Are medical schools open to any major for those who are applying?
I have different ideas for my undergraduate degree, so I would love to know what is suggested for medical school. #medicine #school
2 answers
Willy’s Answer
Hi Seda!
It is wonderful that you aspire to becoming a doctor, that's awesome!
First of all, It really depends on what your passion and interest when you choose what will be your major prior to entering medical school. There are a lot to choose from and I suggest that you visit this website, https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/medical-school-101/, so that you can have an idea on what requirements are needed prior to entering medical school. At the same time, you can choose what coursework you need and to see if that suits your interest. Secondly, I also suggest inquiring to the medical school you are planning to enroll and ask on what coursework and prerequisite subjects are needed in order for you to enter the medical school. Thirdly, talk to someone in your neighborhood or community who is in medical school so that you will have an idea what major in college they pursued prior to entering medical school. I hope this answer your question!
Richard’s Answer
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. I chose to major in biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters