Navigating pre-med majors

Quick question - if I'm planning on going pre-med, what major would be best for me? I know medicine is quite interdisciplinary, but I want a major that'll align well with med school prerequisites, and even beyond that.

The choice of major for a pre-med student actually offers a lot of flexibility. Many people might think that biology or chemistry is the default go-to major for a pre-med student, and it's true that these majors align well with the prerequisites for medical schools. These fields cover a lot of the material you would encounter in the MCAT and in your early years of medical school.

However, it's important to remember that med schools admit students from a broad range of majors. In fact, some medical schools appreciate diversity in educational backgrounds as it can contribute to a broader perspective within the medical field. For example, if you major in English or a social science like psychology, you will improve your written and verbal communication skills, essential to patient interaction and understanding human behavior.

A major in public health can help you understand healthcare systems and policies, which is increasingly relevant in today's medical field. Alternatively, if you are interested in the technological aspects of health care, a major in Biomedical engineering might be the best fit for you.

It's key to bear in mind that regardless of your major, you'll still need to take certain prerequisite courses (usually biochemistry, biology, physics, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry) to apply to most medical schools.

The most important thing is to choose a major you are genuinely interested in. This will reflect positively in your GPA, and med schools do take note of how passionate you are about your field of study. It's about balancing your interests with the necessary prerequisites for a successful application and being able to demonstrate a unique perspective in healthcare.