Maddy
Is it possible to be accepted into medical school without being a science major?
I have heard many differing views on how pre-medical studies work. I'm currently hoping to take pre-medical studies as a music performance major because music is a passion of mine and musicians are known for being hard working, focused, and detail-oriented, which are all skills necessary to become good doctors. #medicine #music
2 answers
B.J. Capelli
B.J.’s Answer
I know a few people who took the exact route you're thinking - music undergrad, leading to Medical school - and are now doctors (that are still active performers on the side). I don't know if it's still true, but at one time, music majors had the highest medical school acceptance rates (percent, not total number) of any undergraduate degree for exactly the reasons you stated above. Music is one of the most demanding courses of study at the college level, and admissions officers know that.
Sounds like a great plan!
Best of luck!
Richard A.
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