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If I want to become a doctor, what are some areas I should major in?

I've always wanted to go into the medical field, but I'm not sure on what college courses I should begin taking my freshmen year. #college #college-major #pre-med

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Estelle’s Answer

I agree with Richard. The people applying to medical school come from all types of backgrounds and majors. The actual degree is less important than your GPA and fulfilling the medical school requirements in addition to your degree plan. Admissions committees want to see that you put in great effort and worked hard in college. They like well rounded individuals with grit.
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Richard’s Answer

Pick a college 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
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Erin’s Answer

Hello, Here are the steps for being a MD (medical doctor) in the USA: 1) you first get a bachelor’s degree and this includes a good GPA & taking the main science classes (biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, anatomy, physics, calculus etc.) 2) For Med school entry you take the MCAT - a test to get into med school. 3) It is 4 years undergrad, 4 years medical school, then a residency is 3-7 yrs. My father & sister are pediatricians. I was told if you want to be a doctor, work hard & get into medical school and then you will be exposed to all types of doctors/opportunities and then you can pick a specialty. Good luck!
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Derek’s Answer

Hi there,


Great question. I'm currently applying for medical school. In my undergrad I focused primarily on the biological sciences which lead to a degree in biology. Although, you can study a number of different subsets within biology such neuroscience and molecular biology. As you move through your degree program you will be able to determine what you are interested in studying so don't stress about it now. There are core set of courses you will need to complete which are considered pre-health courses. Your advisor will be able to guide you as to which courses to take. Good luck!

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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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