Can someone tell me more about the pre-medicine major?

Hi all, I'm thinking about a career in medicine and am wondering about the pre-med major. What exactly does it entail? And is it the best choice for someone aiming for med school, or are there other undergraduate majors that could serve me just as well or better?

The pre-med program isn't actually a 'major' in the traditional sense, but rather a set of courses that prepare you for applying to medical school. Pre-med tracks typically include foundational courses in biology, chemistry (both general and organic), physics, and math. Depending on the institution, the track may include courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics as well.

A significant aspect of a pre-med track is achieving a strong GPA, especially in the science coursework, as medical school admissions committees heavily weight grades and MCAT scores. Alongside the coursework, students typically seek out experiences such as shadowing, internships, or volunteering in healthcare settings to build a competitive application for medical school.

However, while many aspiring doctors opt to major in hard sciences like biology or chemistry to coincide with their pre-med coursework, it's important to know that, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), there's no 'best' major for med school. In fact, some studies suggest that non-science majors have slightly higher acceptance rates into medical schools.

What matters most is achieving a high GPA, excelling on the MCAT, gaining relevant experiences, and completing the prerequisite coursework required by the medical schools you're applying to. For instance, if you’re deeply interested in a field other than science—like philosophy, English, or sociology—you might consider choosing that as your major while completing the premed coursework. This path could allow you to follow passions or strengths while demonstrating your academic flexibility and well-roundedness.

In summary, being a pre-med student means you've planned out your undergraduate courses to meet medical school prerequisites, and your academic and extracurricular activities with a goal of admission to medical school. It's important to choose an undergraduate major in a field you are genuinely interested in and passionate about, which will help you both maintain a strong GPA and enjoy your undergraduate years.