The Best Pre-Med Major for You

So whats the best pre-med major?

Your major can have a huge impact on your medical school applications.

Your chosen major can:

Define your undergraduate grades
Effect the amount of time you can dedicate to extracurriculars
Show your ability to successful in medical school
Make you stand out on your applications.
Shape you as a person.

So What Major Should You pick?

Common Majors
The Hard Science Myth
The Best Pre-Med Major is…

Common Majors

Some of the most common majors pre-meds pick include:

Biology

Biochemistry

Chemistry

Neuroscience

Why do people choose these pre-med majors?

1. They satisfy many of the requirements needed to apply for medical school.

This is the reason a lot of pre-meds choose to major in biology.

Almost all of the pre-med requirements are already included in the curriculum. This makes it “easier” to finish your major and all the pre-med requirements in 4 years.

2. People who are interested in becoming a physician are interested in science.

I will say that at the end of the day, I absolutely loved my upper level biology classes. Taking anatomy and human physiology fascinated me and solidified my interest in becoming a physician. My highest grades were also in my biology classes because I truly loved what I was learning.

3. Your performance in the “hard sciences” can reflect your ability to be successful in medical school.

In some ways, this idea is true. Medical schools do look at your performance in difficult science classes such as biochemistry to assess your ability to cope with the medical school curriculum.

However, the common idea that you have to major in the “hard sciences” to get into medical school is a myth.

The Hard Science Myth

In hindsight, many medical students that I’ve talked to have thought about what life would have been like if we’d chosen a different major as an undergraduate.

Why?

First, because a 4.0 looks better than a 3.6 whether it’s from a “hard science” or a humanities major.

Second, because a different major could have allowed a better work-life balance while in college.

College is a unique time in your life. I recommend trying to enjoy it as much as you can!

Many pre-meds believe the common myth that we need to be a science major to get into medical school.

Now that I’ve gone through the application process… I’ve seen that you can be any major and get into medical school.

Many of my medical school classmates and friends who go to medical schools all over the country DID NOT major in a “hard science.”

However, if you just truly love science and can’t think of majoring in anything else then major in it!

Just know you don’t have to if you’d like to learn about something else before starting medical school.

So What’s Actually the Best Pre-Med Major?

The best pre-med major is:

1. A major that you enjoy and would want to learn about for 4 years.

This by far the most important factor in choosing a major.

College is a time to expand your perspective and grow as a person.

It’s your experience so study what you want to. It’ll take a little work to fit in your pre-med requirements but it’s doable!

(Check out my article on choosing your MCAT date for info on Pre-Med classes I’d recommend taking).

Also, if you love your major, it’ll show on your application and in your interviews.

Medical schools want to see your unique passions and interests.

2. A major you know you can get good grades in.

This should NOT be a huge factor in deciding your major but it is something to consider if you plan to apply to medical school. Grades do have an impact on your application but there are so many other factors that go into admission to medical school.

3. A major that fits the life you want to have.

For example, if you want to have a big social life in college, a major in the hard sciences may be a bit difficult to balance.

However, with proper time management you can make any major work.

Another factor to consider is if you plan to take a gap year or years.

Taking time between college and medical school is becoming more and more common.

It gives you time to grow your application and can provide great experiences and stories that help you shine during your interviews.

That being said, if you plan on taking time off before applying to medical school, something to consider is if your chosen major will help you get a job during that time.

4. A major that fits your personal brand.

Ask yourself if your major fits with your personal story and passions. As you get into your applications, you’ll see that your experiences as a undergraduate create a narrative. In a way, you are forming a personal brand in which medical schools can identify you with.

For example, if your passion is to be a physician in underserved communities… a major in ethics, public health, or Spanish may fit your personal brand a bit more than a major such as physical education or art history.

That being said… almost any major can be incorporated to strengthen your brand in one way or another.

(An article on developing your personal brand is coming soon!)

SUMMARY: Study what YOU love or you always wanted to learn about.

No matter what you’re going to have to take hard science classes for your pre-requisites for medical school, but…

Medical schools don’t require you to be a science major. ( but you can be if you love it. I did!)

My advice is to pick what you love and let your uniqueness and your passions shine through!

For more pre-med advice join my Pre-Med Support Network facebook group for quicker access to pre-med advice!

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