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What is the most beneficial pre-med major?
Hi! I hear that common pre-med majors are biology, biomedical sciences, kinesiology, etc., but was wondering what the most helpful one was? Thanks!
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Dillon’s Answer
It all depends on what you enjoy and how much work you're comfortable doing. It's true that biology, biomed, etc. are the most common, but it can make it difficult to stand out in the crowd at times. Medical schools love variety in applicants. If you want to go medicine, you don't necessarily need to pick one of the "classic" bio majors. Two of my classmates in medical school are music majors. I always suggest majoring in what you love. The main problem with majoring in something that is not the classic bio majors is you still have to do required classes for medical schools.
The most streamlined medical school major is usually biomedical sciences. I would just say don't be afraid to branch out a bit if your interests lie a bit outside the box.
The most streamlined medical school major is usually biomedical sciences. I would just say don't be afraid to branch out a bit if your interests lie a bit outside the box.
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Danuta’s Answer
Remember, your choice of major doesn't necessarily affect your chances of getting into medical school, but your premed mindset does. You could major in a variety of fields, such as music, dance, business, political science, history, philosophy, liberal arts, or earth science, and still be a strong pre-med candidate. The key is to complete the necessary prerequisites that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the MCAT and maintain a high GPA in science subjects. However, majors that are often considered ideal include human physiology, health science, behavior and health, neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering.
Medical school admission committees use a comprehensive, holistic review approach. They thoroughly examine an applicant's academic record, including MCAT and GPA scores, as well as extracurricular activities like clinical experiences with direct patient contact, volunteer service, and research experience in an academic or R&D setting.
It's also crucial to build positive relationships with faculty and individuals you'll interact with during internships or other hands-on experiences. Why? Because these individuals can provide valuable references by writing letters of recommendation for you.
Medical school admission committees use a comprehensive, holistic review approach. They thoroughly examine an applicant's academic record, including MCAT and GPA scores, as well as extracurricular activities like clinical experiences with direct patient contact, volunteer service, and research experience in an academic or R&D setting.
It's also crucial to build positive relationships with faculty and individuals you'll interact with during internships or other hands-on experiences. Why? Because these individuals can provide valuable references by writing letters of recommendation for you.
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Biology. After all you aim to be a life scientist.
I 100% agree with Dillon. The prereqs are a necessity to take before applying to medical school.
Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Daphne,
The Optimal Pre-Med Major for You:
Biomedical Sciences
For those with their sights set on a career in medicine, selecting the right pre-med major can be a pivotal decision. While many students gravitate towards majors like biology or kinesiology, biomedical sciences emerge as an exceptionally advantageous choice. Here's why:
Holistic Understanding: Biomedical sciences bring together a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physiology, and genetics. This all-encompassing approach equips students with a thorough knowledge of the human body and its workings - a key to succeeding in medical school.
Medical Relevance: Biomedical sciences delve into the scientific foundations of medical practice. As a student of this major, you'll gain a deep understanding of medicine-related topics like pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology.
Research Exposure: As a biomedical sciences major, you'll often get the chance to participate in research in labs or clinical settings. This hands-on experience not only sharpens your critical thinking skills but also lets you contribute to medical advancements.
Medical School Readiness: The biomedical sciences curriculum aligns well with the prerequisites for medical school admission. It prepares you for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and lays a strong scientific foundation for your medical school journey.
Career Versatility: A biomedical sciences degree opens doors to a range of careers beyond medical school. You could explore opportunities in research, healthcare administration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and more.
While majors like biology also lay a good foundation for medical studies, biomedical sciences offer a more specialized focus on medicine and healthcare-related topics. However, the best pre-med major for you will ultimately depend on your personal interests, strengths, and career aspirations.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - AAMC offers useful resources and guidelines for future medical students about pre-med education requirements and effective practices.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - NIH provides insights into biomedical research opportunities and the value of interdisciplinary approaches in health-related fields.
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) - ASBMB sheds light on the role of biomedical sciences in enhancing our understanding of health and disease at a molecular level.
These sources were referred to ensure that the information provided about the best pre-med major is accurate and trustworthy.
May God Bless You!
JC.
The Optimal Pre-Med Major for You:
Biomedical Sciences
For those with their sights set on a career in medicine, selecting the right pre-med major can be a pivotal decision. While many students gravitate towards majors like biology or kinesiology, biomedical sciences emerge as an exceptionally advantageous choice. Here's why:
Holistic Understanding: Biomedical sciences bring together a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physiology, and genetics. This all-encompassing approach equips students with a thorough knowledge of the human body and its workings - a key to succeeding in medical school.
Medical Relevance: Biomedical sciences delve into the scientific foundations of medical practice. As a student of this major, you'll gain a deep understanding of medicine-related topics like pharmacology, pathology, and microbiology.
Research Exposure: As a biomedical sciences major, you'll often get the chance to participate in research in labs or clinical settings. This hands-on experience not only sharpens your critical thinking skills but also lets you contribute to medical advancements.
Medical School Readiness: The biomedical sciences curriculum aligns well with the prerequisites for medical school admission. It prepares you for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and lays a strong scientific foundation for your medical school journey.
Career Versatility: A biomedical sciences degree opens doors to a range of careers beyond medical school. You could explore opportunities in research, healthcare administration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and more.
While majors like biology also lay a good foundation for medical studies, biomedical sciences offer a more specialized focus on medicine and healthcare-related topics. However, the best pre-med major for you will ultimately depend on your personal interests, strengths, and career aspirations.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - AAMC offers useful resources and guidelines for future medical students about pre-med education requirements and effective practices.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - NIH provides insights into biomedical research opportunities and the value of interdisciplinary approaches in health-related fields.
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) - ASBMB sheds light on the role of biomedical sciences in enhancing our understanding of health and disease at a molecular level.
These sources were referred to ensure that the information provided about the best pre-med major is accurate and trustworthy.
May God Bless You!
JC.
Thank you!
Daphne
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
During my dentistry college days, I was advised to begin my journey with biology. This subject acts as a sturdy foundation, equipping you with all the essential knowledge relevant to the fields you might choose to explore in the future.
Moreover, if you have a specific interest in a more specialized area like becoming a fitness trainer or starting your own gym, for instance, starting with kinesiology could be beneficial. This subject could provide you with the specialized knowledge needed if you decide to switch to that field.
The strategy is to start with a broad subject like biology, which can be adjusted as your career goals and path demand.
Moreover, if you have a specific interest in a more specialized area like becoming a fitness trainer or starting your own gym, for instance, starting with kinesiology could be beneficial. This subject could provide you with the specialized knowledge needed if you decide to switch to that field.
The strategy is to start with a broad subject like biology, which can be adjusted as your career goals and path demand.
Updated
Jolie A.’s Answer
Hi Daphne,
Most people will say something in the sciences. (I was a biology major and had a minor in chemistry.) However, I agree with Dillon above. Do what you love and then you will take all the pre-med classes you need as well (all the science stuff). When I was in medical school, there were so many diverse students. Some were history majors, art majors and math majors. One of my classmates was already a lawyer.
I have been looking at medical student applications my entire career and I can tell you that it is notable when someone does NOT have a degree in the sciences. It shows that you have other interests and can be flexible in your thinking.
The only advantage to getting a degree in the sciences is that some of the material in medical school will be review (not much though).
Good luck and follow your heart!
Most people will say something in the sciences. (I was a biology major and had a minor in chemistry.) However, I agree with Dillon above. Do what you love and then you will take all the pre-med classes you need as well (all the science stuff). When I was in medical school, there were so many diverse students. Some were history majors, art majors and math majors. One of my classmates was already a lawyer.
I have been looking at medical student applications my entire career and I can tell you that it is notable when someone does NOT have a degree in the sciences. It shows that you have other interests and can be flexible in your thinking.
The only advantage to getting a degree in the sciences is that some of the material in medical school will be review (not much though).
Good luck and follow your heart!
Dr. Limon is correct. It is so refreshing when the physician is well-rounded and versed in the non-science areas and can hold a conversation with their patient on many topics. Imagine a doctor with an artistic mind who enjoys conversation with their patient about art and music. How fun!
Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS