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Mason
Student
Woodbury, Minnesota
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Is Psychology a good major for pre-med?
I plan on majoring in psychology on a pre-med track. Will a degree in psychology adequately prepare me for the MCAT?
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Michelle M.
Actress
2522
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Michelle’s Answer
Hi. Mason !
The MCAT does not really have medically based questions, rather it tests you on Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. If you are pre-med, I would suggest majoring in one of the physical human sciences and take Anatomy. You can also take a couple of psychology courses, however, majoring in it is not needed. Since the MCAT is heavy on physical, biological and chemical aspects of human science, a psychology major may be too heavy and demanding, so I would suggest that you go for your Bachelors in either Biology, Anatomy or Chemistry as those will lay a stronger foundation for Medical School. Psychology is important during the path but not so much as to Major in it.
You can still become a Psychiatrist without a psychology undergraduate degree, but you didn't say that you will be going to medical school specifically for a future specialty in Psychiatry. On the other hand, if you are planning to be a future Psychiatrist after Medical School, stay with the Psychology Major for your Bachelors and obtain practice materials for the MCAT so you can see what you need to brush up on. Chemistry, anatomy and biology are also crucial to become a psychiatrist. Ask more questions stating specifically what you intend to specialize in as a medical doctor. The advice I give above is if you will pursue becoming a physical, internal medicine or specialist after medical school.
Best wishes !
The MCAT does not really have medically based questions, rather it tests you on Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. If you are pre-med, I would suggest majoring in one of the physical human sciences and take Anatomy. You can also take a couple of psychology courses, however, majoring in it is not needed. Since the MCAT is heavy on physical, biological and chemical aspects of human science, a psychology major may be too heavy and demanding, so I would suggest that you go for your Bachelors in either Biology, Anatomy or Chemistry as those will lay a stronger foundation for Medical School. Psychology is important during the path but not so much as to Major in it.
You can still become a Psychiatrist without a psychology undergraduate degree, but you didn't say that you will be going to medical school specifically for a future specialty in Psychiatry. On the other hand, if you are planning to be a future Psychiatrist after Medical School, stay with the Psychology Major for your Bachelors and obtain practice materials for the MCAT so you can see what you need to brush up on. Chemistry, anatomy and biology are also crucial to become a psychiatrist. Ask more questions stating specifically what you intend to specialize in as a medical doctor. The advice I give above is if you will pursue becoming a physical, internal medicine or specialist after medical school.
Best wishes !