Double Major?!?!?!

[EdCadore]

---

Members don't see this ad.

How is having a double major looked upon for admissions for med shcool.

I am going for a BA in Anthropology, and with a 2 semesters of summer school I could go ahead and get a BS in Biology. Would it be to my advanatage to use a summer for a BS?

 

[dugong]

from my understanding, med schools view all majors as identical if you have completed the necessary pre-reqs. Therefore, I dont see why a BS is anymore desirable for you.

 

[biggoron42]

i dont think thats correct. i think the humanities/biosci double dip can actually be a great strength. if you only need a couple more classes to make it official on your transcript go for it.

at both of my interviews so far, my interviewers have been really interested in my choice to pursue a similar double major. if you have positive or interesting things to say about the dual perspectives of anthropology and biology on the practice of medicine it can be a huge talking point for you both in your PS and in the interview.

 

[Kiroro]

Honest advice -- don't do double major.

It really won't impress ADCOMs. If you want to impress them, just simply get very high GPA and high MCAT scores.

I just started med school this Fall so I've been through the whole admission experience. I did engineering major to impress but in the end I really think I would have gotten in with a psych major sort of thing.

Don't mean to be rude.. I'm just kinda in hurry so trying to keep it cut to the point.

Good luck!

 

[colbgw02]

they won't care, but good for you though.

 

[Creightonite]

getting excellent grades in one major >>>> than getting so so grades in two majors. Go with what you like, not what adcoms think.

 

[Writer1985]

Only do a double-major if you are passionate enough to do well in both fields. Don't pick up a bio major just because you think the adcoms will like it. And definitely don't try to cram a B.S. in Bio into one summer. It might be better to spend the summer researching/volunteering abroad/getting a job -- things you won't be able to concentrate on during the school year.

 

[christian15213]

👍

How is having a double major looked upon for admissions for med shcool.

I am going for a BA in Anthropology, and with a 2 semesters of summer school I could go ahead and get a BS in Biology. Would it be to my advanatage to use a summer for a BS?

Here is the genius in my situation with a dual major... Took a lot of time to think about it... Ok here it is...

I have a dual major for very specific reasons... I first want all the advantages and benefits of being a science undergrad with scholarships and the whole nine... I swear I got an extra 5 grand this year because of it... Then with my other major, sociology I have an army of other Dr's and prof's that think I am the best thing since sliced bread to right more LOR's... Plus, I can graduate with the flick of a credit if need be... I.E>>>. Right after I get accepted... LOL, I don't even have to finish the darned BIO degree. This way, the year before I go to med school I can either finish the degree or teach or do something else to save up all my cash...

I think it is pretty smart if you ask me..

I really wanted to do research and or work on a PHD or something but I don't know how that will all pan out.

what would you all suggest.

 

[durfen]

I'm in the almost the same situation, and I'm going for it. I only realized it this summer...you're early!

EDIT: My research supervisor was also in the same situation when he was in college, and he went for it as well.

 

[dr.z]

How is having a double major looked upon for admissions for med shcool.

I am going for a BA in Anthropology, and with a 2 semesters of summer school I could go ahead and get a BS in Biology. Would it be to my advanatage to use a summer for a BS?

I don't think it will make a huge difference...

 

[BuckeyeSurgn]

I am a Biology (BS) and Anthropology (BA) double major as well. For those of you who think an adcom won't find that impressive, i think you are crazy. Having two majors is a cool thing and it will definitely raise eyebrows in a good way. It sets you apart which is something every applicant strives to do.

However, I don't think a BA versus a BS is something that they will really notice. I could go ahead and get my BS in Anthro with an extra quarter, but it's really not worth it in my opinion. Having two degrees, however, is worth it if you have the time and money to do it.

 

[Omyss]

i'm taking an honours spec. in chemistry and biochemistry... i could have chose either one... but i jsut couldn;t decide which one i liked better. Now i have to deal witht he extra, work. Common sense tels me the adcoms will view this different than someone who just took straight biochem and took a bunch of easy electives, and also since i'm more well rounded and can do research in chem and biochem... but i don;t really know.

 

[THEbeerDOCTOR]

if you choose double major.........be prepared to answer why u r interested in both majors..........not just that it will help you get inot med school.........my friend told them "to help my application".......needless to say he was not asked back........so think up good reasons for taking double major for the interview!!!

 

[BuckeyeSurgn]

if you choose double major.........be prepared to answer why u r interested in both majors..........not just that it will help you get inot med school.........my friend told them "to help my application".......needless to say he was not asked back........so think up good reasons for taking double major for the interview!!!

I doubt that it will be hard to come up with answer to that question. The answer is almost inherent; I find both fields fascinating (why else would I choose to major in them?). It shouldn't be hard to expand upon that. I like to think most people are intelligent enough to avoid reasons like 'resume building' when answering an adcomm.

 

[THEbeerDOCTOR]

I doubt that it will be hard to come up with answer to that question. The answer is almost inherent; I find both fields fascinating (why else would I choose to major in them?). It shouldn't be hard to expand upon that. I like to think most people are intelligent enough to avoid reasons like 'resume building' when answering an adcomm.

hey do you go to OHIO STATE MED SCHOOL?

 

[ryandote]

I am having an extremely hard time understanding why people think that a double major would not be impressive to an admissions committee. Is there any logic to this reasoning, or are they just hoping that saying so makes it true?

I will complete a double in economics and biology in December. And I attend a private University that has a "business" undergrad degree, too. This means that the economics program is math-based, and pretty intense.

I really have a hard time understanding why an adcom wouldn't appreciate the extra effort it took me to get the degree, and the breadth of education that it has given me.

Anybody care to explain?

 

[Rafa]

Is there any logic to this reasoning, or are they just hoping that saying so makes it true?

Guess.

 

[BuckeyeSurgn]

hey do you go to OHIO STATE MED SCHOOL?

No... i go to undergrad there. I got an interview though...?

 

[solitude]

Directly from my pre-med advisor:

<http://www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/prehealth/faq/>

2. Surely med schools will be impressed with me if I double-major? triple-major?

No.


<http://www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/prehealth/prepare/scheduling.html>

Choosing a Major/Double Major/Minor. It is possible to major in any academic discipline and still complete the science courses required for health professions schools. Health Professions schools do not prefer one major over another major. Thus you should major in whatever area you find exciting and appealing. Health professions schools do value original scholarship in your field of choice. Consider doing an independent study in your major and writing a thesis during your senior year. While health professions schools value a curriculum that results in broadly educated applicants, they will evaluate your curriculum by looking at the courses that you take, rather than by simply looking for particular credentials such as second majors or minors. Completing two majors or a minor will not make you more competitive for a health professions program.

 

[novawildcat]

Some school websites explicitly state that they take into account rigor of undergraduate study into account when reviewing applicants. A double major at these schools is bound to attract attention. I had 2 majors and graduated with almost 200 credits, but nothing will substitute for a high gpa and high mcat.

 

[Law2Doc]

I am having an extremely hard time understanding why people think that a double major would not be impressive to an admissions committee. Is there any logic to this reasoning, or are they just hoping that saying so makes it true?

Adcom members will tell you straight up that they really don't care what you major in. That goes double for double majors. All they care about is that you took the prereqs. That's all the logic you need.

 

[biggoron42]

Directly from my pre-med advisor:

<http://www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/prehealth/faq/>

2. Surely med schools will be impressed with me if I double-major? triple-major?

No.


<http://www.aas.duke.edu/trinity/prehealth/prepare/scheduling.html>

Choosing a Major/Double Major/Minor. It is possible to major in any academic discipline and still complete the science courses required for health professions schools. Health Professions schools do not prefer one major over another major. Thus you should major in whatever area you find exciting and appealing. Health professions schools do value original scholarship in your field of choice. Consider doing an independent study in your major and writing a thesis during your senior year. While health professions schools value a curriculum that results in broadly educated applicants, they will evaluate your curriculum by looking at the courses that you take, rather than by simply looking for particular credentials such as second majors or minors. Completing two majors or a minor will not make you more competitive for a health professions program.

you are correct, just doing the double major for the sake of impressing admissions committees will not work; then again, doing just about anything for only that reason will also easily be shot down. however, if your double major originates organically out of a real interest in two disparate fields, having it marked down in an official way on your transcript can be great evidence of well-rounded academic interests and a broad-ranging approach to solving problems: two qualities i think medical schools value. in my interview and application experience so far, my humanities/biosci double major has proven to be a great talking point, and an excellent way for me to talk about my view of medicine.

 

[Law2Doc]

in my interview and application experience so far, my humanities/biosci double major has proven to be a great talking point, and an excellent way for me to talk about my view of medicine.

Sure, but had you just been a humanities major who had taken the prereqs you could have said pretty much the same thing as convincingly.

 

[biggoron42]

Sure, but had you just been a humanities major who had taken the prereqs you could have said pretty much the same thing as convincingly.

yea but what im saying is that i didnt do the double major just for the sake of talking about it in interviews. i did it out of a genuine interest. it was only when i realized i was so close to a double major that i did the 2 or 3 extra classes to get it.

and i dont think that the science pre-reqs are anything close to the amount of biology ive learned doing my degree.

 

[TarHeelBorn]

I don't think that a double major is any more impressive than a single major. It's all done in the same 120 credits-- why would adcoms see it as a great distinction if an anthropology major chose to take 5 more biology classes instead of that Spanish literature class and the seminar on Eastern religions that he or she always wanted to take?

In my admittedly non-expert opinion, I would say that the important thing is to be well-rounded. Does a double major make you well-rounded? That depends on the curriculum, of course. I, personally, don't see the point.

 

[MossPoh]

Only a 120 credits? Damn..I'm first semester senior already up to 130.lol I feel like I worked way too hard. I haven't even really started my prereqs yet.

 

[Rafa]

Honestly. If you can get away with a double major for 120 credits, you go to a very major-friendly school.

 

[Law2Doc]

Honestly. If you can get away with a double major for 120 credits, you go to a very major-friendly school.

Agree -- usually you just get the major/minor combo in 120. Which also doesn't matter. Just take whatever courses you like that will enable the school to give you a degree in something, take the prereqs, and apply to med school. None of this major, minor stuff really matters. You will see in med school that there are science majors, nonscience majors, double majors, debatably fluff majors, etc. The one common theme is that these people did well, and took all the prereqs.

 

[BuckeyeSurgn]

Nobody here is saying that the double major makes us more qualified to go to med school; we understand the adcomms would not and should not see it that way. I look at it almost as an extracurricular. The fact is we went out of our way with time and money to learn about another field because we find that field fascinating. I feel like this is a great well-rounding experience which schools look for. Anyone who doesn't see that as a huge plus in the effort to stand out among other applicants baffles me. Not being a double major isn't going to hurt anyone, but being one is definitely a bonus.

 

[TPROrgoTutor]

Nobody here is saying that the double major makes us more qualified to go to med school; we understand the adcomms would not and should not see it that way. I look at it almost as an extracurricular. The fact is we went out of our way with time and money to learn about another field because we find that field fascinating. I feel like this is a great well-rounding experience which schools look for. Anyone who doesn't see that as a huge plus in the effort to stand out among other applicants baffles me. Not being a double major isn't going to hurt anyone, but being one is definitely a bonus.

The ADCOMs I have talked to basically told me they could not care less. That is when I dropped my double major.

 

[biggoron42]

Nobody here is saying that the double major makes us more qualified to go to med school; we understand the adcomms would not and should not see it that way. I look at it almost as an extracurricular. The fact is we went out of our way with time and money to learn about another field because we find that field fascinating. I feel like this is a great well-rounding experience which schools look for. Anyone who doesn't see that as a huge plus in the effort to stand out among other applicants baffles me. Not being a double major isn't going to hurt anyone, but being one is definitely a bonus.

b-b-b-bingo!

im glad someone else agrees with me!

 

[paranoid_eyes]

you should double major if you're honestly interested in both majors. I don't think it will make a mountain of difference in the application process, but it could be very useful in the interview process. I guess what I'm trying to say is, double major if you think you can keep ur gpa high enough to get to the interview stage, and if you're really interested.

 

[MossPoh]

If it is a situation like me and you aren't sure what you are doing yet is a good reason to double major too. I am a double with Information Science Technology and German Lit. (and I get some science one when I do my premed courses and a few extra too for whatever reason) I did one for money sake and the other for interests...but there was a time where I was extremely interested in a field like computational linguistics, or being a project manager for an international firm. So I merged the language stuff with the ist. Now that I realize I don't want anything to do with the traditional business world I am going premed but decided to suck it up and get the double major since I am already almost there.

 

[defrunner]

If it is a situation like me and you aren't sure what you are doing yet is a good reason to double major too. I am a double with Information Science Technology and German Lit. (and I get some science one when I do my premed courses and a few extra too for whatever reason) I did one for money sake and the other for interests...but there was a time where I was extremely interested in a field like computational linguistics, or being a project manager for an international firm. So I merged the language stuff with the ist. Now that I realize I don't want anything to do with the traditional business world I am going premed but decided to suck it up and get the double major since I am already almost there.

Exactly -- I double-majored in business and biology, not because it looked good for med school but because I didn't know what the hell I wanted to do with my life. Once I finally realized in senior year that business wasn't for me and that I wanted to pursue medicine, then I decided to just go ahead and finish the double. Granted, 170 credits in 4 years did not help my GPA but I wanted to graduate on time so I overloaded each semester.

Good post Moss.

 

[Law2Doc]

Nobody here is saying that the double major makes us more qualified to go to med school; we understand the adcomms would not and should not see it that way.

The OP precisely inquired as to whether it would help him/her with adcoms, and so clearly didn't understand this... That is why everyone else in the thread is saying it doesn't matter. Do what you enjoy.

 

[biggoron42]

The OP precisely inquired as to whether it would help him/her with adcoms, and so clearly didn't understand this... That is why everyone else in the thread is saying it doesn't matter. Do what you enjoy.

if you read the rest of the post, buckeye said to look at a double major as an extracurricular: something you pursue for your own interest, but are also able to mark down as something concrete on your resume.

we can talk about the abstract issues all you like, but my double major has come up in both of my interviews so far; it probably didn't "help" me per se, but it gave me interesting stuff to talk about during the interview, and the more cool stuff you have on your resume that you can talk about passionately, the better.

at least that's what i think.

 

[jojocola]

'resume building'

Crap! hahahahah

I think one of my professors told me if I want to double major to pick two completely opposite fields.

 

[EdCadore]

thanks for eveyrones post it helped me