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What is the best major to choose for students seeking to go to medical school?

Ever since I was a little girl, the only thing I wanted to be was a doctor. Benjamin Carson has been a role model of mine that has inspired me to dream big, work hard, and never give up. I hope to someday attend Johns Hopkins Medical School like he did. However, I want to ensure that I'm choosing the best possible degree plan for myself, in order to be fully prepared for all of the curve balls medical school will throw at me. I'm currently torn between majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology or Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Science truly is my passion and I absolutely love studying the human body. I'm so excited to pursue my educational goals and want to do my absolute best in all I do. Choosing the perfect degree is extremely important to me and I would appreciate any and all advice on the matter!:) #doctor #medicine #science #medical-school #doctorate-degree #bachelors-degree #johns-hopkins-university

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Rachel’s Answer

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Collegeboard.org is a great resource for this! I poured through the pages of universities all over the U.S. when I was a senior in high school. Collegeboard was my go-to site! They put all of the information in one place and it is very easy to use. They even have various filters you can apply to see only colleges that have programs you are interested. To determine academic rigor, look at the admissions requirements, G.P.A. of past admitted applicants, SAT/ACT scores, class rank etc. This will give you an idea of what scores and grades you need to be accepted. However, don't be discouraged your application will be reviewed based on the full picture! College-board will help you get an idea of what is most important to the specific school you are applying to.</span>


This professional recommends the following next steps:

  • <span style="background-color: transparent;">Chat with your Guidance Counselor</span>
  • <span style="background-color: transparent;">Create a Collegeboard.org account</span>
  • <span style="background-color: transparent;">Start using CollegeBoard as a resource to look up schools.</span>
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Richard’s Answer

Pick a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses.

Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters

I chose biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
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Rachel’s Answer

Major in whatever field interests you and will allow you to maintain an excellent GPA. I majored in Spanish literature and had no trouble with my med school applications. You do need to complete the pre-med requirements that vary from school to school. These include at least a year of biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry. Your junior year, you will need to take an MCAT study course prior to taking the MCAT. With a solid GPA and MCAT score, you should be a competitive applicant.
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Naiara’s Answer

Hello,


I am happy to hear you want to become a doctor and how motivated you are! That's great! You can pursue any majors in college, as long as you fulfill all the required pre-medicine classes. I majored in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. I would make sure to take advantage of college to explore other subjects as well (beyond science) and participate in a variety of activities that will help you broaden you personal and educational experiences. College is a great time to grow as a person and find out your true interests. Good luck!!
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William’s Answer

I would suggest you major in Molecular Biology with a minor in Biochemistry. This will do you well whether you choose to go into clinical medicine or research. Having said that, consider taking courses which will give you more breadth and depth. If you have an interest in history, languages, music, etc. pursue those. The same would apply to sports. Although it is wise to emphasize the Biological Sciences, medical schools also want to see if you have made an effort to broaden yourself as a human being.


I hope this is of help.


Bill Cox
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