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What major works best for a soon to be Pre-Med student but also allows a back-up plan?

I plan on pursuing Pre-Med in college, however I must declare a major. I want to choose something that I can also rely on (like a back-up) if I decide that Medical School isn't for me. Of course, I don't plan on quitting, but I'm worried that if something were to happen then I would be stuck without a plan B (that and my advisor said we NEED a back-up plan). Then there is also the issue of looking 'unique' med schools, so probably not the generic "Biomedical" or "Biology" (I don't want my back up to be a teacher). What types of majors should I look into? #college-major #pre-med #backup

college-major pre-med backup
Thank you comment icon I completely forgot about this account, but I am already in Optometry school, almost done with my first year and I love it. Thank you for everyone who helped, and if you have any more advice feel free to add to this post, as other pre-med/ pre-health students might need it. My biggest concern when I wrote this post as a freshman in undergrad was that I didn’t have much faith in myself, and I thought I would not make it into a medical program. My advice to any pre-health is to have some faith. It’s hard work but if you do it, it will eventually pay off. Nellie
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Estelle’s Answer

To Nellie: Congratulations on getting into optometry school!

To others reading this question: Your major is not as important as your undergraduate grades, your MCAT score, your letters of reference, and your personal statements on your medical school application. For now, just focus on finding a major that really interests you in college so that you will make great grades and get strong letters of recommendation from professors that recognize your potential.
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R’s Answer

Career back up suggestions: Pre-Med could go into-- Pharmaceuticals; CSI-- type roles; Bio-Med Industry; Bio-Tech Industry... Good luck!
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Richard’s Answer

To apply to medical school, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.

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


I chose biochemistry because it had overlap with the premed requirements. But it wasn't much of a backup plan. If I hadn't been sure I wanted to go to medical school I probably would've tried chemical or biomedical engineering. That way there would still be overlap with the premed requirements but I could've gotten a job right out of college if med school didn't work out.
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Rachel’s Answer

Major in whatever field interests you and will allow you to maintain an excellent GPA. I majored in Spanish literature and had no trouble with my med school applications.

However Spanish doesn't offer much of a back up plan. Business, accounting, etc might be reasonable back ups.

You do need to complete the pre-med requirements that vary from school to school. These include at least a year of biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry. Your junior year, you will need to take an MCAT study course prior to taking the MCAT. With a solid GPA and MCAT score, you should be a competitive applicant.
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