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Is it better to go into a pre-med program or major in anything I like as long as I take the prerequisite courses for med school?

I'm currently in undergrad in my second year and am in the process of changing my major. I wanted to know if it really matters what I major in when it comes to applying for med school. Can me not taking pre-med put me at a disadvantage? #doctor #medicine #college-major

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Catherine’s Answer

Hi! It is really up to you, but this question has a bunch of answers that could help you: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/20972/is-it-necessary-to-be-in-a-pre-medicine-program-during-undergraduate-school-in-order-to-attend-medical-school?page=1#20994


Personally, I would major in something you really, really enjoy so that those classes are easy while you focus on the harder pre-med requisites.


You will not be at a disadvantage; in fact, it might put you at an advantage when you apply to medical school if you have something different to offer than the typical pre-med student.
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Gregory’s Answer

You can major in anything, as long as you meet the prerequisites for medical school. I would recommend majoring in a subject that interests you, but will also compliment your career as a doctor.
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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
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Candace’s Answer

You can do either as long as you get your prerequisites. If you are unsure, I think speaking with your college pre-med advisor would be of benefit. I went the traditional route and was a pre-med major so I'm not sure how much harder/easier it is if you choose another major and try to get all the prerequisites. Good luck with everything and ultimately do what is a best fit for you!
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