Communication Major and Med School?

[JenOneN]

I graduated from a small liberal arts college in 2001 with a degree in Communication and a 3.5 GPA. The major focused on theories of human communication and cultural studies, not mass communication (ie journalism, pr, etc.). It wasn't an easy major, but it wasn't impossible either....

When medical schools say that they don't prefer a specific ugrad major do they really mean that?

I'm thinking of applying to a post-bac program, but I'm worried that my ugrad major choice may be a major obstacle....

Any thoughts??

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[DrYo12]

I graduated from a small liberal arts college in 2001 with a degree in Communication and a 3.5 GPA. The major focused on theories of human communication and cultural studies, not mass communication (ie journalism, pr, etc.). It wasn't an easy major, but it wasn't impossible either....

When medical schools say that they don't prefer a specific ugrad major do they really mean that?

I'm thinking of applying to a post-bac program, but I'm worried that my ugrad major choice may be a major obstacle....

Any thoughts??

did you take the premed requirements yet?

 

[ajt2003]

I graduated from a small liberal arts college in 2001 with a degree in Communication and a 3.5 GPA. The major focused on theories of human communication and cultural studies, not mass communication (ie journalism, pr, etc.). It wasn't an easy major, but it wasn't impossible either....

When medical schools say that they don't prefer a specific ugrad major do they really mean that?

I'm thinking of applying to a post-bac program, but I'm worried that my ugrad major choice may be a major obstacle....

Any thoughts??

I think you're totally fine. In fact, you're a bit more interesting than the prototypical bio major...A postbacc program is the way to go. 👍

And yes, I do think most medical schools mean that - schools want to fill their classes with diverse, bright minds; one's major doesn't seem to hold too much weight during this crazy process (to an extent, of course).

I was a psych major, I have a friend who's applying who was an English major - it hasn't made a bit of difference. Just be sure to ace your postbacc classes and the MCAT - to show you can handle the science - and you'll be good to go.

Best of luck!

 

[jonster555]

I am also a Communications Major, with a focus in Television/Raido production from Ithaca College.

I think applying to Med. school with this type of background might even offer us an advantage at some schools. Provided we prove ourselves in our science or post-bacc. classes, the experiences and stories we will have to share in essays and interviews will be unique.

I, for example, worked in Hollywood and NYC in the television industry, won awards for my college televison shows, and was a radio station DJ. I think these type of interesting activities will help my application. Hopefully you have something in your collegiate background that will raise the eyebrows of someone on the admissions staff.

 

[UnskinnyBop]

I think you guys have a real advantage. You can totally spin your communications in an interview and play it like you're going to be super-awesome at interacting with all kinds of patients and stuff. Right now, I work as a Community Producer for Comcast and I totally plan on playing up my customer interaction and community-building for my interviews. It totally helps me out since I was a math major, which is a stereotypically "uncommunicative" major. You guys have an ace in the hole, here! 👍

 

[JenOneN]

Jonster- I was the editor of my campus newspaper. I hope that counts! How'd you like Ithaca? They have a great com program, I hear....
How far along are you in the process?


If I do pursue the MD, I'd like to do child psych or peds. Hopefully the COM major would be useful for psych...

 

[seethrew]

Studio Art major with a post bac here with 10 interviews, 4 acceptances, 1 waitlist, 1 scholarship. Guess they mean it!!! Go get 'em - they'll love you. There are some schools that more actively seek out unusual candidates. Sometimes it just seems like voo-doo how they choose who they like. You'd be surprised how many med schools have art shows and literary magazines made by students. Not just for scientists anymore!

 

[USCTex]

Film School with several interviews.
They do mean it.

 

[ementges]

Hello,
I have been lurking for a while with this being my first post.
I am going to OU (Ohio U.) with a major in TeleCom. I plan on doing all of the pre-reqs and doing my best at them, taking the MCAT and doing my best there too.
My question is, to all those who, like me, are not majoring in something traditionally assoicated with pre-med, how involved are you with the pre-med counslers?
I am in my first quarter at the local OSU branch, transfering to OU in the fall, so I have not spoken to a pre-med counsler yet.
I am sooo glad to hear how benefital it is to have a degree in something besides sciene. I agree that it defintely makes a student more well rounded. I hadn't even though of the benefits of making the essays more unique, more stories to tell, etc. Defintely a HUGE plus.
My reasoning is a bit of a backup plan. That way if I hate med. school, or don't get in, then I have a degree to fall back on. Vice versa too in that perhaps I decide to go into TeleComm first, but then hate it, and decide to pursue med school.
Thanks 🙂

 

[OSUdoc08]

I graduated from a small liberal arts college in 2001 with a degree in Communication and a 3.5 GPA. The major focused on theories of human communication and cultural studies, not mass communication (ie journalism, pr, etc.). It wasn't an easy major, but it wasn't impossible either....

When medical schools say that they don't prefer a specific ugrad major do they really mean that?

I'm thinking of applying to a post-bac program, but I'm worried that my ugrad major choice may be a major obstacle....

Any thoughts??

Your major is fine. In our class we have people who majored in:

English
Poetry
Religion
Aviation
History

etc.