Double major in physics and math

[docta_docta]

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I'm about to end my Sophomore year as a Physics major (concentration: Biophysics) and have a 3.48 GPA. I'm considering adding a Math major (its only an extra 5 classes), and was wondering if this would make me a more competitive applicant. I can also do a chemistry major instead of math (I would have to do less coursework to do that, and quite frankly its easier) but since so many med school applicants are chem majors I was wondering if a math major would make me stand out more.

 

[docta_docta]

(Im pursuing a BS in physics, and would hypothetically be getting a BS in math as well)

 

[Pacna]

I doubt that a math major would make you stand out more. A double major does something for you, but not as much as a single major with an excellent GPA. That should be your main focus. As you're likely aware, your current GPA is less than average for MD. Your major/s should be whatever you're interested in more, and if they're equal, then whichever one you think you can achieve a higher GPA in.

 

[youmed]

Focus on your biophysics major. If you aren't excelling in your physics major alone, then math major won't make your situation any better. Focus on biophysics and do well. Double major is for people who are able to handle two majors at once.

 

[mimelim]

@OP: Do not make decisions like this to make yourself "look better" on an application. It has next to zero bearing on your application. 5 classes is a semester worth of credits. It is a lot. It is also a lot of upper level work.

Focus on your biophysics major. If you aren't excelling in your physics major alone, then math major won't make your situation any better. Focus on biophysics and do well. Double major is for people who are able to handle two majors at once.

Where do you get that he isn't excelling in his Physics major?

 

[docta_docta]

Focus on your biophysics major. If you aren't excelling in your physics major alone, then math major won't make your situation any better. Focus on biophysics and do well. Double major is for people who are able to handle two majors at once.

Actually I haven't not yet gotten an A in a physics class (then again I haven't taken upper division physics yet)

 

[docta_docta]

Actually I haven't not yet gotten an A in a physics class (then again I haven't taken upper division physics yet)

Rephrase: I've gotten an A in all physics classes

 

[Donald Juan]

Mimelim is right. Do it if you want to; don't do it just to pad your application or make yourself stand out. Physics/math dual major won't make any significant difference.

 

[hysek]

Unfortunately no preference is given to physics/math majors unless they are comparing similar scores.

 

[NoDakDok]

There is no significant weight added to an application because they choose a certain major, or multiple majors. Those that say otherwise are honestly just going by something that sounds logical, but it is a bunch of bologna. Statistically, the highest rate of acceptance is in the hands of Humanities, Math, and Physical Science majors, but this is due to several confounding factors and not because admissions committees favor one major over the other. Statistically, the more majors you have also lowers your ultimate chance of acceptance, as most double, triple, etc majors tend to have lower GPAs. In the end, you're going to be evaluated based upon your GPA, MCAT, and application qualifications, major/minors do not matter. You should aim to focus on doing what you are most interested in and will be most successful at.

 

[youmed]

I guess I jumped to conclusion too quickly. I didn't want to point out directly that your GPA is not particularly excellent and instead said that you weren't excelling in your current major. Regardless, taking up another major isn't going to help you and is detrimental especially if you do it to try to impress the adcoms.