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Giselle
Student
Dunedin, Florida
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What would you say is the best major to take in college, towards going into medical school?
As a senior in high-school, I've decided that I'd like to pursue the pre-med route in college; ultimately I'd like to become a pediatric neurologist. However, recommenders have advised majoring in courses other than biology, for instance, to avoid "looking like everyone else."
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cassandra Harris
Social / Emotional learning Teacher
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Tucson, Arizona
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
It's great that you're thinking strategically about your pre-med path! Your recommenders have a valid point. While biology is a very common and logical major for pre-med students, it's certainly not the only or necessarily the best path. Medical schools are increasingly looking for well-rounded applicants with diverse backgrounds and skill sets.
Here's my take on the "best" major for you, keeping in mind your goal of pediatric neurology:
The Truth: There is No Single "Best" Major
Medical schools primarily want to see that you have:
Completed the required prerequisite courses: These typically include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and often math (calculus or statistics), psychology, and sociology. Make sure any major you choose allows you to comfortably fit these in.
A strong GPA: Your academic performance is a critical indicator of your ability to handle the rigorous medical school curriculum. Choose a major you genuinely enjoy and in which you believe you can excel.
A good MCAT score: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) assesses your knowledge in the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as critical analysis and reasoning skills.
Meaningful extracurricular experiences: This includes research, volunteering (especially in healthcare settings), shadowing physicians (ideally in neurology or pediatrics), and leadership roles.
Strong communication and critical thinking skills: These are essential for interacting with patients and navigating complex medical information.
Why Non-Biology Majors Can Be Advantageous:
Your recommenders are likely suggesting a non-biology major for these reasons:
Standing Out: As they mentioned, a significant portion of pre-med applicants major in biology. Choosing a different major can make your application more memorable and showcase unique interests and perspectives.
Developing Different Skill Sets: Majors in the humanities (like English, history, philosophy), social sciences (like psychology, sociology, economics), or even math and physics can hone your critical thinking, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills in ways that complement a biology background.
Demonstrating Well-Roundedness: Medical schools appreciate applicants with a broad education, showing intellectual curiosity beyond the traditional sciences. This can make you a more interesting and engaging candidate.
Personal Interest and Passion: You're more likely to succeed academically in a subject you genuinely enjoy. A higher GPA in a non-biology major might be more impressive than a mediocre GPA in biology.
Unique Perspectives in Medicine: Your background in another field can bring a fresh perspective to the medical field. For example, a background in psychology could be particularly beneficial for understanding the emotional and behavioral aspects of pediatric neurology.
Excellent Alternative Majors to Consider (and why they might fit your interests):
Given your interest in pediatric neurology, here are some majors that could be a great fit and help you stand out:
Neuroscience: This is a natural interdisciplinary field that directly explores the nervous system, brain development, and neurological disorders – all highly relevant to pediatric neurology. It often includes the necessary biology and chemistry prerequisites.
Psychology: Understanding child development, behavior, and mental processes is crucial in pediatrics, especially pediatric neurology which deals with neurological conditions affecting children's development and behavior.
Biochemistry: This major provides a deeper understanding of the chemical processes underlying biological functions, which is fundamental to understanding neurological disorders at a molecular level.
Cognitive Science: This interdisciplinary field combines psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy to study the mind and brain. It can provide a unique perspective on neurological development and disorders.
Human Development and Family Studies: This major focuses on the growth and development of individuals across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on childhood. It can provide valuable insights into the developmental aspects of neurological conditions in children.
A Strong Science Major with a Minor in a Related Field: You could still major in biology or chemistry and minor in psychology, neuroscience, or child development to demonstrate a broader interest.
Even a Humanities or Social Science Major with a Strong Science Foundation: If you have a deep passion for a non-science field like English, history, or sociology, you can major in that and ensure you complete all the required pre-med science courses. This can make you a very unique applicant.
My Best Advice:
Follow Your Intellectual Curiosity: Choose a major that genuinely interests you and that you think you will enjoy learning about. You'll likely perform better academically in a subject you find engaging.
Ensure You Can Fulfill Pre-Med Requirements: Regardless of your major, meticulously plan your coursework to include all the necessary science prerequisites for medical school. Work closely with your pre-med advisor.
Seek Out Relevant Experiences: Focus on getting research experience (ideally in a neuroscience or developmental lab), volunteer in settings involving children or neurological patients, and try to shadow a pediatric neurologist. These experiences will demonstrate your commitment to the field, regardless of your major.
Don't Neglect Your GPA and MCAT Prep: These are critical factors in medical school admissions.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: In your medical school application, be prepared to articulate why you chose your specific major and how it has uniquely prepared you for a career in medicine, specifically pediatric neurology. Highlight the transferable skills and perspectives you gained.
In conclusion, while biology is a common path, it's definitely not the best or only one. Majoring in a field that genuinely interests you, while ensuring you complete your pre-med requirements and gain relevant experiences, can make you a more well-rounded and compelling applicant. Your passion for pediatric neurology can shine through regardless of your specific undergraduate major. Good luck!
Here's my take on the "best" major for you, keeping in mind your goal of pediatric neurology:
The Truth: There is No Single "Best" Major
Medical schools primarily want to see that you have:
Completed the required prerequisite courses: These typically include biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and often math (calculus or statistics), psychology, and sociology. Make sure any major you choose allows you to comfortably fit these in.
A strong GPA: Your academic performance is a critical indicator of your ability to handle the rigorous medical school curriculum. Choose a major you genuinely enjoy and in which you believe you can excel.
A good MCAT score: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) assesses your knowledge in the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as critical analysis and reasoning skills.
Meaningful extracurricular experiences: This includes research, volunteering (especially in healthcare settings), shadowing physicians (ideally in neurology or pediatrics), and leadership roles.
Strong communication and critical thinking skills: These are essential for interacting with patients and navigating complex medical information.
Why Non-Biology Majors Can Be Advantageous:
Your recommenders are likely suggesting a non-biology major for these reasons:
Standing Out: As they mentioned, a significant portion of pre-med applicants major in biology. Choosing a different major can make your application more memorable and showcase unique interests and perspectives.
Developing Different Skill Sets: Majors in the humanities (like English, history, philosophy), social sciences (like psychology, sociology, economics), or even math and physics can hone your critical thinking, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills in ways that complement a biology background.
Demonstrating Well-Roundedness: Medical schools appreciate applicants with a broad education, showing intellectual curiosity beyond the traditional sciences. This can make you a more interesting and engaging candidate.
Personal Interest and Passion: You're more likely to succeed academically in a subject you genuinely enjoy. A higher GPA in a non-biology major might be more impressive than a mediocre GPA in biology.
Unique Perspectives in Medicine: Your background in another field can bring a fresh perspective to the medical field. For example, a background in psychology could be particularly beneficial for understanding the emotional and behavioral aspects of pediatric neurology.
Excellent Alternative Majors to Consider (and why they might fit your interests):
Given your interest in pediatric neurology, here are some majors that could be a great fit and help you stand out:
Neuroscience: This is a natural interdisciplinary field that directly explores the nervous system, brain development, and neurological disorders – all highly relevant to pediatric neurology. It often includes the necessary biology and chemistry prerequisites.
Psychology: Understanding child development, behavior, and mental processes is crucial in pediatrics, especially pediatric neurology which deals with neurological conditions affecting children's development and behavior.
Biochemistry: This major provides a deeper understanding of the chemical processes underlying biological functions, which is fundamental to understanding neurological disorders at a molecular level.
Cognitive Science: This interdisciplinary field combines psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy to study the mind and brain. It can provide a unique perspective on neurological development and disorders.
Human Development and Family Studies: This major focuses on the growth and development of individuals across the lifespan, with a strong emphasis on childhood. It can provide valuable insights into the developmental aspects of neurological conditions in children.
A Strong Science Major with a Minor in a Related Field: You could still major in biology or chemistry and minor in psychology, neuroscience, or child development to demonstrate a broader interest.
Even a Humanities or Social Science Major with a Strong Science Foundation: If you have a deep passion for a non-science field like English, history, or sociology, you can major in that and ensure you complete all the required pre-med science courses. This can make you a very unique applicant.
My Best Advice:
Follow Your Intellectual Curiosity: Choose a major that genuinely interests you and that you think you will enjoy learning about. You'll likely perform better academically in a subject you find engaging.
Ensure You Can Fulfill Pre-Med Requirements: Regardless of your major, meticulously plan your coursework to include all the necessary science prerequisites for medical school. Work closely with your pre-med advisor.
Seek Out Relevant Experiences: Focus on getting research experience (ideally in a neuroscience or developmental lab), volunteer in settings involving children or neurological patients, and try to shadow a pediatric neurologist. These experiences will demonstrate your commitment to the field, regardless of your major.
Don't Neglect Your GPA and MCAT Prep: These are critical factors in medical school admissions.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: In your medical school application, be prepared to articulate why you chose your specific major and how it has uniquely prepared you for a career in medicine, specifically pediatric neurology. Highlight the transferable skills and perspectives you gained.
In conclusion, while biology is a common path, it's definitely not the best or only one. Majoring in a field that genuinely interests you, while ensuring you complete your pre-med requirements and gain relevant experiences, can make you a more well-rounded and compelling applicant. Your passion for pediatric neurology can shine through regardless of your specific undergraduate major. Good luck!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Giselle