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Mason
Student
Woodbury, Minnesota
2
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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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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
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 !
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1213
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Mason,
That's a great question. The short answer is that, if you're truly interested in mind science and human thought, emotion, and behavior, psychology can be a great pre-med degree.
Getting good grades in the compulsory pre-med courses (such as general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry) is more important than majoring in biology or chemistry, which are not needed by medical schools. You will succeed as long as you take those classes in addition to your psychology degree.
As the MCAT now has a part on "Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior," psychology can actually provide you an extra edge. Because they have already thoroughly researched the subjects, psychology majors frequently perform well on this section.
Just make sure you carefully plan your courses to fulfill the prerequisites for pre-medicine as well as the requirements for your psychology degree. Additionally, remember that research opportunities, volunteer work, and clinical experience will all help your medical school applications.
So, sure, psychology is a fantastic pre-med degree that can also provide you with a well-rounded foundation for becoming a future doctor who is sensitive and caring.
Best wishes!
That's a great question. The short answer is that, if you're truly interested in mind science and human thought, emotion, and behavior, psychology can be a great pre-med degree.
Getting good grades in the compulsory pre-med courses (such as general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry) is more important than majoring in biology or chemistry, which are not needed by medical schools. You will succeed as long as you take those classes in addition to your psychology degree.
As the MCAT now has a part on "Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior," psychology can actually provide you an extra edge. Because they have already thoroughly researched the subjects, psychology majors frequently perform well on this section.
Just make sure you carefully plan your courses to fulfill the prerequisites for pre-medicine as well as the requirements for your psychology degree. Additionally, remember that research opportunities, volunteer work, and clinical experience will all help your medical school applications.
So, sure, psychology is a fantastic pre-med degree that can also provide you with a well-rounded foundation for becoming a future doctor who is sensitive and caring.
Best wishes!