Deciding on my Major

[rajan324]

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I am trying to decide on my major. As of now its Biomath, but after taking my last math class, I learned that I don't like theoretical stuff and all the classes after that will be theoretical. I also have enough time to do a Psychology or Economics Major (both of which I have enough classes for a minor done). I also have a minor in Biology done, but I don't have enough time to do a Bio major.

With Biomath, it might look better to pharmacy schools, but I actually won't need to take any more science classes (so even if I change to psych or econ, i will have taken the same bio classes). Would Pysch look like a bad major (some of my friends say it sounds like an easier major than biomath so it would be better to stick with biomath), but I also don't want to take classes I don't really like (theory math). If I do psych, I could take health related classes like health psych or behavioral pharmacology (which might look good to pharmacy schools). Plus, I'm pretty sure my GPA will be better if i go with the psych major (bio/econ double minor).

What do you think I should major in? Any input would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[twester]

The major that I found best fit the pharmacy school pre-reqs was biology (my undergrad school requires a minor in chemistry as well). I didn't have a lot of time to take extra classes if I wanted to fulfill pre-reqs in a reasonable amount of time. With a biology major, I've worked on pre-reqs, but I'm also in a good position to finish my BS next year if I don't get in this year.

I've heard of people majoring in lots of things, from communications to biochemistry. I think the most important thing are those pre-reqs.

Good luck,
Troy

 

[patmcd]

I have to agree that the most important thing is to get good grades in your prereqs. Any classes on top of those is like icing on the cake.

 

[bananaface]

As long as you get the prereqs done during your degree, it shouldn't matter enough to base your life around the extremely minor difference between the impression an adcom could get from your major. Science vs non-science is probably the only distinction, major wise. And, even that isn't a big deal. Just do something you will enjoy so that you can stay interestred and keep a good GPA. GPA is way more important than field of study.

You asked if it would look bad to do psych. I don't think so, because you could talk about how that major has allowed you to better understand people. Being able to understand and communicate with patients is a big part of being a successful pharmacist.

 

[rajan324]

Thanks. I just checked what biology classes I have left and I need 5 classes and 2 labs, which I can finish. Does anyone know any interesting biology classes (something not too hard)? I've taken the core classes plus biochem, systems physiology, and genetics lab. Do you think that taking biochem will help my chances (especially since it is a required first year pharmacy course, atleast in Rutgers)?

I've already taken all my prereqs, with 3 B+s and the rest As (not including my writing classes, C+, B).

 

[bananaface]

Anatomy and Physiology, biochemistry, and biostatistics would all be helpful courses.

 

[Moxxie]

Immunology was a great class. I also took a one credit seminar on genetically inherited diseases. I loved my pathogenic microbiology course. Also, don't rule out some of the more zoology/ecology related classes - they might not be quite as relevant, but you'll learn a lot and maybe be more well-rounded.

Edit: Cell Biology would be another good one. My interviewers were impressed that I had already taken it.

 

[bananaface]

Oh yeah. Microbiology is a really good suggestion.

In terms of usefulness I'd say A&P or microbiology, then biochem, then biostats or immunology.

 

[colt]

This topic has come up before and many have said that a bio degree is almost useless if you don't get in.

 

[LiliaKT]

This topic has come up before and many have said that a bio degree is almost useless if you don't get in.

yep, it's mostly a stepping stone to graduate or professional school. getting a job based on that is hard, and when you DO get it, you can't go very far w/ it.

back to topic... having a good academic background (AKA great GPA) will help you get your foot in the door. if you have that, everything else would be a lot easier (plus a clear motivation to do pharmacy).

 

[Kaya31]

This topic has come up before and many have said that a bio degree is almost useless if you don't get in.

Wouldn't that depend on where your interests, outside of pharmacy, lie?

 

[colt]

Wouldn't that depend on where your interests, outside of pharmacy, lie?

Yes, to a certain degree it would. The general consensus is that a bachelors degree in biology leads to the following: little job security, long hours, "lab monkey" status, and relatively low pay. This is kinda the opposite of what a perspective pharmacist desires. Granted, if the love of bio is strong enough, the negative things may not matter.

 

[NYCillini]

I did Food Science and Human Nutrition (specializing in Dietetics). So far it has been very helpful in pharmacy school and if you don't get in to pharmacy school you can still job working as a dietitian. Feel free to PM me for any specifics.