2 answers
Brian
Student
Apple Valley, California
2
Questions
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MCAT, med school, and college major?
What is the best college major to prepare for the MCAT and medical school? Does the choice of major affect my chances of getting accepted into medical school, and how important is it to choose a major that covers all the prerequisite courses? Also, should I choose a major based on what interests me, or one that is traditionally considered 'pre-med
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2 answers
Taylor Nicole
Medical Student
8
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Brian,
It’s fantastic that you’re thinking about these questions early in your journey. Ultimately, the choice of major is entirely up to you. I would encourage you to pursue a degree in a field that genuinely interests you, as it will make it much easier to speak passionately about your experiences during medical school interviews.
You can complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school and the MCAT alongside the requirements of your chosen major. Personally, I majored in mathematics, which I believe helped me stand out during interview season, as relatively few applicants had a degree in that field. While a degree in biology or chemistry is certainly just as impressive, it is a more common path and may not differentiate you as much.
I also know many individuals who pursued majors that reflected their unique interests, such as forensic science or engineering, and were highly successful in gaining admission to top medical schools. Ultimately, selecting a major you are passionate about can enhance both your academic experience and your medical school application.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss this further. I’m happy to share more about my experience.
It’s fantastic that you’re thinking about these questions early in your journey. Ultimately, the choice of major is entirely up to you. I would encourage you to pursue a degree in a field that genuinely interests you, as it will make it much easier to speak passionately about your experiences during medical school interviews.
You can complete the necessary prerequisites for medical school and the MCAT alongside the requirements of your chosen major. Personally, I majored in mathematics, which I believe helped me stand out during interview season, as relatively few applicants had a degree in that field. While a degree in biology or chemistry is certainly just as impressive, it is a more common path and may not differentiate you as much.
I also know many individuals who pursued majors that reflected their unique interests, such as forensic science or engineering, and were highly successful in gaining admission to top medical schools. Ultimately, selecting a major you are passionate about can enhance both your academic experience and your medical school application.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss this further. I’m happy to share more about my experience.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
647
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Brian,
Excellent questions!
You can choose any major that interests you. Most students pick biology, chemistry or biochemistry, but it can really be anything. You need to aim for an excellent GPA though.
Find out what the pre-requisite courses are for med schools you would consider. They can be slightly different. They can also change, so get current information.
If you major in a "traditional" field, most of your pre-requisites would be covered. If you major in something else, you need to take those extra courses.
Pre-med programs can be helpful in getting internship, MCAT preparation and other help with the whole process.
Statistically, historically, MCAT scores of students who majored in a "traditional" field were lower than those of students who majored in something else.
You might have a slight advantage in essays and interviews if you major in something "non-traditional". It possibly gives you a compelling story to tell if you can pull it together into a cohesive narrative. Imagine, you are interviewing hundreds of hopefuls and 95% of them tell the same story. Hearing something different would be refreshing.
I hope this helps! All the best on your path to become a doctor!
KP
Excellent questions!
You can choose any major that interests you. Most students pick biology, chemistry or biochemistry, but it can really be anything. You need to aim for an excellent GPA though.
Find out what the pre-requisite courses are for med schools you would consider. They can be slightly different. They can also change, so get current information.
If you major in a "traditional" field, most of your pre-requisites would be covered. If you major in something else, you need to take those extra courses.
Pre-med programs can be helpful in getting internship, MCAT preparation and other help with the whole process.
Statistically, historically, MCAT scores of students who majored in a "traditional" field were lower than those of students who majored in something else.
You might have a slight advantage in essays and interviews if you major in something "non-traditional". It possibly gives you a compelling story to tell if you can pull it together into a cohesive narrative. Imagine, you are interviewing hundreds of hopefuls and 95% of them tell the same story. Hearing something different would be refreshing.
I hope this helps! All the best on your path to become a doctor!
KP