I'm a junior looking to go into the medical field after college, and I was wondering if I can actually major in pre-med? Or do I need to choose a different major and just fulfill pre-med requirements through my coursework?
Pre-med is not a major itself but rather a track or a set of prerequisites that you'll need to complete alongside your chosen major to be prepared for medical school. It's important to know that you don't have to major in a science-related field to be on the pre-med track. You can major in any subject you're passionate about, as long as you fulfill the required coursework to prepare for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and meet medical school prerequisites.
Common pre-med requirements typically include courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and sometimes calculus or statistics. Medical schools value well-rounded students with diverse academic backgrounds, so feel free to explore majors that interest you, whether it's in humanities, social sciences, or STEM.
One advantage of choosing a non-science major is that it may set you apart from other medical school applicants who tend to have majors in traditional science fields, such as biology or chemistry. Additionally, it demonstrates your ability to think critically and engage with various subject areas, which are valuable skills in the medical profession.
When selecting your major, consider your interests, how well it aligns with your goals, and how manageable it will be to fulfill the pre-med requirements along with your chosen major's coursework. Consulting with a pre-med advisor at your future college or university can help you determine the best path as you navigate the pre-med track and your major.
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