Biochem and Psych?

[anwelch1]

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Hello all,

I am finishing up my sophomore year and I decided to rework my life and shoot for medical school. (I know it's a bit late to decide that but oh well) I am currently a psychology major, which I am very interested in, but I'm thinking of double majoring in psych and biochem. Or possibly changing to biochem and minoring in psych? Any opinions on this?

Also, I need to start getting involved in school organizations and things in the community so I can be a more well rounded individual. I am currently the secretary of the women's rugby club team, and the social media chair for an LGBTQ organization on campus. What are some other things I can get involved in that would make me a better looking applicant?

 

[Deleted member 737595]

If you are sure that you are shooting for medical school, the major actually does not really matter. Breaking a leg to get a minor will not really be that impressive. The most important thing is to take all of the pre-requisites. Biochemistry is a good way to do this, but I think Biology may be the easier path and may even be less credits. Ask at your school.

You don't need to get 'involved in school organizations and things' to be 'well-rounded'. I know you are early in the process so I would do my research and figure out exactly what experience is important for becoming a competitive applicant. Doing a million 'things' on campus is not that impressive and can even seem superficial, IMHO.

What you need crucially are two 'things' as you put it: clinical experience and service to those underrepresented in the community in the form of volunteerism. These are absolutely critical, and you can find plethora of information on this forum. Pay special attention to posts by @Goro @LizzyM @gonnif et cetera, because they are (as far as SDN can tell) members of admissions committees or have experience with pre-med applicants.

Cheers, and enjoy the process.

 

[tri99]

I'm far from an expert in this field as I am still pre-med, but you are nowhere near late in deciding this (I know as I didn't decide until my senior year of a business degree). With that being said, from advice I have gathered from others what I would recommend is:

-Major in whatever major you can complete the prerequisites for med school in while maintaining a high GPA. If you are interested in psych and can complete all bio, physics, chem, ochem courses then by all means continue with the psych major. If you need to switch majors to complete the courses or feel more interested in biochem then switch to biochem.

- start getting clinical / non-clinical volunteer experience. volunteer at your local hospital or other health-related organizations as well as just general volunteering within the community. Do something that helps others.

- Get involved in some research if possible. Having your name on publications is a big plus especially if you are applying to research intensive programs.

Best of luck and don't feel like you are behind. This is a marathon not a sprint!

 

[Goro]

If you are sure that you are shooting for medical school, the major actually does not really matter. Breaking a leg to get a minor will not really be that impressive. The most important thing is to take all of the pre-requisites. Biochemistry is a good way to do this, but I think Biology may be the easier path and may even be less credits. Ask at your school.

You don't need to get 'involved in school organizations and things' to be 'well-rounded'. I know you are early in the process so I would do my research and figure out exactly what experience is important for becoming a competitive applicant. Doing a million 'things' on campus is not that impressive and can even seem superficial, IMHO.

What you need crucially are two 'things' as you put it: clinical experience and service to those underrepresented in the community in the form of volunteerism. These are absolutely critical, and you can find plethora of information on this forum. Pay special attention to posts by @Goro @LizzyM @gonnif et cetera, because they are (as far as SDN can tell) members of admissions committees or have experience with pre-med applicants.

Cheers, and enjoy the process.

And do what you love, and love what you do.