Hey folks, I plan on applying to med school after my undergrad years. While I understand that I could major in anything theoretically, are there some majors that might give me an edge when it comes to med school applications?
While it is true that medical schools accept students from a vast variety of undergraduate majors, certain disciplines tend to cover the prerequisite coursework in a more integrated manner. Here are some commonly chosen majors by pre-med students:
1. Biology or Biochemistry: These are perennial favorites among pre-med students. They offer numerous opportunities to learn about the living world in depth and provide a solid foundation in subjects that you'll delve deeper into during medical school such as genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry.
2. Chemistry: A major in chemistry will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the chemical reactions and molecular structures which form the underpinning for much of modern medicine.
3. Neuroscience: This could be an interesting choice if you're interested in specialties like neurology, psychiatry, or neurosurgery.
4. Biomedical Engineering: Quite popular in recent times, biomedical engineering cements your understanding of how technology and medicine can coexist. This can be invaluable, given the increasing reliance on technology in the medical field.
5. Humanities or Social Sciences: It might seem counterintuitive, but these majors are rising in popularity among pre-med students. A liberal arts education can provide critical thinking and communication skills, a broad understanding of societal issues, and other competencies beneficial to doctors. Examples include majors like English, sociology, and psychology.
In the end, it's important to choose a major that truly interests you, as this will likely result in higher grades (important for med school admission) and give you the chance to explore a discipline in depth before you shift your focus to medicine. It's equally important to remember that regardless of your major, there will be certain prerequisite courses in the sciences that you'll need to take to apply to most medical schools, so it's essential to make room for these in your academic planning.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.