Pre-Med - Which Major?

I've got my eyes on medical school after college, and I'm not sure what major to select. What's the best college major for aspiring doctors? Any current Pre-meds or Med students who can chime in here?

While the choice of major can certainly play a role in your preparation for medical school, it shouldn't dictate your entire undergraduate experience. The most important aspect is to choose a major that genuinely interests you and in which you can excel academically. Remember, medical schools value diverse perspectives, and applicants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds.

Interestingly, the most common majors for pre-med students are in the Biological and Physical Sciences, likely because these majors overlap significantly with pre-med prerequisites (like biology, chemistry, physics, and math). However, the success rate for medical school admissions is similarly high for Humanities majors and Social Science majors, indicating that medical schools value well-rounded applicants. Medical schools appreciate students who can display a wide-ranging skill set that includes humanities-related areas like critical thinking and communication, not just scientific expertise.

For instance, a major in English or History could serve to enhance your critical reading and writing skills, qualities that would prove beneficial in your medical career. Choose something you love, and also think about how it might contribute to your unique perspective as a future physician.

Finally, regardless of your major, med schools will still require you to fulfill certain science prerequisites. Thus, you'll need to be ready to take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, no matter what.

In conclusion, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer for a pre-med major. Go with what you find genuinely engaging and invigorating! Just ensure you're also satisfying the necessary pre-medical curriculum on the side.