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Brielle
Student
Lewis Center, Ohio
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What are the best majors to go pre-med?
Majors that also can be a back up if I don't get into med school
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Brielle pre-med is not a major, but a declaration. To declare your a pre-med student in college only indicates you intend to attend medical school after college and eventually become a doctor. Stating your a pre-med informs your professors and advisors of this plan to attend a medical school after you graduate, allowing them to recommend the right courses to take during your time at their university.
PRE-MED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Medical schools expect students to meet certain prerequisites before they apply. Pre-med students usually need to complete the following requirements:
• One year of biology with lab
• One year of general chemistry with lab
• One year of organic chemistry with lab
• One year of physics with lab
• Year of english
• One semester of biochemistry
• Some schools require calculus or statistics
or both
You can major in anything you wish, as long as your medical school requirements and your major requirements are completed by graduation. Choosing a major isn’t easy as a pre-med student, but your choice of major can make a difference in what schools you get into, not to mention how prepared you’ll be for your medical school coursework once you arrive.
BEST PRE-MED MAJORS
What is the best pre-med major? Biochemistry and microbiology are the most popular pre-med majors. These biological sciences focus on the way living organisms work, offering a great foundation for a medical school application. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the biological sciences leave you better prepared for the MCAT or for med school itself. It may simply be because those majors represent the path of least resistance: because the required coursework overlaps so much with med school prerequisites it’s often easiest to get a biochemistry or biology major.
However, med schools these days often look for students from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to vary their student body. So it’s possible that if you major in something aside from biology, you may be more likely to stand out to the selection committee — as long as you can get a stellar GPA and MCAT score, as well.
Hope this has been helpful Brielle
PRE-MED MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Medical schools expect students to meet certain prerequisites before they apply. Pre-med students usually need to complete the following requirements:
• One year of biology with lab
• One year of general chemistry with lab
• One year of organic chemistry with lab
• One year of physics with lab
• Year of english
• One semester of biochemistry
• Some schools require calculus or statistics
or both
You can major in anything you wish, as long as your medical school requirements and your major requirements are completed by graduation. Choosing a major isn’t easy as a pre-med student, but your choice of major can make a difference in what schools you get into, not to mention how prepared you’ll be for your medical school coursework once you arrive.
BEST PRE-MED MAJORS
What is the best pre-med major? Biochemistry and microbiology are the most popular pre-med majors. These biological sciences focus on the way living organisms work, offering a great foundation for a medical school application. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the biological sciences leave you better prepared for the MCAT or for med school itself. It may simply be because those majors represent the path of least resistance: because the required coursework overlaps so much with med school prerequisites it’s often easiest to get a biochemistry or biology major.
However, med schools these days often look for students from diverse backgrounds and skill sets to vary their student body. So it’s possible that if you major in something aside from biology, you may be more likely to stand out to the selection committee — as long as you can get a stellar GPA and MCAT score, as well.
Hope this has been helpful Brielle
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
If you're considering a pre-med track but aren't entirely sure if you want to pursue a career in medicine, it's a good idea to choose a major that not only aligns with your interests but also provides a strong foundation in case you decide to pursue medical school later. Here are some versatile majors that are commonly chosen by pre-med students:
Biology: Biology is a popular choice for pre-med students because it covers many of the prerequisites for medical school, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. It also provides a strong foundation for understanding the biological systems of the human body.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology and chemistry. It's an excellent choice for pre-med students because it covers the molecular and chemical processes that underlie biological functions.
Chemistry: A major in chemistry provides a strong background in the chemical principles that are important in medicine and pharmacology. It's also a versatile major that can lead to various career options if you decide not to pursue medical school.
Psychology: Psychology majors study human behavior, which is valuable for understanding patients' needs and providing empathetic care. It can be particularly useful for those interested in psychiatry or other mental health fields within medicine.
Neuroscience: Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, including the brain and its functions. It's a relevant major if you're interested in neurology or related medical specialties.
Biomedical Sciences: Some colleges offer majors specifically designed for pre-med students, such as biomedical sciences or health sciences. These majors often cover the core pre-medical requirements.
Health Sciences: Health sciences majors typically cover a range of health-related topics, including anatomy, physiology, and public health. They can be a good fit for pre-med students looking to explore broader aspects of healthcare.
Physics: Physics majors develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in medicine. Physics is also a required course for pre-med students.
Mathematics: While less common, a major in mathematics can provide strong analytical skills that can be applied in medical research or certain medical specialties that involve data analysis.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Don't discount majors in the humanities or social sciences. Many medical schools appreciate applicants with diverse backgrounds, and these majors can help you develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Remember that medical schools don't require a specific major, so you have flexibility in your undergraduate studies. It's important to choose a major that genuinely interests you, as this can lead to better academic performance and a more fulfilling college experience. Additionally, be sure to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school, which typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Regardless of your major, focus on maintaining a strong GPA, gaining clinical experience, and participating in extracurricular activities relevant to healthcare to enhance your medical school application.
Biology: Biology is a popular choice for pre-med students because it covers many of the prerequisites for medical school, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. It also provides a strong foundation for understanding the biological systems of the human body.
Biochemistry: Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary field that combines biology and chemistry. It's an excellent choice for pre-med students because it covers the molecular and chemical processes that underlie biological functions.
Chemistry: A major in chemistry provides a strong background in the chemical principles that are important in medicine and pharmacology. It's also a versatile major that can lead to various career options if you decide not to pursue medical school.
Psychology: Psychology majors study human behavior, which is valuable for understanding patients' needs and providing empathetic care. It can be particularly useful for those interested in psychiatry or other mental health fields within medicine.
Neuroscience: Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, including the brain and its functions. It's a relevant major if you're interested in neurology or related medical specialties.
Biomedical Sciences: Some colleges offer majors specifically designed for pre-med students, such as biomedical sciences or health sciences. These majors often cover the core pre-medical requirements.
Health Sciences: Health sciences majors typically cover a range of health-related topics, including anatomy, physiology, and public health. They can be a good fit for pre-med students looking to explore broader aspects of healthcare.
Physics: Physics majors develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in medicine. Physics is also a required course for pre-med students.
Mathematics: While less common, a major in mathematics can provide strong analytical skills that can be applied in medical research or certain medical specialties that involve data analysis.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Don't discount majors in the humanities or social sciences. Many medical schools appreciate applicants with diverse backgrounds, and these majors can help you develop strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Remember that medical schools don't require a specific major, so you have flexibility in your undergraduate studies. It's important to choose a major that genuinely interests you, as this can lead to better academic performance and a more fulfilling college experience. Additionally, be sure to fulfill the prerequisites for medical school, which typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Regardless of your major, focus on maintaining a strong GPA, gaining clinical experience, and participating in extracurricular activities relevant to healthcare to enhance your medical school application.