What's the best major for someone who wants to be a doctor? Is it better to go pre-med or does it matter?
I want to be a doctor and I am having trouble deciding if I should go pre-med or do another major. #college #doctor #career #college-major #biology #pre-med #major
2 answers
Keith Sun, MA, NCC
Keith’s Answer
What a field to pick, becoming a doctor! I admire your ambition and I wish you the best in that direction. As far as the best major, there really is no preference in medical school admissions as to what major you choose. Some students choose a science major as it makes it easier to fulfill certain science requirements and get reference letters. Some students have multiple interests and love studying something else as a way to be well-rounded. Others consider it beneficial to major in something different in case they change their mind about medicine.
Lisa’s Answer
Hi There,
I think it is important to know that medical school is highly selective and competitive. While there is no rule about the best major, it will most likely be more difficult to get admitted to a medical school, even with good grades, without your pre-med coursework completed and some work experience (research or hands on) in the medical field. Also, you yourself need to take the Biology and Physics, etc in order to learn whether you enjoy and do well in them before applying to medical school. How else will you and a medical school know that you want to be a doctor? I suggest, taking your Liberal Arts and some Pre-med at the same time while in college, so that you can make a decision by your junior year.