important aspect of your pre-med journey: your major. It's important to keep in mind that medical schools generally do not prioritize one major over another. What they typically look for is mastery and understanding in the pre-requisite subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, as well as an overall strong GPA.
Given this, you can choose a science-related or a non-science major, as long as you fulfill all of the required pre-med coursework. What's important is that you choose a major that interests you, because when you are interested in a subject, you are more likely to perform well academically, which is crucial for a competitive med school application.
Many students do choose science-related majors, such as Biology or Biochemistry because there can be overlap with the pre-med requirements. Pursuing a science major can also help strengthen your scientific foundation which may be beneficial for the MCAT and once you're in medical school.
However, non-science majors can definitely still succeed and bring unique perspectives to medicine. For instance, a major in Sociology or Anthropology could provide valuable insights about cultural aspects of healthcare, while a major in English or History could help enhance your communication and critical thinking skills which are important in healthcare.
So, ultimately, the best major for you would be one that you truly enjoy and in which you can excel academically, while also fulfilling the pre-requisites for med school. Do what suits you best and what you think will equip you with the skills and knowledge to be a successful future doctor.
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