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What are the benefits of a double major when considering post-graduate education or the job market?

My name is Ben, and I'm planning on majoring in Molecular Biology, with plans on going to med school. However, because of my passion and talent in music, I am seriously considering to pursue a second degree in music.

But after doing some research, I am unsatisfied with the results I have found. The results online seem very vague and obvious. Of course taking more classes means potential for longer time of graduate/increase in tuition and loss of focus/time. Of course it exposes you to new ideas and concepts. Therefore, I am still confused about whether there are tangible benefits, if any, of pursuing a double major.

Therefore, my question is:

What are the benefits of a double major when considering post-graduate education or the job market? Specifically, what scholarships/grants are available for double majors? Does having a double major give applicants an advantage when going into med school or competing in the job market?

#biology #music #job #medicine #college-major #college-advice #double-major

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Richard’s Answer

Some admissions committees may be impressed by the second major, especially if you are pursuing a passion.

However, make sure you fulfill the basics when applying to medical school: good grades, high MCAT, volunteering, clinical shadowing and research.
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Rachel’s Answer

I was a double major and then went on to medical school. I do not think that there were any benefits apart from my enjoyment of those classes. GPA and MCAT are the most important factors in getting into med school. Best to focus on these.
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Rachael’s Answer

Hey Ben,


This is a really interesting question! A double-major can be a really cool journey, and honestly what you think you want to be starting college may not end up being the direction you take later in life. The pros of taking a double major, when considering post-graduate and job prospects include:

*Great talking point on resume

*May lead to new career direction that you had not considered yet

*Music therapy and medicine are a thing, so your two passions may actually give you a unique appeal to employers


However, most jobs that we apply to look for relevant experience pertaining to the job that you're applying for. So if you're aiming to be a general doctor, your music major may not help you to get that job. However, if you're still teetering on the direction you want to take for your career, then I say shoot for the stars and aim for both. Like I said, who knows where the experiences will take you, because maybe you end up developing a state of the art music therapy or something.


Lastly, experience in the real world will always prevail in post graduate schools and jobs. The two majors you're interested in are completely different, so it's likely that when you decide what program you take in post-graduate studies, one of the majors will be an after thought( in regards to choosing an education direction). Remember: the classes we take are important, but the value of actually interning or working in related fields will be more desirable in most cases. YET, the education helps get our foot in the door for those opportunities. I hope this helps!
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