I was thinking of double majoring in psychology and human services. I drew out a four-year plan and found out it is possible to fit in the general ed requirements + pre-med requirements + psych + human services if I have a couple semesters of 5 classes and most of 4 classes. So my question is, will it at all be a plus in my application? I was hoping to eventually do psychiatry, so I hope majoring in psychology will emphasize that interest. Also, majoring in human services could emphasize my desire to help people.
Could double-majoring help your application?
- Thread starter mariashr
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The general consensus is that any tangible benefit in the admissions process is very small. I was a double major, which came as the result of a kind of convoluted path (not for admissions benefits). If I had been able to know in advance where my interests would eventually be, I would have taken a single major and tailored my electives to fit my interests. e.g. I was a chem/psych major. I loved both subjects. There were courses within chem though, that I probably would not have taken if not required by major (p chem).
If you're not sure which one you'd be happier taking all the required courses for, set yourself up to major in both and play it by ear. If you want to take all the required courses in both and double major, go for it. Just don't do it for admissions. Not worth the effort.
If you're not sure which one you'd be happier taking all the required courses for, set yourself up to major in both and play it by ear. If you want to take all the required courses in both and double major, go for it. Just don't do it for admissions. Not worth the effort.
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Inb4OffToHopkins
But honestly, if you're double-majoring just to look pretty for adcoms, you're doing it wrong. If you're double-majoring because you're legitimately interested in those areas, then go ahead - it'll give you more to talk about during interviews.
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+1. Do it if you enjoy it. It doesn't really make a big impact on your application - but interviewers may ask why you majored in a more "unique" field. I'm a double major.. and I did get asked why I majored in two different fields, but I don't really think it impacted my application.
D
deleted357625
nah doesn't help
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HAHAHA. Seriously 😕
. Since when in life does having more education hinder an application? Wait... you're overly qualified.
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HAHAHA. Seriously 😕
He never said it hurt.
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Only double major if you are interested in it. If you only double majored out of an attempt to game the system, you will be hard pressed to come up with a sufficient response during interviews as to why you decided to take on an extra major.
If you have no true interest in your second major, I think it will hinder you more than it will help you in admissions.
If you have no true interest in your second major, I think it will hinder you more than it will help you in admissions.
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Ok. Then as I implied, it won't hurt. He was asking whether or not it would be a plus. The answer is yes. So why pose the question? If the OP is seriously interested in the subjects, then there should be no question. It will help.
I believe the real question is whether or not it is worth taking the extra classes and spending more money. To the OP I ask:
1. Is it worth spending the money?
2. Is it worth the extra time?
3. Do you have a genuine interest in the subjects? (Which I believe you may, but if you're asking the question of whether or not it would improve your app...leads me to believe that your mainly doing it for that purpose).
I'd say do it. Especially with all the extras that applicants have due to economic downturn and their choice in switching careers.
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Wow another class of 2019er
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Haha, you said it.
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Gives you a lot to talk about in an interview. Truth is, most adcoms don't care what you major in. Did you finish the pre-reqs? Great. Moving on... what kind of person are you?
Thank you for all the responses, I really appreciate it! I am genuinely interested in both majors, but I'm still weighing my options to see whether I'd like to minor and try out some other different courses or double major (which would require solely taking general ed reqs, pre-med reqs, and major reqs). Although I'm genuinely interested in both majors, there's a bit of a risk involved since I'd have to make sure my schedule works out perfectly which may not happen, one of the reasons that I have any hesitation. Whether or not it's a plus in the admissions process is just one of the many factors I'm considering in my pros-cons list.
Sorry, since I'm an incoming freshman, I'm still pretty naive about the whole process.
Sorry, since I'm an incoming freshman, I'm still pretty naive about the whole process.
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If you're interested in psychiatry, you might also want to consider taking a few classes in subjects like religious studies and philosophy. Humanities are an excellent way to explore the vast universe that is the human condition. Enjoy the journey.
If your main goal is to be a physician, keep your eye on the prize. GPA/MCAT/EC's/Volunteer.
I double major'd in college, and I loved my 2nd major, but looking back it was a lot of time I could have dedicated to the stuff they actually look at.
I double major'd in college, and I loved my 2nd major, but looking back it was a lot of time I could have dedicated to the stuff they actually look at.
